Thunder acquire CHL All-Star
January 21, 2004 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release
WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Thunder today acquired CHL All-Star Joe Blaznek from the Lubbock Cotton Kings in exchange for forward Anders Strome and defenseman Alex Todd.
A seventh-year veteran, Blaznek was leading the Cotton Kings this season with 22 assists, 36 points and 158 shots on goal. The 6-1, 210-pound left wing was also selected to play in the CHL All-Star game and will represent Lubbock and the Southern Conference before heading to Wichita on Friday. Blaznek and the South will battle Thunder goaltender Nathan Grobins and the Northern Conference in the CHL All-Star game tomorrow at 8:05 p.m. in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
A 28-year-old native of Allen Park, Michigan, Blaznek played four seasons with NCAA powerhouse Lake Superior State University Lakers, picking up 57 goals and 111 points in 139 games. The Lakers advanced to the NCAA Tournament in three of his four seasons. He turned pro in 1997 and played in both the IHL and the AHL during his first three seasons.
"Joe is a gifted veteran forward who will bring a lot of leadership to our team", said Thunder head coach Derek Laxdal. "Unfortunately you have to give up something to get something, but we believe Joe will be a huge addition".
Blaznek picked up 38 goals for the ECHL's Richmond Renegades in 1998-99 and led Richmond to within one game of the ECHL Title. His best pro season came last year with the ECHL's Florida Everblades, where he notched 34 goals and a career-high 66 points. For his pro career, Blaznek has amassed 123 goals and 247 points in 324 games. He has also turned it on in the postseason, notching 13 goals and 24 points in 26 playoff games.
It is the second trade for the Thunder in the last two days, who are trying to solidify the roster before the CHL trade deadline of Monday, February 2nd. The Thunder acquired goaltender Mark Cairns yesterday from the Odessa Jackalopes for future considerations and released goaltender Matt Carney. Cairns had six wins and two shutouts with struggling Odessa and defeated the Thunder in a shootout back on December 6th.
The Thunder, 9-4-0 in their last 13 games and winners of five straight at home, will battle the Oklahoma City Blazers in a home-and-home series this Friday and Saturday. The Thunder will wear Kansas State University jerseys while the Blazers will don Oklahoma State University jerseys for both games. To go with the jerseys, Thunder equipment manager Frank "Rizzo" Jury has acquired the home game socks of the NHL's Los Angeles Kings. Fans can bid on the K-State jerseys at Friday's home game and pick them up on Sunday when the Thunder host Amarillo at 6:00 p.m.
For more information or to order tickets, call the Thunder office at 264-GOAL or visit our website at www.wichitathunder.com.
• Discuss this story on the Central Hockey League message board...
Central Hockey League Stories from January 21, 2004
- Bats "Mull-et" over Tough Weekend - Austin Ice Bats
- RiverKings, Ponder's Restaurant Will Help Make-A-Wish - Mississippi RiverKings
- Bucks Unveil 2005 CHL All-Star Game Logo - Laredo Bucks
- Woollard ready for 2004 Dodge CHL All Star Game - Fort Worth Brahmas
- Coach's Show to Air from Hunter Brown's this Evening - Mississippi RiverKings
- All-Star Notes/Player Moves - San Angelo Saints
- Huge Addition, Huge Return - Indianapolis Ice
- Shepherd Traded to Indianapolis - Lubbock Cotton Kings
- Blaznek Traded - Lubbock Cotton Kings
- Thunder acquire CHL All-Star - Wichita Thunder
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.
