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CHL Mississippi RiverKings

Stoddard Returns for RiverKings

July 6, 2010 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Mississippi RiverKings News Release


SOUTHAVEN, MS --- The Mississippi RiverKings today (July 6th, 2010) announced that forward Darrell Stoddard has re-signed to play for the team during the 2010-2011 Central Hockey League season. Stoddard becomes the third announced signing to the RiverKings roster of the 2010 off-season period and second returing play from last year's squad.

The 5-11, 195 pound native of Red Deer, Alberta, Canada has played his entire professional career with the RiverKings' organization and will be starting his sixth season with the team this year.

Stoddard provides both an offensive threat and a physical presence on the ice for the RiverKings.

Last season, Darrell finished with his second highest assist total (22) and his second highest point total (34) since joining the pro ranks with the Memphis RiverKings in the 2005-06 campaign. He scored 12 goals during the regular season and added one more in the playoffs.

At the same time, the aggressive forward last year posted his second highest total for penalty minutes (180) since becoming a professional. The 180 PIMS was the most on the end-of-season roster for the RiverKings. He finished last season tied for third in the CHL for major penalties with 22, one short of teammate David Simoes and three behind league leader and former teammate Adam Smyth, who finished the season with the Arizona Sundogs.

Stoddard's two best nights offensively last year included a three-goal hat-trick on February 5th against the Allen Americans in 5-4 loss and a four-point night (2 goals, 2 assists) against Wichita on February 26th in a 7-1 victory.

RiverKings Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Kevin "Killer" Kaminski expects Stoddard to continue producing on the ice this coming season. "Stodds had a great year last year," Kaminski said. "He came into camp in great shape and at mid-season was playing with a lot of confidence, as he should, because he has very good skill along with his grit and toughness."

Kaminski added, "He is in great shape already, so look for him to thrive off last year and be a great leader on and off the ice. Darrell has his priorities in check and knows what it takes to be a true professional."

Among Stoddard's professional highlights are a four-goal third period he fashioned in the final frame of a 9-2 victory over the Wichita Thunder in February, 2009. It was the first time that feat had been accomplished at the CHL level in five years and netted him the league "Performance of the Week" award.

Stoddard posted professional career highs in his 2005-06 rookie campaign with the RiverKings, netting 18 goals and 41 points along with 184 penalty minutes.

Darrell is looking forward to returning to the RiverKings for another season. "I'm hoping to help improve our number of wins and my numbers as an individual. Killer is a great coach and if you work hard and buy into the systems, he will reward you. He gave me an opportunity to play with a couple of good players last year in Lou (Dumont) and Heldy (Ryan Held) and I chipped in on the offensive side of the game and not just the physical aspect of it."

Stoddard came to the RiverKings after a successful amateur career in Alberta. After briefly playing in the Western Hockey League with Spokane, he totalled totalled just under a point a game in 62 appearances with the Camrose Kodiaks of the Alberta Junior Hockey League in 2002-03. He led the Kodiaks in goals scored (30) and was second on the roster in points (61).

Darrell has also won honors as the MVP and top scorer of the Royal Bank Cup with Camrose, emblematic of Canadian Junior "A" hockey supremacy. He also played one season at South Alberta Institute of Technology, netting 16 goals and 32 points in 27 appearances for the Trojans.

Reserve your seat now for another year of RiverKings action, the 19th season for professional hockey in the Mid-South. For season tickets, call the RiverKings at 662-342-1755 or go online to www.riverkings.com today!

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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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