Scorpions past, present attend AHL camps

Published on September 26, 2002 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
New Mexico Scorpions News Release


ALBUQUERQUE – The New Mexico Scorpions of the Central Hockey League announced today that four members of the 2002-03 club are currently attending training camps with teams in the American Hockey League. Left wing Tyler Baines and rookie defenseman Dominic Plenzich are in Salt Lake City to attend camp with the Utah Grizzlies, center Mike O'Malley is in Springfield, Mass. to go to the camp of the Springfield Falcons and goalie Scott Myers was with the Manitoba Moose. The Grizzlies are the top affiliate of the National Hockey League's Dallas Stars, the Falcons are the top affiliate for both the Phoenix Coyotes and Tampa Bay Lightning and the Moose are aligned with the Vancouver Canucks.

Baines was the Scorpions Rookie of the Year last season, as he ranked second on the team with 25 goals and third with 45 points. O'Malley is entering his second professional season after recording 16 points (6g-10a) in 46 games and became known for his face-off and defensive prowess. Plenzich enters his first pro season after finishing his junior career last season with the Truro (Nova Scotia) Bearcats of the Maritime Junior "A" Hockey League. Myers posted a 23-19-4 record in his first season with the Scorpions and set a single-season team record with a 3.00 GAA.

In addition, three former Scorpions have signed AHL contracts for the coming season. Left wing Jay Banach has inked a deal with Utah, while right wing Jonathan St. Louis is under contract with the Lowell (Mass.) Lock Monsters, who are affiliated with the Carolina Hurricanes.

"The Central Hockey League has become a true developmental league," said Scorpions Head Coach/Vice President of Hockey Operations Pat Dunn. "We are more than happy to help mold that image. We want New Mexico to be a place that players will want to come to in an attempt to bolster their careers. Hopefully the experience in AHL training camps will be a positive experience for Tyler, Mike, Scott and Dominic. Likewise, we're proud that the other guys used their experience here last year to get themselves an opportunity at the next level."

Scorpions season tickets start as low as $105 and are available NOW by calling the team office at (505) 881-PUCK (7825). The Scorpions open their seventh season on Friday, Oct. 18 as they host the Odessa Jackalopes at Tingley Coliseum on the New Mexico State Fairgrounds. Opening Weekend concludes on Saturday, Oct. 19 against Lubbock. Faceoff both nights is 7:05 p.m. Festivities include fireworks, a laser light show and Casino Night, so don't miss the excitement! The Scorpions open training camp on Monday, Oct. 7 at Blades in Rio Rancho.

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Central Hockey League Stories from September 26, 2002


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