Scorpions continue to build defensive end

August 17, 2006 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
New Mexico Scorpions News Release


[RIO RANCHO, N.M.]- The New Mexico Scorpions, proud member of the Central Hockey League (CHL), continue to build inside their defensive zone for the 2006-07 season. Head Coach Ray Edwards has signed goalie Johan (yo-hon) Backo and rookie defenseman Andrew Smale.

Backo is the second goalie to be signed this season for the Scorpions. The Swedish goalie has spent five seasons playing in Europe, the last two in the French Elite League. The 6'2" backstop covers a lot of net with his size and was an All-Star last season.

"We did a lot of homework on Johan," said Edwards. "He had great numbers in the French Elite league and comes to New Mexico with great potential."

Backo's career started in 2001 in Sweden where he played two years. He moved to France and played with Morzine 2003-04, and led his team to the French Division 1 title. The 25-year-old goalie was the first ever to go undefeated during the French Division 1 playoffs. Last season Backo went 13-11-3 with a career best 2.92 goals against average and .910 save percentage.

Smale becomes the third defenseman the Scorpions have signed. The 6'4', 225-pound, blue liner spent the last three years at the University of Toronto. He appeared in 76 games collecting 46 points (9G, 37A) and 62 penalty minutes.

"Andrew is a big, strong guy who moves well. He played forward in junior and moved to defense at the University of Toronto last season," said Edwards. With our defensive group, Andrew will learn quickly and have some great people to look towards for guidance. We look forward to watching Andrew improve over the course of the season."

The Scorpions have had an exciting youth movement this season, but Smale is the first rookie defenseman to join the club. Veteran defensemen Rob Guinn and Matt Frick were signed earlier this summer.

The Scorpions will christen the new state-of-the-art Santa Ana Star Center on Friday, October 27 when they face the Arizona Sundogs at 7:35 p.m. This season the Scorpions feature 22 weekend home games.

Season tickets and corporate partnership information is now available for the New Mexico Scorpions inaugural season in the Santa Ana Star Center. Make sure to reserve your seats now to be a part of all the exciting action. Reserve your season tickets for as low as $320. Monthly plans are also available to fit any budget by calling the Scorpions office at (505) 881-PUCK [7825] or by visiting www.scorpionshockey.com.

The Central Hockey League and official licensee Zephyr Headwear will be sending a lucky CHL fan and their guest to Bossier-Shreveport, Louisiana for the 2007 CHL All-Star Game. The grand prize winner will receive round trip airfare, accommodations, and meals for the annual mid-season classic, and will serve as an active participant in all related All-Star functions and events. To automatically be entered to win, simply complete a brief online demographic survey. Visit www.centralhockeyleague.com for more details and to enter.



Central Hockey League Stories from August 17, 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