Scorpions open tenth season in Amarillo Saturday

October 20, 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), will finally end their hiatus in Amarillo against the Gorillas Saturday night. The puck drops at 6:00 PM Mountain Time.

It will be the first time in 18 months the Scorpions will play a regular season game. The long wait is officially over and Scorpions fans can cheer on their new group of players for the 2006-07 season.

Head Coach Ray Edwards has put together a talented squad that will look to capture the CHL's Ray Miron Championship Cup. The Scorpions have yet to capture the leagues' post-season crown as they embark on their tenth year taking the ice.

After an intense training camp Edwards has settled on his 18 players that will suit up opening night. Vladimir Hartinger heads the defensive group and is the lone returning Scorpion this season. Joining Hartinger on the blue line will be Aaron MacInnis, John Donnelly, rookie Peter Kennedy and veterans Rob Guinn and Matt Frick.

The Scorpions will have a young look to their frontline. Edwards will break camp with six rookie forwards in the lineup including Colby Gilbert, Lance Herauf, Mike Prpich, Jake Brenk, Ryan McLeod and Mike Falk.

Bobby Kukulka, Craig MacDonald and Chris Robertson will use their experience to help lead the Scorpions offensive core. Center Terry Marchant is the lone forward with veteran status.

Stopping the pucks heading towards the net will be a pair of European goalies. Walter Bartholomaeus, who hales from Vienna, Austria, is expected to be in net on opening night. Backing him up will be Johan Backo, a Swede, who comes to the Scorpions after playing the past three season with HC Morzine of the French Elite League.

With the immigration issues teams were forced to deal with over the past few weeks, the CHL has allowed teams to keep three players in "extended training camp" for one week. The Scorpions have assigned forward David Carpentier, defenseman Andrew Smale and goaltender Brad Smith to that squad.

Saturday night's game can be heard on KTBL 1050, with the pre-game show starting at 5:45 PM. For those outside the listening area catch the game online by visiting http://www.scorpionshockey.com/schedule/broadcast/ and clicking on the listen live link on the homepage.

To get your single game Scorpions tickets visit www.GetTix.net or call 866-4-GETTIX. Tickets can also be purchased at all GetTix outlets including the Santa Ana Star Center Offices located at 4100 Southern Blvd., Suite 23 in Rio Rancho, the Santa Ana Star Casino or Pack ‘n' Mail, 4801 Montano Road in Albuquerque.

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. The Scorpions will hold a Pre-Game Fiesta starting at 5:00 PM in front of the Santa Ana Star Center on Oct. 27. Kids will enjoy face painting and everyone will enjoy the music of Rodney Bowe and Sweetlife and other festivities.

All fans attending the home opener will receive Thunderstix courtesy of Santa Ana Star Casino. In addition, the first 1,000 fans through the gates will be given a free coupon for the commemorative puck compliments of Santa Ana Star Casino. The game begins at 7:35 PM. Fans are reminded to not be late, as there will be special pre-game ceremonies and introductions commemorating the night

The complete schedule can be viewed and printed by visiting www.scorpionshockey.com/schedule.

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.



Central Hockey League Stories from October 20, 2006


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