Mudbugs sign Zirnis and Ortmeyer

August 22, 2007 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs News Release


BOSSIER CITY, LA -- The Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs of the Central Hockey League today announced that forward Karlis Zirnis will return for a second season in teal and purple. Zirnis played all 64 games during the 2006-2007 campain scoring 52 points. The Mudbugs also signed veteran defenseman Jake Ortmeyer, who completed the 2006-2007 season with 35 points and 101 PIMS in the ECHL.

"Karlis gave us a great year in 2006-2007 when he wasn't physically prepared for the season," said Mudbugs Head Coach Scott Muscutt. "Zirny does not take summers off and we're excited to see what he'll do now that he's fully prepared."

The Latvian born Zirnis joined the Mudbugs just prior to the start of 2006-2007 season. His return to hockey after a full season off brought major contributions to the Mudbugs. He finished the year third in overall scoring on the team with 22 goals and 30 assists. Zirnis became a top performer while playing with the CHL's Colorado Eagles in 2003-2004 and 2004-2005, scoring the Ray Miron President's Cup game winning goal versus the Laredo Bucks to conclude the 2004-2005 season.

"My goal is to win a championship," said Zirnis. "The Mudbugs are a team that is always in the mix when the post season rolls around and I want to be part of it."

The Mudbugs also announced the signing of veteran defenseman Jake Ortmeyer. Ortmeyer spent the last four seasons in the ECHL and began last season as a teammate of Mudbugs forward Brett Smith. The Omaha, Nebraska, native is coming off the most offensively productive year of his career, scoring nine goals and 26 assists in combined duty for Phoenix and Trenton of the ECHL. He also made his Amercian Hockey League debut with the San Antonio Rampage. Prior to beginning his professional career he played four years at Miami University, and has been to the post season with four different teams during his pro career.

Ortmeyer competed alongside Smith at the beginning of the 2006-2007 season as teammates for the Phoenix Roadrunners, and are now reunited as members of the 2007-2008 Mudbugs.

"I spent a year down in Lafayette and can't wait to get back to the great state and great people of Louisiana. More importantly, I can't wait to put together a winning season for the Mudbugs," said Ortmeyer.

"Knowing that Ortmeyer is a veteran coming to this club speaks volumes about the confidence we have in his ability," said Director of Hockey Operations Scott Muscutt. "He packs plenty of offensive punch as a D-Man and it's a veteran spot well spent."

Zirnis and Ortmeyer join a list of signees that include the 2006-2007 CHL Most Outstanding Goaltender of the Year, John DeCaro. Also officially announced as under contract for the coming season are forwards Smith, Joe Ori and Darryl Lloyd and defenseman Dale Lupul, a member of the 2005-2006 CHL All-Rookie Team and a finalist for CHL Rookie of the Year honors that season.



Central Hockey League Stories from August 22, 2007


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