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Van Tighem hanging up his skates and whistle

August 27, 2003 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
New Mexico Scorpions News Release


ALBUQUERQUE – The New Mexico Scorpions of the Central Hockey League announced today that Travis Van Tighem is leaving the organization next week to pursue opportunities outside of the hockey world in Houston, Texas. Van Tighem served as the Scorpions captain for three seasons before retiring prior to the 2002-03 campaign to become the team's Assistant Coach and Director of Community Relations.

Van Tighem, 30, ranks fifth on the club's all-time games played chart with 176 contests and is eighth with 284 penalty minutes. In his only season behind the bench, Van Tighem and head coach Bill McDonald returned the Scorpions to postseason action for the first time since the team reached the finals in 2000 as a member of the Western Professional Hockey League.

Scorpions President/CEO W.D. "Doug" Frank announced that Van Tighem will have his #34 jersey retired on Saturday, Nov. 1 when the Scorpions host Lubbock. "We're disappointed to be losing Travis but in the same token we' re extremely happy for him and his family," said Frank. "He was a huge part of this franchise for four years, both on and off the ice. Retiring his jersey is a no-brainer with all that he has done for the Scorpions and hockey in New Mexico.

"It was a difficult decision to leave the Scorpions, but one that is in the best interests of my family," said Van Tighem. "Albuquerque has become my home and my sons were born here, but this is an opportunity I felt I could not pass up. I'm truly honored that Doug Frank and the Scorpions have deemed me worthy of having my jersey retired. I will miss everybody here this season but I am definitely looking forward to coming back and having a lot of fun on Opening Weekend.

After opening the regular season with a five-game road trip beginning in Corpus Christi against the Rayz on Thursday, Oct. 16, the Scorpions return to Albuquerque for their home opener on Friday, October 31 at Tingley Coliseum against their new Northwest Division rival, the expansion Colorado Eagles. Season tickets for the 2003-2004 season start as low as $320, as prices remain the same for the upcoming season. The Scorpions will host the CHL All-Star Game at Tingley Coliseum on Thursday, Jan. 22. For more information, call the Scorpions office at (505) 881-PUCK (7825).

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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.

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