Russell Snaps Road Losing Streak with Shutout
December 9, 2002 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
El Paso Buzzards News Release
The El Paso Buzzards head coach Craig Coxe said SaturdayÂ’s game against the New Mexico Scorpions was a must win for his club. As a result, the Buzzards played their best road game of the season with a 4-0 victory against the Scorpions, snapping a five-game losing streak on the road. BuzzardsÂ’ goaltender Blaine Russell led the way with 27 saves and recorded his first win and shutout as a Buzzard. Left winger Troy Linna scored a goal and an assist and defenseman Jason Tessier collected two empty net goals. BuzzardsÂ’ right winger Darrell Upton added to the scoring with two assists, and Scott Mahar recorded his first goal of the season. On Friday, the Buzzards lost a heartbreaker in Odessa, 5-3. Upton had two assists while BuzzardsÂ’ forwards Russ Guzior, Joe Gray and Linna scored goals.
BUZZARDS SANTA PACKS ON SALE!
BuzzardsÂ’ fans get in on the perfect stocking stuffer of the season! Buzzards Santa Packs are on sale. Fans get two tickets for each of eight Buzzards home games after Christmas for $99.99. ThatÂ’s a $240 value. To purchase the BuzzardsÂ’ Santa Pack, call the BuzzardsÂ’ ticket offices at 533-PUCK and get in the game with exciting El Paso Buzzards hockey!
LAST WEEKÂ’S BUZZ
Fri., Dec. 6 Buzzards 3 vs. Odessa 5 in Odessa
Sat., Dec. 7 Buzzards 4 vs. New Mexico 0 in Albuquerque
THIS WEEKÂ’S BUZZ
Thur., Dec. 12 Amarillo vs. Buzzards at the Nest, 7 p.m. Radio: 6:45 p.m. 1380 AM “El Paso’s Sports Ticket”
Notes: An old rival pays a visit to the Nest as the Amarillo Gorillas, formerly the Amarillo Rattlers, battle the Buzzards in a Texas tussle. The Buzzards are 1-1-0 against Amarillo this season. The Buzzards notched their first road win against the Gorillas Nov. 9 when Darrell Upton recorded a hat trick and an assist to lead El Paso to the victory. BuzzardsÂ’ center Joe Gray contributed with a goal and an assist, while BuzzardsÂ’ goaltender Matt Carmichael made 23 saves. AmarilloÂ’s leading scorers are forwards Henry Kuster (13 goals, 7 assists) and Dorian Anneck (2 goals, 12 assists). The Gorillas are 10-8-0 overall and 5-2-0 on the road.
Fri., Dec. 13 Buzzards vs. Odessa in Odessa, 6 p.m. Radio: 5:45 p.m. 1380 AM “El Paso’s Sports Ticket”
Notes: This will be the Buzzards fourth time in four weeks battling the Jackalopes in a critical Southwest division clash. The last time El Paso visited Odessa, the Buzzards lost 5-3. The defending governors cup champions are led in scoring by forwards Mike Rutter and John Bossio and defenseman Scott Hillman. The Buzzards have lost all five games played against the Jackalopes this season. Odessa is 8-3-1 at home this season.
Sat. Dec. 14 Austin vs. Buzzards at the Nest, 7 p.m. Radio: 6:45 p.m. 1380 AM “El Paso’s Sports Ticket”
Notes: Austin flies into El Paso for the first and only visit to the Nest this season. The Ice Bats sit in first place atop the Southeast Division with one of the best records in the Central Hockey League. Austin is led by one of the best goaltenders in the CHL, Matt Barnes. Coming into this weekÂ’s action, Barnes is 13-4-1 with a 1.50 goals against average and a .947 save percentage. AustinÂ’s leading scorers include centers Kelly Smart and Brett Seguin and right winger Dan Price.
BUZZARD OF THE WEEK
Goaltender Blaine Russell has been named Buzzard of the Week for the week of Dec. 2-9. Russell recorded a shutout against New Mexico Saturday, making 27 saves in the BuzzardsÂ’ 4-0 win. Russell, a sixth-round draft pick by the Anaheim Mighty Ducks in the 1997 NHL Entry Draft, played in his first two games of the season for the Buzzards. Russell is 1-1-0 with a 2.50 goals against average and a dazzling .932 save percentage.
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Central Hockey League Stories from December 9, 2002
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- Mudbugs Week in Review - Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
- Lalonde will be behind bench for Brahmas next game - Fort Worth Brahmas
- 'Kings Weekly Notes - Lubbock Cotton Kings
- Grenville Named Player of the Week - Laredo Bucks
- Silver Goaltender of the Week Yet Again - Indianapolis Ice
- Silver, Grenville Take CHL Honors - CHL
- Bucks Star Recalled to San Antonio - Laredo Bucks
- Thunder Finally Beat Blazers - Wichita Thunder
- Saints Add Size to Defense - San Angelo Saints
- Scorpions Split Pair of Games - New Mexico Scorpions
- Gorillas Sweep Southern Conference Leaders - Amarillo Gorillas
- Gorillas holding teddy bear toss this Saturday night - Amarillo Gorillas
- Blazers Finish Week 1-2-0 - Oklahoma City Blazers
- Ice Add an Ounce of Silver to the CHL Record Books - Indianapolis Ice
- Russell Snaps Road Losing Streak with Shutout - El Paso Buzzards
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