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CHL Mississippi RiverKings

Rangers assign power forward to RiverKings

November 30, 2006 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Mississippi RiverKings News Release


Southaven --- Memphis RiverKings Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Kevin McClelland announced today that forward Rick Kozak has been reassigned by the New York Rangers (NHL) from Charlotte (ECHL) to the RiverKings (CHL). The team also announced that goalie Ben Conway has left the team to pursue other opportunities and that goalie Brad Buss has been signed to a standard contract.

Kozak, who is under contract with the Rangers, has been signed to a five game contract by the RiverKings and is expected to play this weekend when the RiverKings host the Youngstown Steelhounds this Friday and Sunday.

Kozak, 6-foot-2, 190 pounds, was a third round pick (95th overall) of the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. In 11 games this season with the Charlotte Checkers (ECHL), the Norway House, Manitoba native scored three goals and had two assists. He is in his second pro season after playing three games with the Hartford Wolfpack (AHL) and 28 games with the Checkers last season. With the Checkers he had seven goals and nine assists. Kozak made his pro debut for the Wolfpack on an Amateur Try Out Agreement at the end of the 2003-2004 season and played in two games. He returned to the WHL to play another season of junior hockey in 2004-2005 before turning pro for good last season.

The Rangers' scouting report on Kozak is that he "plays tough on a consistent basis and does not back down from a challenge" and that he "has good hands, a hard shot and is very strong on his skates."

By signing Kozak to a five game contract, the RiverKings do not have to waive or move a player that is currently on their roster at this time.

The RiverKings placed Conway on their suspended list after deciding to pursue other opportunities.

"Ben had a good job opportunity that he thought might not be around after the season," McClelland said. "We wish him the best in his future endeavors."

Conway was 1-1-0 in two appearances this season with the RiverKings.

Buss was originally signed to a five game contract by the RiverKings last week after Conway suffered a groin injury.

Buss played in seven games last season with the Lubbock Cotton Kings. Prior to that, the native of Clinton, Township, MI played college hockey at the University of California-Berkley in the ACHA. He has not yet appeared in a game for the RiverKings.

The RiverKings host the Youngstown Steelhounds in battle for first place in the Northeast Division this weekend. The RiverKings lead Youngstown by two points in the standings and have won eight of their last 10. Friday's game time is 7:05 with the first 1,500 fans receiving a 730 ESPN Knit Hat. Sunday's game is a 5:05 face-off. Both games will be followed by a post game skate with players joining the fans for Sunday's skate.

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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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