CHL Mississippi RiverKings

RiverKings sign first new face

Published on June 1, 2006 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Mississippi RiverKings News Release


SOUTHAVEN --- Memphis RiverKings Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Kevin McClelland announced today that the team has agreed to terms with second year defenseman Bobby Gates. Gates played last season with the Elmira Jackals of the United Hockey League.

"Gates is a shifty d-man with good defensive skills," McClelland said. "I look for him to help us improve our play in the defensive end."

Gates is 6-foot, 195 pounds and a native of Providence, RI. In the fall of 2005, he spent time in the Boston Bruins and Providence Bruins training camps. He played in two of Providence's exhibition games before being cut in the final days of camp. He then signed, but did not play, with Danbury of the UHL before finally hooking up with the Jackals this past January.

"I am really excited to be coming to the RiverKings organization," Gates said. "I have heard a lot of good things about Memphis and I think it will be a good fit for me."

With the Jackals, Gates had two goals and eight assists in 35 games.

Prior to last season's rookie experience in the UHL, the 22 year old Gates played two seasons in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League with the Lewiston MAINEiacs. His teammate both seasons in Lewiston was Sheldon Wenzel, who played 37 games for the RiverKings last season.

"Sheldon told me nothing but good things about Memphis," Gates said. "He said the fans are supportive and the arena is a great place to play."

During his junior career in the QMJHL, Gates scored six goals and assisted on 16 others in 128 games.

With the re-signing of defenseman Derek Landmesser last week and center Travis Banga this week, Gates is the third player to be inked for the 15th Anniversary RiverKings Season. Gates is planning on helping the RiverKings bolster their defense.

"I think that my skating is my strongest feature," he said. "It allows me to go one-on-one, cover a guy or take him out of the play. But, I can also jump into the play offensively when the lanes open up."

Other RiverKings Notes....

Several RiverKings staff members, including coach McClelland, are attending this weekend's Central Hockey League Spring conference in Phoenix, AZ. Operational issues, including 2006-2007 CHL alignment and playoff format, will be determined during the spring conference. The Arizona Sundogs and Rocky Mountain Rage will participate in the CHL Expansion draft on Saturday.

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The RiverKings celebrate their 15th Anniversary in 2006-2007.

Season tickets for the 2006-2007 season are available now. Take advantage of the 15th anniversary rates by June 15 and save up to $88. Call 662-342-1755 for more information.

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Central Hockey League Stories from June 1, 2006


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