truebluefan

Weather forces weekend schedule changes

WINDSOR, CO- Tonight's Wichita Thunder game at the Colorado Eagles, originally scheduled for Wednesday, has been postponed again due to weather conditions. The Thunder will now stay in Colorado and play the Eagles on Friday at 8:05 p.m. Central Time, instead of going to Tulsa. The game will be broadcast on Sportsradio 1410 KGSO.

"While it is never our preference to adjust team schedules, the safety of CHL fans, athletes and employees takes clear precedence in this situation", said CHL President Brad Treliving. "Ongoing extreme winter weather conditions in the state of Colorado have created significant travel concerns that have necessitated these adjustments."

Due to the bad weather, the Arizona Sundogs, who were scheduled to play in Colorado on Friday, are unable to get to Fort Collins and the Thunder were also not certain if they would be able to make it to Tulsa, where they were originally scheduled to play on Friday. The Thunder game at Tulsa will be rescheduled for a later date.

The Thunder, who have been stuck in Fort Collins since Tuesday, do not anticipate a problem getting back to Wichita in time for their home game on Saturday versus the Memphis RiverKings. Game time is set for 7:05 p.m.

Thunder season ticketholders can get additional tickets for Saturday night, as well as all home games in December for just $7 each. To order tickets or for more information, call the Thunder office at 264-GOAL or visit our website at www.wichitathunder.co

truebluefan

SOUTHAVEN --- Presenting educational information in an entertaining and distinctive way is important in the enrichment of our children's lives. It is the Memphis RiverKings' belief that the gift of knowledge opens endless possibilities to children. Based on this belief, the RiverKings organization has made it a priority to encourage learning is proud to partner with the Commercial Appeal for the Newspaper In Education program.

The Newspaper In Education program (NIE) provides students with a Reading, Writing, and RiverKings workbook focused on teaching students how to utilize the newspaper to enhance their reading and writing skills.

"The RiverKings organization is proud to, once again, partner with the Commercial Appeal's Newspaper In Education program," said Dave Mattice, Director of Business Operations for the RiverKings. "This program helps us to interact with the children in our community and portray to them the importance of education."

Schools throughout the Commercial Appeal's reading area signed up to participate in the program. NIE provides newspapers and workbooks to each classroom and a possible classroom appearance from RiverKings' players.

Classroom appearances tend to be one of the most enjoyable parts of this program, for the students as well as for the players. "It is great to be able to go into classrooms and interact with the children," RiverKings forward Sheldon Wenzel said. "The children are so excited to participate."

The NIE program is just kicking off. "We have visited two classrooms within the past two weeks," RiverKings Community Development staff member Cristin Franklin said. "Both appearances have been very exciting. The students really take to the players. Students and players alike seem to enjoy the interaction."

Each classroom appearance lasts approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour in length, and includes a question and answer session, an interactive game using the Commercial Appeal, and an autograph session.

Thus far, the RiverKings have made classroom appearances in Olive Branch at Overpark Elementary, and Ms. Kennell's fourth grade class at Highland Oaks Elementary in Memphis, TN.

"My students were so excited to meet the players and really got involved in the [interactive] game," Ms. Kennel, fourth grade teacher at Highland Oaks, said. "The program was very well planned and engaging for the kids."

For further information on the Newspaper In Education program, contact the Memphis RiverKings Community Development department at 662.342.1755. And look for photos from the RiverKings classroom visits in your coming editions of the Commercial Appeal.

truebluefan

THIS WEEK:

FRI Dec. 22 Lubbock @ SCORPIONS 7:35 p.m. Santa Ana Star Center

*TEDDY BEAR TOSS*

The Scorpions will host the first place Lubbock Cotton Kings on Friday night. This is the second time the team will meet this season. The Scorpions held off Lubbock 3-1 on November 9 in New Mexico.

New Mexico will start a new hockey tradition with the 1st Annual Teddy Bear Toss. Bring a bear to the Scorpions game and throw it on the ice after the Scorpions score their first goal. All the bears will be collected and given to local children in need this holiday season. The Rio Rancho Police Department will be accepting the bars and taking them to the community.

Season Series: Scorpions lead 1-0-0 All Time Series: Scorpions lead 30-20-8

SAT Dec. 23 SCORPIONS @ Arizona 7:05 p.m. Tim's Toyota Center

The Scorpions will make their third trip to their new Southwest Division rival. The Sundogs and Scorpions will continue their month long battle in the fifth of eight December matchups.

The teams split this past weekend at the Santa Ana Star Center . The Scorpions picked up three points by winning Friday and dropping the overtime thriller Saturday. Both teams have shown a dislike for each other on the ice, giving fans exciting games.

Season Series: Scorpions lead 3-1-1 All Time Series: Scorpions lead 3-1-1

LAST WEEK: FRI Dec. 15 Arizona @ SCORPIONS (6-5 WIN) 7:35 p.m. Santa Ana Star Center

The teams put on an exciting show for the fans as the new CHL rivalry continues to be tight. The Scorpions took the lead into the locker room after 20-miuntes, but the Sundogs tied the game up in the second period setting up an exciting final frame.

The power play proved to be the difference for the Scorpions as Aaron MacInnis and Vladimir Hartinger lit the lamp giving the Scorpions enough goals to hang on for the victory.

Robertson started his night scoring on the power play 1:04 into the contest. Konrad Reeder pushed the Scorpions two goals ahead six minutes later with his sixth goal of the season.

Arizona 's Brent Kelly put his team on the board with the first of his four points on the night. Robertson would add his second goal before the end of the first period as would Kelly.

Early in the second period, Ryan Steeves tied the game up and silenced what was a raucous Santa Ana Star Center most of the night. Robertson finished his hat trick with another power play goal 17:37 into the second period. The Sundogs once again fought back when Dan DaSilva scored his fifth goal of the season with 11-seconds to go in the middle period.

The five power play goals for the Scorpions is a new season high. Previously, the Scorpions highest man advantage output was three goals, which they have done four times.

SAT Dec. 16 Arizona @ SCORPIONS (4-3 OT loss) 7:05 pm Santa Ana Star Center

New Mexico Scorpions came out firing but eventually lost to Arizona 4-3 in overtime Saturday night. New Mexico has picked up a point in their last eight games.

The Scorpions came out firing with three first period goals. Craig MacDonald scored a pair of goals just 28-seconds apart. Mike Prpich added a late first period goal giving the Scorpions a 3-0 lead after 20-minutes.

Unlike Friday night, the Arizona comeback was completed. Just past the halfway point of the second period, Karl Sellan netted his fifth goal of the season. The second period finished quietly as neither team was able to mount any more scoring.

Arizona used a two-goal third period to force overtime. David Svagrovsky scored his second goal of the year 8:21 into the third period to draw the Sundogs to within one.

Brent Kelly proved to be the hero as he finished off a big weekend. Late in the third period Kelly scored on the power play; it was just the start if his heroics.

Kelly then scored the game winner 2:50 into overtime when Cory Stillman fed a perfect cross ice pass to his line mate to give the Sundogs the win and two points in the standings.

SCORPIONS PROMOTIONS:

- DECEMBER INTERNET HOLIDAY TICKET SPECIAL-Go "ALL IN" and get your Corner Seat for only $16 when ordering online during the month of December. That is a savings of $6. CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!

- Fri. Dec. 22-"TEDDY BEAR TOSS"-The Scorpions are introducing a new tradition to the hockey fans of New Mexico . The 1st Annual Teddy Bear Toss is fun for all. After the Scorpions score their first goal against Lubbock , fans will be invited to throw teddy bears on the ice. All the bears will be collected and donated to various local charities that focus on the helping youth in the State of New Mexico.

- Wed. Dec. 27-"GET OUT OF YOUR HOUSE NIGHT"-The Scorpions wants you to get out of the house Wednesday. Grab the family, neighbors, heck people you don't even know and get to the Scorpions game for a night of fun and exciting hockey. Ticket packages will include a ticket, hot dog and soda for only $19.

- Fri. Dec. 29-"STANLEY CUP AT THE GAME"-Come out and see the most revered trophy in North America. The Stanley Cup will be at the Scorpions game. Get your tickets to the game for this once in a lifetime event.

- Fri. Jan. 5-"BEAUTY AND ELVIS NIGHT"-The Scorpions will celebrate Elvis' Birthday at the Santa Ana Star Center . Elvis will be in the building and performing live for your enjoyment. Joining Elvis will be the most beautiful women in New Mexico . Miss News , Mrs. New , Miss Rio Rancho and Miss Albuquerque will be in attendance greeting the fans.

- Sat. Jan. 6-"SALUTE TO THE MILITARY NIGHT, presented by the U.S. ARMY"-Come out and help the Scorpions salute our military. The annual event will feature videos, photos and special tributes to the soldiers who are currently serving our great country, those who have fallen in battle and those who are now retired from active duty. The Scorpions will wear special "Stars and Stripes" jerseys that will be auctioned off after the game. The post-game auction will benefit families of soldiers who are currently stationed overseas thorugh the New Mexico Scorpions Charitable Foundation.

- WEEKEND BROADCAST SCHEDULE-This weekend's games can be heard on 610 The Sports Animal. For Scorpions fans outside the listening area, you can hear all Scorpions games online by visiting scorpionshockey.com: Broadcast Schedule. Don't forget that CHLTV is the perfect place to watch Scorpions games online. Visit LiveSportsNetwork for more details.

SCORPIONS IN THE COMMUNITY:

Sat. Jan. 6-Post Game Party with the Scorpions- Turtle Mountain Brewery (905 36th Place Rio Rancho, NM 87124 ).

Sat. Jan. 20-"MDA Walkathon"-"Cottonwood Mall 7am - 10am. Stanley will be on hand for kids of all ages.

TEAM NOTES:

The Scorpions have won six of their last 10 games, and have collected at least a point in their last eight games.

New Mexico has scored 29 third period goals, second most in the CHL.

RYAN VANDENBUSSCHE has signed as the Scorpions Player/Assistant Coach and will wear #14.

JAMIE HERRINGTON has been signed and will wear #15.

JAKE BRENK has been waived.

KONRAD REEDER has been moved to the 45-day injured reserve.

STANDOUTS:

ROB GUINN has at least one assist in five straight games.

MIKE FALK has registered seven assists in his last five games.

LANCE HERAUF leads all CHL rookies with 19 assists.

MIKE PRPICH is third among rookies with 10 goals.

truebluefan

LUBBOCK, TX: December 20, 2006 - The Central Hockey League, in conjunction with the Lubbock Cotton Kings and the Rocky Mountain Rage, have officially postponed Thursday night's Lubbock Cotton Kings game against the host Broomfield, Colorado based Rocky Mountain Rage. The game is rescheduled for Wednesday, February 28, 2007 (8:05 PM - CST) at the Broomfield Events Center.

Allen Iverson is not the only individual that was having trouble trying to get to Denver today. The Lubbock Cotton Kings were originally scheduled to depart the Hub City for the Denver suburb of Broomfield this morning, but inclement weather, along with "Blizzard Warning" conditions, has dumped a large amount of snow in the Rocky Mountain State and has shutdown major throughways leading into the Denver area.

The blizzard condition forced the postponement of Thursday's game, but has not made an impact to the remainder of the "three-in-three" originally scheduled weekend. The Kings will leave for Rio Rancho, New Mexico Thursday to prepare for Friday night's contest against the New Mexico Scorpions before returning home to host the Amarillo Gorillas Saturday.

The Cotton Kings are competing in their eighth season of professional hockey in the South Plains. They return to action Friday in New Mexico and their next home game at the Lubbock Municipal Coliseum is scheduled for 7:05 PM on Saturday against Amarillo. Individual ticket and corporate sponsorship information is available by contacting the Cotton Kings office at (806) 747-7825. Additional 'Kings info can be found online via their official site at The Lubbock Cotton Kings - There's Nothing Quite Like It! - Home.

truebluefan

WINDSOR, CO- The Colorado Eagles have postponed their Thursday night game against the Wichita Thunder to Friday night. Due to the inclement weather, the Eagles will be playing the Wichita Thunder on Friday night rather than the Arizona Sundogs. The game against the Sundogs has been cancelled and will be rescheduled for a later date.

Season ticket holders should use their Game #12 tickets against the Wichita Thunder for Friday night's game and hold on to the Game #13 tickets for the game against the Sundogs for a later date to be determined.

FOR ALL GROUPS AND INDIVIDUAL TICKETS- The Wednesday groups and individual tickets will be honored at the Eagles game on Friday night against the Wichita Thunder. For those that have group and individual game tickets for the originally scheduled game against the Arizona Sundogs, please hold on to those tickets as they will be honored at the later date to be determined.

truebluefan

The countdown to 2007 is on, and you can be a part of the biggest New Year's Eve Party in the Coastal Bend. It all takes place Sunday night, December 31st on the 2nd Annual "Tux & Pucks Night" at the American Bank Center, presented by AT&T. The Corpus Christi Rayz will host the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs at a special start time of 8:05pm at the American Bank Center, and all fans in attendance will receive free admission to a post-game New Year's Eve Party. The post-game party which will take place inside the American Bank Center will offer something for everyone with food, drinks, music, ice skating, a player autograph session and a spectacular fireworks display on the waterfront at midnight. And, of course, it wouldn't be Tux & Pucks Night without the tuxedos.

All fans are encouraged to dress up in their formal wear, and help ring in 2007 in style. Rayz staff members and American Bank Center employees will be wearing tuxedos and formal attire. Even the Rayz players are joining in, and will be wearing commemorative New Year's Eve Tuxedo Jerseys for the game. The specialty jerseys will be auctioned off to fans at the game. To be a part of the Rayz Tux & Pucks Night presented by AT&T, fans can show their Dec. 31st ticket stubs at Tuxedo Junction in Sunrise Mall and rent tuxedos for less than $30. Tickets to the game start at just $6. It's Tux & Pucks For Just Six Bucks! For more information, please call the Rayz at (361) 814-PUCK.

The Rayz are offering special discounted tickets to the New Year's Eve Event that begin at only $6. Included with the ticket price is admission to the game and post-game party plus party favors to be given away throughout the evening. Everyone in South Texas is invited to this special event at the American Bank Center on New Years Eve. Fans are encouraged to dress for the occasion with the Rayz and take advantage of the $29.99 tuxedo rental available at Tuxedo Junction in Sunrise Mall. Fans are also reminded of the special start time of 8:05pm. The post-game party will begin immediately after the Rayz game concludes.

Join the Rayz at 8:05pm on December 31st for the Biggest and Coolest Party in the Coastal Bend. The Rayz would like to wish all of South Texas, and all of their fans a safe and Happy New Year.

truebluefan

PRESCOTT VALLEY, Ariz. - The Arizona Sundogs Hockey Club, in conjunction with the Central Hockey League has announced that its game against the Colorado Eagles in Loveland, Colorado on Friday, December 22 has been postponed. It will be rescheduled for a later date.

"Extreme weather conditions in Colorado have forced the cancellation of our flight to Colorado," said Sundogs Manager of Public Relations Shane Ferraro. "Bussing is not a viable option due to road conditions virtually shutting down I-25, the main route from New Mexico to Denver."

The Central Hockey League will work with both the Arizona Sundogs and the Colorado Eagles to identify a suitable date for both clubs to make up the game.

"While it is never our preference to adjust team schedules, the safety of CHL fans, athletes and employees takes clear precedence in this situation," said CHL President Brad Treliving. "Ongoing extreme winter weather conditions in the state of Colorado have created significant travel concerns that have necessitated these adjustments."

Please check arizonasundogs.com: Splash for more information as it becomes available.

truebluefan

Broomfield, Colo. - Although the Holiday Blizzard of 2006 forced the Central Hockey League to cancel tonight's Rocky Mountain Rage game against the Lubbock Cotton Kings (it will be made-up on Feb. 28 at Broomfield Event Center), before the storm hit the Rage players continued to visit area schools. The team's First Annual Teddy Bear Toss last Saturday at Broomfield Event Center was also a great success.

On Dec. 14. the Rage visited with kindergartners and first graders at Broomfield's Cotton Creek Elementary School.

The Rage held their First Annual Teddy Bear Toss on Dec. 16 during their game against the Colorado Eagles. Fans tossed a total of 338 brand new stuffed animals onto the ice during the first intermission, which were collected and donated to the North Metro Fire Rescue District and the Broomfield Police Department Santa Cop program.

The Rage are next scheduled to take the ice on Saturday, Dec. 23, against the Eagles in Loveland at the Budweiser Events Center. Following another road date on Dec. 27 against the Arizona Sundogs, the team will then return home to Broomfield Event Center for their first look at the Austin Ice Bats on Fri., Dec. 29, at 7:05 p.m.

Single-game tickets for all Rage home games are on sale with prices ranging from $15-$40 per seat. Tickets may be purchased online at broomfieldeventcenter.com: Home, by calling 303-410-TIXS, or at the Broomfield Event Center box office (11450 Broomfield Ln., Broomfield, 80021). Season tickets, mini-packs, and group plans are also available for the 2006-07 season by calling 303-439-RAGE. For more information, visit Rocky Mountain Rage.

truebluefan

BOSSIER CITY, LA -- The Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs today announced the signing of goaltender Adam Hanna. Hanna joins the team after an MCL injury sidelined goaltender Ken Carroll in practice earlier this week.

Hannah joins the Mudbugs after appearing in two games with the Long Beach Ice Dogs of the ECHL. He played for three years at St. John's University in Collegetown, Minnesota. It was there he set school records for save percentage, goals against average and shutouts. Hannah was the recipient of the Sid Watson award for the most outstanding player in all of Division III hockey in 2006.

"We're excited to add Adam Hanna to the roster," said Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Scott Muscutt. "You can never replace a goaltender the caliber of Ken Carroll, but we're looking forward to Adam joining John DeCaro in net during Kenny's absence."

The Mudbugs are back in action tomorrow night when they play host to Memphis at CenturyTel Center. Group tickets are available by calling 318-752-BUGS. Tickets for the 2007 All-Star banquet and game are also on sale. Visit mudbugshockey.com: Splash or call 318-752-BUGS for more details.

truebluefan

The heavy snowstorm and blizzard like conditions ripping through Colorado have forced postponement of the Tulsa Oilers game with the Wichita Thunder for Friday December 22nd.

Wichita was to have originally played Colorado on Wednesday night, and that game has now been postponed twice, with the teams trying to play that game on Friday. Travel conditions will prohibit Wichita from making it to Tulsa for Friday's scheduled contest with the Oilers. No make-up date for Friday's game has yet been established.

"While it is never our preference to adjust team schedules, the safety of CHL fans, athletes and employees takes clear precedence in this situation," CHL Brad Treliving said in announcing the postponement. "Ongoing extreme winter weather conditions in the state of Colorado have created significant travel concerns that have necessitated these adjustments."

Fans with tickets for Friday's game will have those tickets honored for the make-up date, when it is established. The Oilers season ticket holder party scheduled for Friday will take place after Saturday's game with the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs. The Saturday game with Bossier-Shreveport is set for 7:35 p.m. is not affected by the Friday postponement.

This is the second game this month the Oilers have had postponed due to severe weather conditions. The December 1 game with Oklahoma City will be played Sunday January 7th at 3:05 p.m. at the Tulsa Convention Center.

The Oilers next home game is the game against Bossier-Shreveport Saturday at 7:35 p.m. Tickets are available at the Carson Attraction box office located in the Tulsa Convention Center, all Drug Mart locations and by calling (918) 584-2000.