Sundogs select five in CHL Expansion Draft
June 4, 2006 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Arizona Sundogs News Release
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - The expansion Arizona Sundogs Professional Hockey Club, slated to begin play in the new, state-of-the-art Prescott Valley Convention & Events Center this fall, drafted five players Saturday in the 2006-2007 CHL Expansion Draft.
Players drafted include rookie forward Dominic Leveille, defenseman David Lizotte, goalies Chris King and David Lemanowicz and center Ben Murphy.
Leveille, the first overall pick in the 2006-2007 expansion draft, was with the Odessa Jackalopes for the 2005-2006 season, totaling 81 points in 64 games. In 11 playoff contests this season, the 24-year-old rookie totaled three goals and five assists.
"We were excited when the opportunity presented itself to draft Leveille," said Arizona Head Coach and General Manager Marco Pietroniro. "He was undoubtedly one of the top rookies in the entire Central Hockey League in 2005-2006."
The Arizona Sundogs second pick (fourth overall) in the expansion draft was David Lizotte, 28, a former member of the Wichita Thunder, who had a 28 point effort in 2005-2006.
"Lizotte is defensively sound, a key to any successful team," said Pietroniro of Lizotte's play. "It's important to have that aspect of play established early on. Ultimately he can help our club."
Chris King, the Arizona Sundogs third pick (sixth overall), was one of two goalies selected by the Sundogs during the expansion draft. The 24-year-old King played in 28 games with the Tulsa Oilers in 2005-2006, finishing with a 3.36 goals against average and a save percentage of .904.
David Lemanowicz, the second of two goalies drafted by Arizona, was a ninth round selection (218th overall) of the Florida Panthers in the 1995 NHL Entry Draft. The former Laredo Buck appeared in 28 contests in 2005-2006, securing a 2.11 goals against average and a .928 save percentage.
"For us to draft two goalies represents another piece of the puzzle in building our franchise," said Pietroniro of the two net minders.
The Arizona Sundogs final pick in the 2005-2006 CHL Expansion Draft (10th overall) was former Wichita Thunder member Ben Murphy. Previous to his professional career in the CHL, the 24-year-old forward played four years at hockey powerhouse, the University of Maine.
"Murphy is a player that mirrors a lot of what the Arizona Sundogs are looking for," said Pietroniro. "He is not only a hard worker, but a player favorite in the locker room. His character speaks volumes about the type of player he is, both on and off the ice."
Central Hockey League Stories from June 4, 2006
- Sundogs select five in CHL Expansion Draft - Arizona Sundogs
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