Newson signs for fourth season in Rio

Published on July 10, 2006 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees News Release


Hidalgo, Texas --- The Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees of the Central Hockey League (CHL) today announced that forward Bill Newson has signed to return to the team for the 2006-07 season. In his three seasons with the Bees, Newson has not missed a game. Including playoffs he has appeared in 197 consecutive contests.

"I'm excited to come back and continue to grow with this team", said Newson, who turns 29 later this month. "I think the organization has a winning attitude and hopefully that's what we do."

Newson, a native of Enfield, Connecticut, is the Killer Bees franchise-leader in games played (188), scoring (163), goals (77), assists (86), power play goals (23) and shorthanded goals (8). The 5-foot-8, 175-pound has played 389 regular-season pro games and will occupy the second of four veteran spots the Killer Bees have available (CHL teams are allowed four veteran players who have 280-or-more games of pro experience).

A graduate of Northeastern University in Boston, Newson turned pro with the New Orleans Brass of the ECHL at the close of the 1999-00 season after competing in four NCAA seasons. He played in 135 games during his college career and collected 124 points (36-47-124) for the Huskies.

"Bill is a proven player and quality person who has made the Rio Grande Valley his home," said Killer Bees Head Coach Tony Martino. "He'll produce offensively on the ice and at the same is an individual with tremendous character. He's great in the community and will bring a positive attitude to and away from the rink."

In his first full professional season (2000-01) with Amarillo, Newson posted 57 points (33-24-57) and was named to the Southern Conference All Star team at the Western Professional Hockey League All Star Game. He moved on to play closer to home with the United Hockey League's New Haven Knights in 2001-02, then headed to the ECHL's Jackson Bandits the following season.

In his first season with Rio Grande Valley in 2003-04, Newson led the Bees with 59 points (30-29-59) and was selected to the Southern Conference squad at the CHL All-Star Game in Albuquerque. He holds the single season record for goals (30), is co-holder of the consecutive games scoring record (7) and was one of two Bees to post a natural hat trick during the 2005-06 campaign. He posted 47 points (22-25-47) last season and finished tied for second in goal scoring. He finished tied for fifth in team scoring after leading the club the previous two seasons.

The Killer Bees are getting ready for the fourth season of CHL action in the Rio Grande Valley. Opening weekend has been set for October 20 and 21, 2006. The complete CHL schedule is expected to be released in late July. Season tickets and corporate sponsorships are available now by calling (956) 843-PUCK. Stay tuned all summer to killerbeehockey.com for the latest news and transactions as they become official!

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Central Hockey League Stories from July 10, 2006


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