'Kings add major sting to blueline
Published on August 21, 2002 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Lubbock Cotton Kings News Release
LUBBOCK, TX: August 21, 2002 â The Lubbock Cotton Kings of the Central Hockey League are extremely excited to announce the signing of rookie defenseman Julius Halfkenny for the 2002/2003 season.
"Julius has the potential to be a star at this level," said Cotton Kings head coach/director of hockey operations, Bill McDonald. "Its key anytime you can land a prospect who has played three season of major juniors, because they are performing at a level where scouts are always watching and Julius was in that spotlight."
Halfkenny, a 21 year-old native of Scarborough, Ontario, signs with Lubbock after competing last season with the Sarnia Sting of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL, major juniors) and the Petrolia Jets of the Western Junior "B" Hockey League. He began the season with Sarnia, grabbing 6 assists in 8 games, but had his rights dealt to the Sudbury Wolves for the 10th round pick in the 2002 OHL Priority Selection. Halfkenny decided to stay near the Sarnia area and headed to the historic oil town of Petrolia, where he collected 7 goals and 23 assists for 30 points in 35 games. In all, Halfkenny combined for 7 goals and 29 assists for 36 points in 43 games last season.
The 6'0", 210-pound blueliner was the 95th overall (5th round) selection by Sarnia in the 1998 OHL Draft and began his junior career in Sarnia during the 98/99 season. He was a teammate of former Cotton Kings forward Peter Cava in Sarnia and appeared in 29 games before being involved in a three-player trade with the Erie Otters. Halfkenny played with Erie the remainder of the 98/99 season and continued with the Otters the following season before returning to Sarnia for the 00/01 season. He endured his finest season with the 00/01 Sarnia squad, leading the Sting in scoring amongst defensemen with 12 goals and 22 assists for 34 points. The Sting recognized his efforts awarding Halfkenny the team's "Defenseman of the Year" award. In his junior career, Halfkenny recorded 20 goals and 56 assists for 76 points in 179 games.
If you would like to arrange an interview with Julius Halfkenny (currently in Canada) or with head coach Bill McDonald (currently in Thunder Bay, Ontario), please contact Chris Due at the Cotton Kings office. The signing of Julius Halfkenny marks the tenth Cotton King signing for the 02/03 season, joining him with Lincoln Beaudry, Mike Brusseau, Chet Camrud, Toby Harris, Dave MacIntyre, Jan Melichercik, Jay Niemiec, Ryan Olson and Neil Savary. Halfkenny will qualify as a rookie/developmental player under CHL guidelines, which states each team must have at least 3 players on their roster with 25 or less professional game experience.
The Cotton Kings are currently preparing for the 2002-2003 season, and their second season in the Central Hockey League. Season ticket information can be attained by calling (806) 747-PUCK, or visiting the Cotton Kings website at www.cottonkings.com. --PUCK--
Central Hockey League Stories from August 21, 2002
- 'Kings add major sting to blueline - Lubbock Cotton Kings
- Gorillas sign john dean - Amarillo Gorillas
- Oilers Sign Dallas Anderson - Tulsa Oilers
- Rookie Blueliners Join Blazers Roster - Oklahoma City Blazers
- Bucks Add Two More - Laredo Bucks
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