Scorpions Annouce First Player Signings

Published on May 10, 2006 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
New Mexico Scorpions News Release


[RIO RANCHO, NM] - New Mexico Scorpions' Head Coach Ray Edwards announced today the signing of the team's first trio of players as the process of building the Scorpions begins to take shape for the coming 2006-2007 Central Hockey League season. The signings are the first for the new campaign as the Scorpions will return to the CHL following a one-year hiatus and will take the ice at the state-of-the-art Rio Rancho Events Center, which is currently under construction.

First to sign on the dotted line is veteran defenseman Matt Frick. Frick is no stranger to Edwards, having played for the New Mexico headman with the CHL's now defunct San Angelo Saints just two seasons ago. The West Bloomfield, MI native will be counted on off the ice for his veteran leadership as much as he will on the ice for his heady style of play.

Frick, a former Assistant Captain in San Angelo who attended Lake Superior State University (CCHA), is a former CHL All-Star, having been named to play in the 2004 League event. Last season, the 6-0, 190-pounder played for CHL Corpus Christi, appearing in 61 games while registering 16 (6-10) points and 30 penalty minutes.

"I know Matt will be one of the leaders for me on and off the ice this season," said Edwards. "He is one of the top defenseman in the league and will certainly anchor the Scorpions' blue line."

The Scorpions will also look for youth to help pace them this season, and with that in mind, have added forward Colby Gilbert and goalie Brad Smith to the roster.

Smith, a New Mexico native, comes to the Scorpions from the University of Connecticut where he put up a sparkling 2.86 goals against average and .906 save percentage this past season. In two seasons at UConn, Smith was 10-19-3.

Gilbert spent the last two seasons playing Junior Hockey with Antigonish of the Maritime Junior "A" Hockey League and Lewiston of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. The 21-year-old averaged more than a point a game this past season with the Antigonish Bulldogs, scoring 79 (35-44) points to lead his team, while picking up 154 penalty minutes.

"Both these young guys will have a chance to be an integral part of the Scorpions," said Edwards. "Gilbert and Smith are both rookies who come highly recommended and should become fine young players."

Season tickets and corporate partnership information is now available for the New Mexico Scorpions inaugural season at The Rio Rancho Events Center. Reserve your seats now and be a part of all the exciting action at the Rio Rancho Events Center by calling the Scorpions at (505) 881-7825 or by visiting www.scorpionshockey.com.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Central Hockey League Stories from May 10, 2006


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.

OurSports Central