Scorpions Bolster Defense With Three Signings

Published on September 18, 2008 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
New Mexico Scorpions News Release


[RIO RANCHO, N.M.]-Scorpions head coach Randy Murphy bolstered his defense by signing two goalies and a defenseman. Jason Wolfe and Peter Vetri will compete in goal while defenseman Andrew Smale returns to New Mexico.

Wolfe, 30, enters his eighth professional season after spending the previous year with the Oklahoma City Blazers posting a 14-17-3 record including one shutout. Overall he has played in 244 games posting 3.13 goals against average, .908 save percentage and a 110-110-20 record.

"Jason brings in solid leadership from his experience over the years," said Murphy. "He put up solid numbers in Oklahoma City last year and takes up a lot of space in the net."

Standing at 6'5", Wolfe is the tallest player on the Scorpions roster. The College Park, Maryland native graduated from Merrimack College in 2001 and has spent most of his professional career in the ECHL but has also made stops in Europe and the UHL.

Smale is the eighth player to return from last year's roster. The third year player is anxious to return to the ice after having last year cut short by injury.

"When healthy Andrew is a very effective player who can play both forward and defense," said Murphy. "We have no concern about his previous injures and are 100% confident in his rehabilitation in the off-season."

Over the past two seasons, Smale, 26, has played in 93 games scoring 38 points (10G, 28A) while amassing 100 penalty minutes. The Bowmanville, Ontario resident has been a vital part of the Scorpions, playing many different roles due to his great versatility.

Vetri has been invited to the Scorps training camp starting October 6th. The rookie goaltender will also be in camp with the Springfield Falcons of the American Hockey League. After leaving Quinnipiac University last season, the goalie appeared in six games with the Wheeling Nailers and Twin City Cyclones.

"We look forward to seeing what Peter can do at the pro level and will see him at our camp if he does not make the Springfield roster," said Murphy.

The Scorpions drop the puck on October 17th against the Amarillo Gorillas. The first 1,500 fans inside the Santa Ana Star Center receive a rally towel courtesy of Santa Ana Star Casino. Got Tickets?

"Come for the fun...Stay for the hockey" up to 32 times this season. The Scorpions have their most fan friendly schedule ever with 25 of 32 home games on the weekend. Put a smile on your face by coming to see your professional hockey team. Season tickets start as low as $7 per game.

Corporate partnerships and group ticket prices are now more affordable than ever after the Scorpions reduced prices across the board. Call the Scorpions' office at (505) 881-PUCK (7825) or visit www.scorpionshockey.com to find out more information about your professional hockey team. The Scorpions have been named the 2008 Rio Rancho Rotary Business of the Year.

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Central Hockey League Stories from September 18, 2008


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