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Nine-year NHL veteran VandenBussche added to Scorpions roster

December 19, 2006 - Central Hockey League (CHL) - New Mexico Scorpions News Release

[ RIO RANCHO, N.M.]- The New Mexico Scorpions, proud member of the Central Hockey League (CHL), continue to bolster up with the roster with the signing of NHL veteran Ryan VandenBussche. The long time veteran will also serve as a player/assistant coach during the remainder of 2006-07 season.

VandenBussche is a valuable addition to a one of the youngest squads in the CHL. The 6-foot, 205 pound forward comes to New Mexico after beginning the year in Finland with Jokerit Helsinki.

"Bringing in a player with Ryan's experience will be a great asset to our younger players," said Scorpions' President Dave Ellett. "Ryan will be counted on to assist Ray Edwards and Randy Murphy in the development of our younger core players."

The signing on VandenBussche gives the Scorpions a player with 310 NHL games under his belt. The forward scored 20 points (10G, 10A) and amassed 702 penalty minutes while playing with the New York Rangers, Chicago Blackhawks and Pittsburgh Penguins.

"I am excited to come to New Mexico and help the Scorpions," said VandenBussche. "I also look forward to learning about the coaching aspect involved with my role."

"Ryan will help our club in numerous ways on and off the ice," said Edwards. "He will provide a unique perspective with his NHL experience off the ice and will add an extra dimension on the ice."

The Scorpions have collected points in their last eight games and have risen to within three points of first place in the Southwest Division. In other roster changes, Konrad Reeder has been moved to the 45-day injured reserve.

OPEN PRACTICE

The Scorpions are inviting the public to an open practice this Wednesday, Dec. 20 at the Santa Ana Star Center. New Mexico will take the ice at 10 a.m. for approximately 90-minutes.

Following practice, fans are invited to eat lunch with the players on the north concourse. Lunch will be available at a highly discounted price for this special event.

The Scorpions return to home ice Friday night for the annual "Teddy Bear Toss." All fans are invited to bring teddy bears to the game to throw on the ice after the Scorpions score their first goal. The Lubbock Cotton Kings will be in town for the 7:35 p.m. face-off. Be sure to visit www.GetTix.net for the "All In Holiday Internet Special" for great deals on tickets.

Make sure to be a part of hockey history when the Stanley Cup comes to the Santa Ana Star Center Friday, Dec. 29. Get your tickets now for the Scorpions games against Arizona and spend time with the most revered trophy in North America .

Come see the young, tough and exciting New Mexico Scorpions at the Santa Ana Star Center . Flex plan tickets are still available for the remainder of the 2006-07 season. Fans can become a partial Scorpions season ticket holder by choosing as little as four games to attend the rest of the season. Half season ticket plans are also available to fit any budget by calling the Scorpions office at (505) 881-PUCK [7825] or by visiting www.scorpionshockey.com.

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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.

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