Vandermeer Named CHL Player of the Week
Published on February 4, 2008 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Amarillo Gorillas News Release
Amarillo, TX 2/4/08 - The Amarillo Gorillas and the Central Hockey League announced today that Amarillo forward Bill Vandermeer has been named the CHL Oakley Player of the Week for the period of Monday, January 28th through Sunday, February 3rd. During the week, Vandermeer led the Gorillas to two wins, scoring six points on two goals and four assists. He was also a +4 in the two games played last week - a 9-5 win over Odessa on Tuesday night and a 5-3 win over the Arizona Sundogs on Friday evening. Vandermeer has registered 13 points over his last four games, all Gorillas wins, and 19 points over the last nine contests.
The resurgence of last year's leading scorer is a big part of the reason for Amarillo's recent success. The Caroline, Alberta native has vaulted himself to second place on the team scoring list with 44 points overall, trailing only Chris Lipsett (46). With his recent scoring push, Vandermeer has the Gorillas right back in the battle for the Southern Conference playoff race, as they enter the week trailing the Corpus Christi Rayz by just one point for the fifth and final playoff berth.
Vandermeer is in his third professional season, and second with the Gorillas. Last season, the forward led the team in scoring with his 37 goals, and 38 assists for a total of 75 points; his goal total was just one shy of tying the Gorillas franchise record for goals scored in a season. He has notched several milestones this season with the Apes, tallying his 100th point in a Gorillas sweater, and tying a franchise record with his recent six-point performance against the New Mexico Scorpions. On January 26th, Vandermeer's evening included three goals, and three assists putting him in the record books alongside Derek Hahn as the only Gorilla to score six points in a game.
The 5'11" 170 pound winger is one of six brothers who are currently playing/have played some level of professional hockey across North America. Ranging anywhere from minor hockey to the National Hockey League, Jim, Bill, Ted, Dan, Joe and Pete have made their collective mark on the world of professional hockey. Bill's recognition marks the third individual award given to a member of the Gorillas this season, and the second Player of the Week award.
With the playoffs now clearly in sight, Vandermeer and the Gorillas will set out to make it five wins in a row as they take on the Wichita Thunder this Friday night (Feb 8th) at the Kansas Coliseum.
FUN FOR THE WHOLE GROUP:
This season bring your group out to the Gorillas game for a night of fun and entertainment. Whether you're a business looking to have a night out for your employees, celebrating a birthday party, or just a group of people looking for an excuse to get out and have some fun we've got the group package for you. You can get your group tickets for as little as $8 per ticket! For more information call the Gorillas office at 242-PUCK.
Central Hockey League Stories from February 4, 2008
- SteelHounds weekly - Youngstown SteelHounds
- Shots from the Point - CHL
- Rage Goes Pink in the Rink - Rocky Mountain Rage
- Andy Franck Named Goaltender Of The Week - Youngstown SteelHounds
- Eagles Week In Review - Colorado Eagles
- Oakley CHL Player/Goaltender of the Week Announced - CHL
- Vandermeer Named CHL Player of the Week - Amarillo Gorillas
- Hockey 101 On Radio This Weekend - Mississippi RiverKings
- Rocky Mountain Rage Weekly Update - Rocky Mountain Rage
- McKeague on coach's show tonight - Tulsa Oilers
- School Day game tomorrow - Tulsa Oilers
- Coaches Show Tonight - Amarillo Gorillas
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