Van Parys Returns to the CHL

Published on August 20, 2003 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees News Release


IN-YOUR-FACE FORWARD RETURNS TO THE CHL

RIGHT WING JUSTIN VAN PARYS SIGNS WITH THE KILLER BEES

HIDALGO, TX: August 20, 2003 – The Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees of the Central Hockey League are excited to welcome the addition of right wing Justin Van Parys to the roster for the 2003/2004 season.

"I absolutely love what this guy brings," said Killer Bees Head Coach Tracy Egeland. "He was one of the first players I talked to when I was beginning to build this team. His stats don't prove and track how valuable he is. He is an in-your-face grinder that can skate and play a physical and leadership role."

Van Parys (van paris), a 25 year-old from Sylvan Lake, Alberta, makes the jump to Rio Grande Valley after spending last season in the ECHL with the Richmond Renegades and the Lexington (KY) Men O'War. He began the season playing 2 games in Richmond prior to completing the season with Lexington. Van Parys combined for 2 goals and 7 assists for 9 points and 65 penalty minutes in 61 games.

The 6'3 200-pound right winger began his pro playing career with the Western Professional Hockey League's (WPHL) Lake Charles Ice Pirates, where he tallied 11 goals and 16 assists for 27 points and ranked third on the squad with a 16.7% shooting percentage. Van Parys spent the following two seasons (00/01 – 01/02) with the El Paso Buzzards and combined for 16 goals and 31 assists for 47 points in 131 games. He ranked third on the Buzzards roster in penalty minutes during the 00/01 season with 113 penalty minutes and ranked second on the Buzzards team with 130 penalty minutes during the 01/02 season. While in El Paso, Van Parys played alongside current Killer Bees signees Jeff Levy, Troy Linna and Jason Tessier. Van Parys has played 254 career games at the pro level and has totaled 424 penalty minutes and 83 points off of 29 goals and 54 assists. He has been a big postseason contributor during his pro career, posting 5 goals and 11 assists for 16 points in 27 postseason contests. During the 01/02 CHL postseason, he finished ranked second in the league with a 27.3% shooting percentage.

Prior to turning pro, Van Parys played junior hockey in the British Columbia Junior Hockey League (BCJHL) with the Trail Smoke Eaters. Van Parys went to battle for the Smoke Eaters for two seasons (97/98 – 98/99) and combined for 12 goals and 26 assists for 38 points in 98 games.

Van Parys is the Killer Bees twelfth player signed, joining goaltenders Jeff Levy and Jacque Vezina, forwards Jason Abel, Jason Hawes, Troy Linna, Bill Newson and Dan Odegard, and defensemen Sean Gillam, Kevin Mackie, Darcy Smith and Jason Tessier. Head coach Tracy Egeland is available for interview, which can be arranged by contacting the Killer Bees office. Video requests of Van Parys can be made by contacting El Paso affiliates. Additional information on Van Parys can be attained by contacting Chris Due with the Killer Bees.

The Killer Bees will drop the puck for their inaugural season on October 18th in San Angelo and will play their home opener on October 31st at 7:30 PM as they will host the Corpus Christi Rayz inside the state-of-the-art Rio Grande Valley Events Center. Season tickets and corporate opportunities are available by calling the Killer Bees office at (956) 843-7825. For more information concerning Killer Bees hockey, please visit their website at www.killerbeehockey.com.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Central Hockey League Stories from August 20, 2003


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.

OurSports Central