Sundogs Return Two in Lehtinen and Hanson
September 24, 2009 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Arizona Sundogs News Release
PRESCOTT VALLEY, Ariz. - The Arizona Sundogs of the Central Hockey League announced today the return of forward/defenseman Rob Lehtinen and d-man Matt Hanson to the roster for the upcoming 2009-10 season.
Lehtinen returns to the Sundogs for his third season with the team in 2009-10. The 26-year-old bettered his 2007-08 offensive production by nine points last season setting career highs in goals (12), assists (19) and points (31). The 5-foot-11, 175-pound two-position player went on to tally eight goals in his first ten games after making the switch from defenseman to forward last year.
In 2007-08, his first with Arizona, Lehtinen recorded 22 points (7g/15a) and 36 penalty minutes (PIM) while again splitting time on both sides of the puck. The Marquette, Michigan, native added three goals and eight PIM in 17 playoff appearances en route to the 2008 Ray Miron President's Cup title.
Hanson, 26, was acquired by the Sundogs midway through last year in a trade with the Texas Brahmas. The native of Midway, British Columbia registered three goals, seven assists and 22 PIM in 23 contests with Arizona to close out the second half of the season.
Hanson has seen time with five clubs over parts of four seasons in the CHL since the 2005-06 season. His most productive season was during his rookie campaign in 2005-06 while splitting time with the Wichita Thunder and the now-defunct Youngstown SteelHounds. In 63 games with the two clubs, the 5-foot-11, 215-pound blue liner collected 11 goals, 16 assists and 27 points, all career bests.
The Sundogs are set to open the 2009-10 regular season at home at Tim's Toyota Center on Friday, Oct. 16 and Saturday, Oct. 17 against the expansion Allen Americans. Both games are slated for 7:05pm (Arizona time) starts. Single game tickets go on sale tomorrow at 10:00am and start as low as $14. For more information call (928) 772-5555 or visit www.arizonasundogs.com.
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