Scorpions sign Ambroziak, Katzberg for 2003-04

Published on May 15, 2003 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
New Mexico Scorpions News Release


ALBUQUERQUE – The New Mexico Scorpions of the Central Hockey League announced today that they have signed their first two players for the 2003-2004 season – left wings Peter Ambroziak and Andrew Katzberg.

Ambroziak, the franchise's all-time points (255) and assists (135) leader, will continue in his role as a player/assistant coach next season. The 31 year-old native of Kanata, Ontario will join Tyler Boucher as the only player to suit up in a Scorpions uniform for five seasons and the first to do so in five consecutive seasons. He needs 15 goals to pass Sylvain Naud as the team's all-time goal-scoring leader and 25 games to leap past Darcy Pengelly to play the most games in franchise history. Last season, Ambroziak was fifth on the Scorpions with 52 points (20g-32a) in 52 games and added two goals in four playoff outings.

"Peter Ambroziak is a big part of this franchise and we're happy to have him back," said Scorpions Head Coach/Assistant General Manager Bill McDonald. "His numbers speak for themselves. He's an asset in the locker room and he and his family have become entrenched in the community here.

"Albuquerque is my home now and my family and I are excited to be staying for another season," added Ambroziak. "I'm looking forward to building on the momentum we generated at the end of last season and hopefully we can continue to strive towards the President's Cup.

Katzberg, 21, joined the Scorpions during the 2003 playoffs but did not play in any games. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound native of Yorkton, Saskatchewan led the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League with 523 penalty minutes in 53 games with the Weyburn Red Wings, where he also posted five goals and 11 points. Katzberg was named "Most Popular Player" by his teammates last year as well as the club's "Unsung Hero" in averaging nearly eight penalty minutes per game over the last two seasons with the Red Wings.

"Andrew is a rookie who will be a nice complement for our team," stated McDonald. "Even though he was only here for a short while during the playoffs, I liked what I saw of him during practice. Most importantly, he's a good kid who is respected by his teammates and will stick up for them.

The Scorpions and the City of Albuquerque will be hosting the 2004 CHL All-Star Game at Tingley Coliseum in January. The date and time for the event will be announced later this summer. Season tickets for the 2003-2004 season start as low as $320, as prices have not changed for the upcoming season. For more information, call the Scorpions office at (505) 881-PUCK (7825).

For transactions wire only: New Mexico Scorpions (CHL) – Signed left wings Peter Ambroziak and Andrew Katzberg for the 2003-04 season.

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Central Hockey League Stories from May 15, 2003


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