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Scorpions placed in a new division

June 6, 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 return to the ice with a new conference and division. With the CHL's growth and expansion, the Scorpions will be placed in the Southern Conference's Southwest Division.

New Mexico's divisional opponents will now include the expansion Arizona Sundogs, Amarillo Gorillas, Lubbock Cotton Kings and Odessa Jacklaopes. The CHL will release their schedule in the coming weeks and the Scorpions anxiously await the date they will drop the puck in the new Rio Rancho Events Center for the first time.

"The new division for the team is an old division for me personally," said New Mexico Head Coach Ray Edwards. "I look forward to rekindle some of the old rivalries I had as a coach in the past. I think battling with Amarillo will be a great match up for the fans this season."

Last time the Scorpions took the ice only eight teams made the league playoffs. This season 12 teams, six in each conference, will qualify for the CHL playoffs. Each of the four division winners will automatically be seeded first or second in their respective conference, with the next four teams with the highest point totals in each conference also qualifying, regardless of division.

"Anytime you add more teams to the playoffs is great because it keeps more cities excited about hockey later into the season," said Edwards.

There is one interesting twist in this season's playoff format. The highest seeded loser in the opening round will advance to the second round. Prior to the second round, the teams will be reseeded with the "first round loser" automatically given the fourth seed. All playoff rounds will consist of the best-of-seven game formats.

"With the new format there will be a greater emphasis on gaining a top seed in the regular season," said Edwards. "This format is definitely thinking outside the box and hockey needs to continue to think that way to grow as a sport."

Finally the CHL approved two moves that the coaches in the loop are ecstatic about. The veteran rule has changed to 280 professional games played, up from the old mark of 260. In addition the player compensation rate is now $10,0000 per team per week, a $1,500 increase from the previous season.

"The player compensation issue I feel was simple. To compete with the other AA leagues we had to be on par with their compensation structures," continues Edwards. "With the new veteran rule, this gives the CHL a bigger player pool to select from. The ECHL is at 260 currently and we now will be able to get some highly skilled veterans that will not be considered veterans in our league."

Season ticket and corporate partnership information is now available for the New Mexico Scorpions inaugural season in the Rio Rancho Events Center. Make sure to reserve your seats now to be a part of all the exciting action at the Rio Rancho Events Center. Reserve your season tickets for as low as $31 a month by calling the Scorpions office at (505) 881-PUCK [7825] or by visiting our website at www.scorpionshockey.com.

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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.

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