Laredo Goaltender David Guerrera Named CHL Rookie of the Year
March 10, 2004 - Central Hockey League (CHL) News Release
Laredo Bucks netminder David Guerrera has today been named the Central Hockey League's 2003-2004 Rookie of the Year following the completion of balloting among CHL head coaches, public relations directors and selected media members. Guerrera was selected by 42 percent of voters to become the fifth goaltender in combined CHL / Western Professional Hockey League history to earn Rookie of the Year honors.
Recruited out of Wayne State University by Laredo Head Coach Terry Ruskowski, 25-year old Guerrera has put together an outstanding season for the Governors' Cup (regular season) champion Bucks. In 37 games played, he has posted a record of 26-4-4, with an exceptional save percentage of .931 and a goals against average of just 2.11. Also a finalist for the Scott Brower Memorial Trophy (Most Outstanding Goaltender), the St. Leonard, Quebec native also recorded four shutouts this season. Even more impressive are his statistics at home this season, where Laredo is a CHL-best 27-2-1. In 14 games at the Laredo Entertainment Center, Guerrera sports an unblemished record of 14-0-0, with three shutouts, a miniscule goals against average of 1.64 and a .933 save percentage.
Ruskowski commended Guerrera for his accomplishments all season. "David truly deserved this award," said Ruskowski. "He has been tremendous and our goaltending as been a key element in our success this year." Laredo team captain Jeff Bes, himself a finalist for CHL Most Valuable Player honors, echoed Ruskowksi's thoughts. "David has worked very hard this year and it is nice to see him rewarded," said Bes. "He is deserving of the award and has proved himself as a professional."
Lubbock right winger Anders Strome and Colorado left winger Karlis Zirnis finished second and third respectively in Rookie of the Year balloting. Lubbock's Strome, from Winnipeg, Manitoba, leads all CHL rookies with 24 goals on the season. Colorado's Zirnis leads all first-year players with 37 assists and 58 points, and is a native of Riga, Latvia.
Later today the Central Hockey League will announce the recipient of the Most Outstanding Defenseman award. The six finalists for the honor include Laredo's J.F. David, Amarillo's Mark DeSantis, Indianapolis' Bernie John, Memphis' Derek Landmesser, Oklahoma City's Hardy Sauter and Rio Grande Valley's Jason Tessier. Thursday, the Scott Brower Memorial Trophy (Most Outstanding Goaltender) and Rick Kozuback award recipients will be announced, while the CHL's Most Valuable Player will be named Friday.
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