Kings Sign Four
Published on September 13, 2004 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Lubbock Cotton Kings News Release
LUBBOCK, TX â Lubbock Cotton Kings Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Chris Dashney announced today the signing of four developmental players â Nolan Graham, Darren Shakotko, Justin Keller and Emery Olauson â for the 2004-05 season.
Graham, 5-9, 165-pounds, is a shifty forward from Nanaimo, British Columbia. He played the 2003-04 season with the Alaska Aces and the Long Beach Ice Dogs of the ECHL. In 50 games, he scored 12 times and posted 29 points.
Prior to playing in the ECHL, Graham played center and wing for Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) from 1999-2003. In 140 games, the 24-year old forward scored 27 times and added 50 assists.
Shakotko (shah-KOT-koh), 6-2, 210-pounds, played four years as a defenseman in the WHL with the Moose Jaw Warriors and Lethbridge Hurricanes. In his first year, the Banff, Alberta, native saw time in both venues posting eight points in 62 games in 1995-96. He spent the next two full seasons in Lethbridge scoring seven goals and adding seven helpers in 1996-97 and almost tripling production in 1997-98 with 16 goals, 25 assists and 41 points as a defenseman. The Hurricanes were the WHL champions and representatives in the Memorial Cup Championship in 1996-97 and Shakotko was voted the most underrated player the next season.
The left-shooting defenseman opted to go to school at the University of New Brunswick (CIAU/CIS). In 101 games, he scored 13 goals and added 34 helpers for 47 points. He was on the CIAU Tournament All-Star Team and his team won the silver medal in 1999-00. The next season he won the Punch Walker Award â an scholarship based on merit and determination â and in 2002-03 his team advanced to the CIS nationals and finished fourth.
Shakotko began his pro career in the ECHL with the Bakersfield Condors and Augusta Lynx during the 2003-04 season. In 60 games, the 26-year old scored six goals and had 13 points.
Keller, 6-0, 195-pounds, played last season with Jason Beatty in Saskatchewan with Yorkton (SJHL). In 60 games with the Terriers, he posted 42 goals and 98 points. In 20 games the year before with Yorkton, the Sturgis, Saskatchewan, native posted 17 goals and 26 points.
Keller started his junior career in the Western Hockey League with the Spokane Chiefs playing part of the 2000-01 and 2001-02 seasons with the Chiefs. In 52 games, he lit the lamp 11 times and also had nine assists. The 21-year old finished his WHL career splitting time with the Saskatoon Blades and the Regina Pats and scored 10 goals and had 19 points in 54 games. Keller finished the 2002-03 season in Yorkton and played the entire 2003-04 season with the Terriers.
Olauson (oh-LUH-son), 6-2, 195-pounds, finished the 2003-04 season with St. Thomas University (CIS). In 54 games from 2002-04, the Canmore, Alberta, native scored 12 times and had 35 points.
Olauson played the 2001-02 season with the Topeka Scarecrows in the USHL posting seven points in 27 games. The 23-year old winger was an all-star in the SJHL in 2000-01 and 2001-02 scoring 56 goals and adding 55 assists for 111 points 96 games.
SIGNED PLAYERS
The most recent signing for the Cotton Kings Justin Keller, Emery Olauson, Nolan Graham and Darren Shakotko will join Jan Melichercik, Troy Duncan, Jeff Barlow, Matt Turek, Nick Cote, Mike Turner, Jeremy Kyte, Jason Maxwell, Chris Hartly, Tim Plett, Jason Beatty, Shawn Conschafter, Paul Fioroni, Lance Leslie and Kevin Mackie under contract for the 2004-05 season. Training camp will begin on October 11.
KINGS ON THE RADIO
For the last four seasons the Cotton Kings have broadcast their games primarily on Clear Channel Communications Sports Radio 1340 KKAM â the flagship station of Texas Tech Football. The Kings also broadcast select games on News Talk 790 KFYO and Kool-98 KKCL. With a three-year contract extension, all Cotton Kings home and road contests will be broadcast on Clear Channel through the 2006-07 season.
BECOME A BOOSTER CLUB MEMBER (courtesy â Cotton Club)
Our next scheduled meeting is set for Tuesday, September 14, 2004 7:00 PM @ River Smith's located at 406 Ave Q. Due to schedule conflicts with River Smith's on Monday night the meeting was changed to Tuesday evening for this meeting only. The normal meetings are the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month.
The Booster Club now has a new group of Officers for the season. We would like to invite you to attend the new/different process of the booster club meetings, bring your ideas & suggestions. Attendance will make you eligible for meeting give aways.
We also hope to have progress reports from General Manager Fred Meseke and/or Coach Chris Dashney. Come join the fun.
Andy Mears â President
Sherhonda Ginn - Vice-President
Julie Farley - Treasurer
Lynn Stevens - Secretary
BECOME A COTTON KINGS CORPORATE SPONSOR
Support The Cotton Kings and Lubbock by becoming a Corporate Sponsor. For more information contact Todd Chisnell at (806) 747-7825.
BECOME A COTTON KINGS SEASON TICKET HOLDER
The Lubbock Cotton Kings are currently making plans for the 2004-05 Central Hockey League season. Season tickets, 10-game and 17-game flex packs are currently available. Please contact the Kings office for more information.
KINGS IN THE COMMUNITY
To schedule a Kings player appearance, contact Jeannie Diaz at (806) 747-7825 x211 or email her at jeannied@cottonkings.com
OUR WEBSITE
Visit us at www.cottonkings.com
Central Hockey League Stories from September 13, 2004
- Kings Sign Four - Lubbock Cotton Kings
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- Gorillas to offer VIP boxes for the first time - Amarillo Gorillas
- Tarantulas hosting national anthem and announcer tryouts - Topeka Tarantulas
- Bucks & Law Out & About - Laredo Bucks
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