SPHL Mississippi RiverKings

Parsons Selected CHL MVP, Captures Award For The Second Straight Year

March 14, 2003 - SPHL (SPHL)
Mississippi RiverKings News Release


SOUTHAVEN, Miss – The Central Hockey League announced today that Memphis RiverKings forward Don Parsons has been selected as the Most Valuable Player for the 2002-2003 regular season. Parsons currently leads the league with 55 goals and 101 points and has the ‘Kings poised for a second straight run at the President's Cup title. The RiverKings host the New Mexico Scorpions tonight at the DeSoto Civic Center, located just 15 minutes south of downtown Memphis. For tickets call (662) 342-1755 on go online to www.riverkings.com and use the Ticketmaster link.

"It is an impressive accomplishment," RiverKings head coach Doug Shedden said. "It is very well deserved. We would not be in the playoff hunt without him. We have been together the last seven seasons and he just seems to get better with age."

Parsons, age 34, shows no signs of slowing down. This marks his second straight CHL Regular Season MVP award. Last year he captured both the regular season and playoff MVP awards as he led the ‘Kings to the first President's Cup title in franchise history. Parsons was selected on 23 of 47 ballots completed by CHL coaches, public relations representatives and selected media members.

"It is quite an honor," Parsons said. "To be selected as the CHL MVP again is very special. I am excited to share this award with my teammates and my coaches because it is a reflection of their work as well. Right now I am focused on trying to help the ‘Kings win another title, but after the season it will be fun to look back on this."

Parsons will also be honored this weekend for his work both on and off the ice. Saturday night he will receive the Just Hockey Minor League Player of the Year award presented by Inthecrease.com. The award takes into account the player's on-ice performance coupled with his involvement in the community.

The RiverKings currently hold the third spot in the Northern Conference with 76 points. By totaling five of the last six possible points Memphis controls its own destiny and guarantees a playoff spot.

UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS

· Tonight when the ‘Kings host the New Mexico Scorpions all upper bowl tickets are just $5. Also water bottles courtesy of the DeSoto Athletic Club will be given to the first 1,500 fans, plus skate on the DCC ice after the game.

· Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Mid-South, Inc. will sell commemorative pucks this Saturday. Average cost of granting a wish is $5,000. The organization made $2,000 this weekend, thanks to RiverKings fans who by their purchase will help grant the wish of a child with a life-threatening illness to enrich the human experience with hope, strength, and joy.

· Saturday join the ‘Kings for a President's Cup Finals rematch as they host the Austin Ice Bats. The RiverKings will wear special commemorative jerseys from Bumpus Harley Davidson of Memphis. The jerseys will be auctioned off after the game with the profits benefiting Cystic Fibrosis and the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi. Also Don Parsons will be honored by Just Hockey Magazine as the Minor League Player of the Year during the first intermission.

· Sunday is the final game of the regular season as the ‘Kings host the Indianapolis Ice on Fan Appreciation night. Join the ‘Kings after the game for a post-game skate with the whole team, plus great giveaways. The American Diabetes Association will be the RiverKings' featured non-profit of the night.

ON THE AIR

Catch the RiverKings on the air when they take on the New Mexico Scorpions tonight on RiverKings Radio Easy 680 AM – WJCE. The pre-game show starts at 6:45 p.m., face-off at 7:05 p.m. For the latest stats, scores and more go online to www.RiverKings.com.



SPHL Stories from March 14, 2003


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