Tough Blueliner Chris Barth Turns Pro with Cotton Kings
June 20, 2006 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Lubbock Cotton Kings News Release
LUBBOCK, TX: June 20, 2006 - The Lubbock Cotton Kings of the Central Hockey League (CHL) are excited to announce rookie defenseman Chris Barth has signed a contract for the 06/07 season.
"Chris is a tough kid with a physical presence," said Cotton Kings Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Chris Dashney. "His former coaches each said that he is a presence on the ice and in the locker room. I look for him to be an impact for the Kings this season."
Barth, a big 6'3" 225-pound defenseman from Brandon, Manitoba, turns pro after spending last season with the inaugural Southern Minnesota Express, which clinched the Central Division of the North American Hockey League (NAHL). For the Owatonna, Minnesota based Express, Barth tallied 3 goals and contributed 9 assists for 12 points in 54 games. He ranked second among NAHL defensemen in penalty minutes with a team leading 152 penalty minutes. Barth also ranked second amongst Express defensemen in game winning goals with 2. The Express went deep into the playoffs, finishing third in the NAHL tournament, with Barth contributing 4 assists in 12 playoff games.
The 20 year-old product of the Brandon AAA Midget Wheat Kings started his junior career in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL), splitting the 03/04 season with the Portage Terriers and the Dauphin Kings. Barth combined for 20 points (6g,14a) and 234 penalty minutes in his first junior season, earning MJHL Rookie All-Star Team honors. He was a teammate of Cotton Kings goaltender Brett Koscielny while in Dauphin and remained there during the 04/05 season and racked up 317 penalty minutes and 42 points (12g,30a). His career junior numbers include 21 goals and 53 assists for 74 points in 159 games, including 703 penalty minutes.
The addition of Barth places the Kings with two players announced for the 06/07 season. He joins goaltender Brett Koscielny on the 06/07 roster. With no games of professional experience, Barth qualifies as a developmental player (128 games or less played). Each CHL team must have at least five developmental players on their roster. Media members seeking interviews, video, or graphics of Barth, or interviews with Head Coach Chris Dashney, can contact Chris Due at 806-549-4228. `
The Cotton Kings are currently preparing for their eighth season of professional hockey in the South Plains. The Central Hockey League has not released the schedule for the 06/07 season, but the 64-game schedule will be announced soon. Season ticket and corporate sponsorship information for the upcoming season is available by contacting the Cotton Kings office at (806) 747-7825. Additional 'Kings info can be found online via their official site at www.cottonkings.com.
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Central Hockey League Stories from June 20, 2006
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