The Showdown Begins at Kemper Arena

Published on October 15, 2004 under International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Kansas City Outlaws News Release


OVERVIEW: The first ever puck will drop for the Kansas City Outlaws at Kemper Arena as the expansion Outlaws face off against their new cross-state rival, the Missouri River Otters. On the ice, many questions will be answered as the Outlaws face an opponent for the first time (not in an Outlaws jersey). Rather than an exhibition schedule, the Outlaws organized a three team internal tournament during Hyatt Crown Center Championship Week at training camp from October 4 through 9. Fifty-five players were trimmed to 22 players after a very demanding camp at Ice Sports in Shawnee, KS. Coach Darryl Williams and General Manager Joe Bucchino have pieced together a young fast team that will be relying on the veteran leadership of Jason Ruff (LW), Joe Seroski (RW), Rob Schweyer (C), and Goaltender Maxime Gingras.

A GLANCE AT THE RIVER OTTERS: The River Otters have three former impact NHL players that are expected to lead the way this season. Perhaps the most notable is center Jim Montgomery. The speedy center played more than 120 games in the NHL, including a 67 game stint with the St. Louis Blues. He led both the Maine Black Bears (NCAA) and the Philadelphia Phantoms (AHL) to championships. Another player that left his mark in the NHL is defenseman Dennis Vial. The Ontario native played more than 240 games in the big leagues, including campaigns with the Detroit Red Wings and the Ottawa Senators. He helped lead the Adirondack Red Wings to the AHL championship in 1992. Last but not least is winger Barrie Moore. The Otters leading preseason goal scorer, Moore played 31 games with the Buffalo Sabres in 1996-97, scoring 2 goals and adding 6 assists. He's expected to be a big part of the Otters offense this season.

OUTLAWS IN KANSAS CITY COMMUNITY AND TONIGHT"S NATIONAL ANTHEM: The entire 22-man roster visited the students of Pleasant Ridge Middle School in Stilwell, KS, whose orchestra will perform the National Anthem tonight. The 22 new Outlaws taught the students the importance of goals and chasing their own dreams.

The Pleasant Ridge students have raised over $600 for their school symphony through the Outlaws fundraising program. The public can gain more information on the program by calling 816-513-4031. The school's Orchestra Director, Gail Rowland, was the winner of the "name the team contest." Rowland picked the winning name, Outlaws, and won season tickets for life.

TICKET INFORMATION: Outlaws season tickets, ranging from $10 to $13.50 per game, are on sale now at (816) 513-4400 and for group information call 816-513-4031. Single game tickets at $10, $15, and $18 ($2 increase on day of game) are ON SALE NOW at the Kemper Arena Box Office, www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster outlets, or charge by phone at 816-931-3330.

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International Hockey League 2 Stories from October 15, 2004


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