Margettie and Cressman sign today
Published on May 23, 2006 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Odessa Jackalopes News Release
In their most successful seasons, including their run to the 2006 Southern Conference Finals, the Odessa Jackalopes hockey club has been built on "character." In announcing his first two signings for the 2006-2007 Central Hockey League season, Head Coach & Director of Hockey Operations Don McKee has returned to that formula.
The Jackalopes today have announced the return of forwards Matt Cressman and Donnie Margettie.
"For our hockey club to successfully compete in the CHL, we need outstanding leadership and players who will give a total commitment to our hockey club and to our franchise," McKee said. "Matt Cressman and Donnie Margettie have always given us that commitment. There could be no better place to begin as we look to a new season than to sign 'Cressy' and 'Margo.' The leadership these two players bring is the foundation on which we'll build our hockey club."
Margettie was named Jackalopes Captain for the 2005-2006 season. When he suffered a season-ending shoulder injury (January 29 at Lubbock), Cressman was named acting captain. Wearing the "C" came in addition to "Cressy" serving as the team's player-assistant for the season.
A member of the original Jackalopes team in 1997-98, Margettie has always been one of the franchise's most visible and popular players. His absence from the line up over the last month-and-a-half of the regular season (as well as the playoffs) was a devastating blow to the team.
"I think the most remarkable testament to Donnie is that, even in reaching the conference finals, we were never able to fully replace his presence on the ice or in the (locker) room," McKee said. "That tells you how valuable he is to the Jackalopes."
Margettie underwent successful surgery on the injured shoulder, and expects to be at 100-percent for the new season, which will be his seventh in a Jackalopes sweater.
Cressman is coming off a career-best season, scoring 54 points, including 28 goals (also a personal career best). In each of the past two seasons, he has been named the CHL's second-best defensive forward.
"Night in and night out, we ask 'Cressy' to match up against the best offensive players in the CHL," McKee said. "To not only take on that role, but to excel in it takes incredible talent and a higher level of commitment than most players are willing to give. His understanding of the game is exceptional. Over the seasons, I think our fans have come to understand how truly valuable Matt Cressman is to this hockey club."
Combined, Margettie and Cressman have played in 639 games for the Jacks. Margettie's 341 games are second only in franchise history to Scott Hillman, while Cressman will become only the fifth player in franchise history to skate in 300 games for the Jacks, entering the season with 298 career games played.
The pair ranks among the franchise's career top 10 (in most cases the top five) in virtually every offensive category, with Margettie also the club's all-time penalty minutes leader with 996 PIM.
The Jackalopes are entering their 10th season of professional hockey, beginning in 1997-98 with the former Western Professional Hockey League. The 2006-2007 Central Hockey League will be comprised of 17 teams, including two expansion clubs ... the Arizona Sundogs (Prescott Valley, Arizona) and the Rocky Mountain Rage (Broomfield, Colorado). The New Mexico Scorpions also return to the league after a one-year hiatus, with a new home in Rio Rancho, New Mexico.
Central Hockey League Stories from May 23, 2006
- Scorpions vintage jersey auction extended - New Mexico Scorpions
- Margettie and Cressman sign today - Odessa Jackalopes
- Letter from Stuart Fraser, Brahmas majority owner - Fort Worth Brahmas
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
