Weekly Notes

Published on December 17, 2002 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Lubbock Cotton Kings News Release


LUBBOCK COTTON KINGS 2002-03 WEEKLY RELEASE FOR THE WEEK OF DEC 16 – DEC 22nd

CAPS FOR COURAGE

During the off-season, Cotton Kings forward Anthony Donskov spends his time working with his family's hockey clinics in Columbus, Ohio and associating with Columbus Blue Jackets personnel. When planning on his return to Lubbock this season, Donskov talked with the Blue Jackets community relations department about fundraising ideas. He was looking for ideas to develop a program that would make an impact in the Lubbock community. Donskov has approached local businesses to assist his community minded program and now is ready to start his new program, which he is calling "Caps For Courage." Outerwear USA and the Lubbock Cotton Kings sponsor Caps For Courage and the goal is to sell commemorative Caps with the Caps For Courage Logo and a Cotton Kings autograph on it with proceeds going into local Lubbock hospitals to support courageous kids fighting cancer. The hats are $25 each and they can be purchased at the Outerwear USA booth at all Cotton Kings home games.

SEASON OF GIVING

The Cotton Kings stepped into December averaging 2.85 goals per game and allowing an average of 2.10 goals a game, but the Cotton Kings have turned a new leaf in December averaging 4.20 goals per game with 21 goals in 5 games during the month. Unfortunately, the Cotton Kings have allowed 23 goals in December for an average of 4.60 goals allowed per game during the month. ‘Kings goaltender Mike Brusseau's GAA was under 2.00 heading into the month, but with a 4.65 GAA in four games in December, Brusseau's GAA has jumped up to 2.46 on the season. Cotton Kings opponents are also getting a lift on shots on goal for the month. The ‘Kings were averaging an allowance of 28.3 shots on goal heading into the month, but through five December contests, the ‘Kings are allowing an average of 38.2 shots per game. Lubbock allowed a franchise high 53 shots on goal Saturday night against Memphis. The Cotton Kings hope that the return of Craig Binns into the lineup will place the ‘Kings defense back on track. Binns injured his knee in December 7th's contest against Laredo leaving midway through the contest after slamming into the end-boards. He has been day-to-day since that game missing the past three games. Binns is expected to suit up Friday night in Amarillo. ‘KING OF THE WEEK

Lubbock defenseman Derek Holland has been awarded as the Lubbock Cotton Kings Player of the Week for the week of December 9 – 15th. Holland co-led the Cotton Kings' offense and led all defenseman in scoring during the week contributing 2 goals and 4 assists for 6 points in 3 games. The Brandon, Manitoba native reached the 100 career-point mark Friday in Lubbock's 5-4 overtime victory over Corpus Christi. Holland currently co-leads (with fellow defenseman Barry McKinlay) the team in scoring for the month of December with 2 goals and 5 assists for 7 points.

WEEK IN REVIEW

Tue. Dec. 10 7-5 W @ San Angelo Top Star: LUB-Barry McKinlay 3 pts (2g,1a)

Fri. Dec. 13 5-4 W (ot) @ Corpus Christi Top Star: LUB-Jan Melichercik 3 pts (2g,1a)

Sat. Dec. 14 3-7 L vs Memphis Top Star: MEM-Jonathan Gagnon 3 pts (2g,1a)

WEEK AHEAD

Fri. Dec. 20 7:00 PM @ Amarillo Gorillas Radio: KKAM 1340 AM

Notes: The ‘Kings opened up the season series with a pair a shutout wins, but the Gorillas have rebounded with consecutive wins over Lubbock in their previous two meetings, including a 3-2 overtime shootout win on November 29th. Amarillo is playing their best hockey of the season, posting a 4-1-0 December record. Sat. Dec. 21 7:05 PM vs Oklahoma City Blazers Radio: KKAM 1340 AM TV: Cox Cable Ch.9

Notes: This is the only visit by the Blazers and the last overall meeting between the two squads this season. The Blazers have won all four previous meetings in franchise history; including a 3-2 Blazers win in their only meeting to date this season (Nov. 8). Oklahoma City is 8-2-0 in their last ten games with Joe Burton tallying 11 goals and 8 assists for 19 points in those ten games. They lead the CHL averaging 40.2 shots per game.

PRACTICE TIMES FOR THE WEEK: TUE. 10:30 AM – Noon WED. 1-2:30 PM THUR. 10:30 AM – Noon FRI. 10 AM

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Central Hockey League Stories from December 17, 2002


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