'Tis the Season to be Jolly
December 2, 2002 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Lubbock Cotton Kings News Release
The Cotton Kings completed the month of November with a 7-3-3 overall record, which is the best November record for the âKings under Head Coach Bill McDonald, and now step into the month of December, which has been the best month for the âKings in franchise history. Lubbock has an all-time record of 29-9-3 (74.3%) during December with a 15-3-0 home record and 14-6-3 road record. Lubbock has scheduled their lightest December schedule in franchise history with 6 home games and 5 road games equaling just 11 games. They are scheduled for just one demanding three-games-in-three-nights series during the month, but do see some traveling adventures, with a home-and-home series in consecutive nights with Laredo beginning this Friday and a home game Saturday December 14th after playing in Corpus Christi on December 13th. Last season's December success was led by Cotton Kings forward Dave MacIntyre, who recorded 8 goals 6 assists for 14 points in 12 games, and defenseman Barry McKinlay, who racked up a +12 plus/minus rating along with 2 goals and 6 assists during the month.
MILESTONES
Several Lubbock Cotton Kings are preparing to pass some milestones this week and possibly in the month of December. Lubbock forward Jan Melichercik is Lubbock's all-time assist leader, passing former âKings forward Cosmo Dupaul on November 17th, with 95 assists and now sets his sights towards ranking second on Lubbock's all-time point list. Melichercik currently has 40 goals and 95 assists for 135 points and is 4 points away from passing Cosmo Dupaul for second on the all-time points list. Derek Holland, who became the Cotton Kings all-time leading scorer amongst defensemen early this season, is currently 5 points away from his 100th career point and 6 points away from his 100th point as a Cotton King. The following are other milestones on the horizon:
Derek Gauthier is 4 goals away from his 200th career goal.
Blaz Emersic is 5 assists away from his 100th career assist.
Barry McKinlay is 5 points away from his 750th career point
âKING OF THE WEEK
Lubbock netminder Mike Brusseau has once again been awarded as the Lubbock Cotton Kings Player of the Week for the week of November 25 â December 1st. Brusseau went 2-1-0 on the week, allowing a combined 5 goals in 3 games. The Detroit native helped the Cotton Kings grab 5 out of a possible 6 standing points with wins over Odessa (3-2) and Corpus Christi (2-1) and suffering a shootout loss Friday night in Amarillo (2-3). In 185 minutes between the pipes last week, Brusseau stopped 85 of 90 shots for a 94.4% save percentage and a 1.62 GAA.
DINING WITH THE âKINGS
Fans can join the Lubbock Cotton Kings tonight (Monday) in an opportunity to meet the âKings, raise money for charity, and enjoy a great time, as the âKings will be at The Fox & Hound English Pub & Grill tonight from 5-9PM working as waiters. Cotton Kings players will be taking their tips and donating them to the Lubbock Animal Shelter.
TOYS FOR TOTS
The Cotton Kings had great success during November teaming up with the South Plains Food Bank, as the Cotton Kings and their fans raised over 3,000 cans to donate to the South Plains Food Bank. For the month of December, the Cotton Kings will team up with the United States Marines and their Toys For Tots program. Any fans donating a toy or stuffed animal to the Toys For Tots program can receive $2 off the ticket price for December home games. The discounts can only be given when donations are turned in at the Cotton Kings office (13th & University), Select-A-Seat's Memphis Place Mall (50th & Memphis) location, or at the Coliseum's East entrance on the night of home games.
WEEK IN REVIEW
Wed. Nov. 27 3-2 W vs Odessa Top Star: LUB-Blaz Emersic 2pts (1g,1a)
Fri. Nov. 29 3-2 OTL (so) @ Amarillo Top Star: AMA-Henry Kuster 2 pts (1g,1a)
Sat. Nov. 30 2-1 W vs Corpus Christi Top Star: LUB-Dave Ambler game-winning goal
WEEK AHEAD
Fri. Dec. 6 7:35 PM @ Laredo Bucks Radio: KKAM 1340 AM
Notes: The Cotton Kings make their second trip to Laredo, where they are 0-0-1 after a shootout loss (3-2) on November 22nd. The âKings are still looking for their first win in franchise history over the Bucks, as the âKings are 0-1-1 against them this season. The Bucks have the second best home record in the CHL's Southern Conference with a 6-1-0 record at the Laredo Entertainment Center.
Sat. Dec. 7 7:05 PM vs Laredo Bucks Radio: KFYO 790 AM TV: Cox Ch.9
Notes: Saturday night is Military Night at the Lubbock Municipal Coliseum, as military personnel showing their valid Military ID will receive a buy one get one free discount. It will be a bus race back to Lubbock as the âKings complete the 560 mile home-and-home set. Laredo upset the âKings on October 26th, Lubbock's home opener, as the Bucks collected their franchise's first ever victory.
PRACTICE TIMES FOR THE WEEK: TUE - WED. 10:30 - NOON THUR. - FRI. In Laredo
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Central Hockey League Stories from December 2, 2002
- IceRays Drop Consecutive Games to Wichita, Lubbock Over Thanksgiving Weekend - Corpus Christi IceRays
- Fans Flock to See Bucks & Bats - Laredo Bucks
- 'Tis the Season to be Jolly - Lubbock Cotton Kings
- Buzzards' waive forward - El Paso Buzzards
- Scorpions Get Big Win over Amarillo - New Mexico Scorpions
- Newest Buzzards Help Snap Losing Streak - El Paso Buzzards
- Marcellus Named CHL Player of the Week - Tulsa Oilers
- Silver Named CHL Goaltender of the Week - Indianapolis Ice
- Marcellus, Silver Take Weekly Honors - CHL
- Pepsi Coliseum Weekend to Feature Torrid Twosome - Indianapolis Ice
- Gorillas Post Win and Two Losses - Amarillo Gorillas
- Saints Week in Review - San Angelo Saints
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