Three Bucks Participating in AHL Camps

Published on October 2, 2008 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Laredo Bucks News Release


LAREDO, TX- The Laredo Bucks of the Central Hockey League announced Thursday that three players that have signed with them for the 2008-09 season are participating in AHL training camps this week. Darryl Smith (F) is in Houston Aeros camp, while Ryan Hand (D) is in Rochester Americans camp, and Erick Lizon (D) is in Rockford IceHogs camp.

Smith and Hand are both rookies, while Lizon is in his third season.

"Having three of our players in AHL training camp says a lot", said Bucks Head Coach and General Manager Terry Ruskowski. "If a guy has an opportunity to move up, I'm all for it".

Smith (Houston camp), 5'11, 190lbs, had another solid year in 2007-08 with the Gatineau Olympiques, as he helped lead them to the QMJHL President's Cup Championship. Last season Smith, a native of St. Catherines, Ontario, put up a career high's in goals (26), assists (26), and points (52) in 70 regular season games. In the 2008 Playoffs Smith knocked in eight goals, handed out five assists, for 13 points to help lead Gatineau to the league title, and a fourth place finish in the Memorial Cup.

"Smith has a lot of talent that's for sure. He was invited to Aeros training camp, that means a lot", said Ruskowski. "He has had solid numbers so far in his career, he will be good on our team".

Last season with St. Hyacinthe Top Design in Quebec, the 6'1, 190 pound Hand (Rochester camp) piled up 252 penalty minutes in just 40 games. Hand scored one goal and handed out four assists, to help lead his team to the LNAH Commissioners Cup as Regular Season Champions.

"He (Hand) played four years in junior, which means he is a talented player. I am very eager to see what he can bring to our team. I like guys like Ryan on our teams", Ruskowski said.

The 6'4, 210 pound Lizon (Rockford camp) spent last season with the Oklahoma City Blazers, putting up 67 penalty minutes, while scoring two goals, with three assists in just 23 games. Lizon suffered an injury in the Blazers season-opening 4-2 loss to Youngstown, which forced him out of action until January 5th. In his first game back from injury against the Texas Brahmas, Lizon picked up 17 penalty minutes in the third period of Oklahoma City's 4-1 win.

"Lizon is a big, strong, tough winger. He has exactly what we've been missing for a couple of seasons", said Ruskowski. "He's very excited to come here; he's ready to play for us. I'm confident in saying that he will make a big impact".

The Bucks, who start training camp on October 6th, will open their seventh CHL season at the LEC on October 17th against the Rocky Mountain Rage.

Season ticket prices stayed the same as they were last season, starting at just $34 a month (including playoffs). Call 718-BUCK (2825), or visit the LEC to speak to a Bucks ticket representative.

*Bucks Mini-Plans*

The Bucks have announced that they will offer mini-plan packages for the first time ever during the 2008-09 season.

Packages start at $60, and fans can choose from three different plans, the Special Event Package, the Weekend Package, or the Thirsty Thursday Package.

To order yours today call 718-BUCK (2825).

*National Anthem Auditions*

Think you have what it takes to sing at the Bucks games?

Come try out at the National Anthem Auditions on Wednesday October 15th from 6-8pm at the LEC.

For more information or to sign up contact Mario Mecaroni at mariom@laredobucks.com, or Nicole Kupaks at nkupaks@laredobucks.com.

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Central Hockey League Stories from October 2, 2008


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