Oakley CHL Player and Goaltender of the Week Announced
The Week 11 recipients of the Oakley Central Hockey League Player and Goaltender of the Week awards have been determined following nominations from CHL member clubs. Memphis center Travis Banga has been selected as the Oakley CHL Player of the Week after recording eight points in three RiverKings contests, while Rocky Mountain goaltender David Guerrera earns Oakley CHL Goaltender of the Week honors after back to back quality winning outings for the Rage.
Banga helped the RiverKings extend their lead atop the Northeast Division to six points with three multiple point outings. He scored his 15th goal of the season and added an assist on the RiverKings' only other score in a 4-2 loss in Bossier-Shreveport on December 26th, led his club to back to back wins in Youngstown over the weekend. Friday evening he scored the game winner and added an assist in a 6-5 shootout victory, then recorded a four point night (17th goal of the year and three assists) in a 5-3 win over the SteelHounds on Saturday. With eight points this week, Banga has moved into sole possession of seventh place in the CHL scoring race with a total of 36.
Guerrera battled extreme winter and travel conditions this week to lead the Rage to victories on both Friday and Sunday. He made 29 saves Friday evening as Rocky Mountain handled visiting Austin by a 2-1 score, then made another 35 saves on New Year's Eve as the Rage pulled out a 3-2 shootout win in Oklahoma City. Guerrera leads the CHL with 680 saves to date this season, and has been perfect in shootouts, winning all four times required following scoreless overtime sessions. Guerrera earned both Rookie of the Year and Playoff Most Valuable Player honors in the 2003-2004 CHL season while a member of the Laredo Bucks.
AMARILLO, TX - The Amarillo Gorillas of the Central Hockey League (CHL) have been forced to cancel this evening's game against the Austin Ice Bats due to inclement weather and unsafe road conditions for the Ice Bats as they travel from Colorado. A make-up date will be determined in the near future and should be announced before the end of next week. The tickets for this evening's game will be honored for the make-up game. The Gorillas apologize for any inconvenience.
The Gorillas have planned a New Year's extravaganza party in place of the game though and fans are still encouraged to come and ring in the New Year with your hometown team. Fans will be treated to a special Gorillas skills contest starting at 7 P.M. where the team will demonstrate its skating, shooting and stick handling prowess. The team will then participate in an inter-squad scrimmage where the Gorillas will be displaying their specialty Bud Light New Year's jerseys. Directly following the scrimmage, the ice will be opened up for a public skate with the Gorillas.
The Gorillas will then host a special New Year's party in the Ape Escape where the specialty Bud Light New Year's jerseys will be auctioned off and fans will be able to participate in a karaoke contest where the winner will receive a $350 cash prize.
This will be a ticketed event with the tickets scheduled for this evening's game serving as admission into this evening's festivities. All fans in attendance are then instructed to hold onto their tickets for this evening's game as they will then be redeemable for the make-up game.
Season ticket packages and corporate partnerships for the 2006-2007 season are available now! Individual game tickets, as well as great group rates, can be purchased at the Gorillas Hockey Office, located at 1934 Civic Circle off of I-40 and Georgia, the Civic Center Box Office and all Panhandle Ticket Outlets. These include Randy's Music Mart, the West Texas Event Center in Canyon and United Supermarkets. Tickets can also be charged by phone at (806) 378-3096 or (806) 242-PUCK (7825).
AMARILLO, TX - The Amarillo Gorillas of the Central Hockey League (CHL) will join up with local kids tomorrow night for a Gorillas' Kids Coloring Night At Fazoli's. Several Gorillas players will be on hand at the Fazoli's on Soncy tomorrow night (Wednesday January 3rd) from 6-7 P.M. to test their coloring skills against those of local kids in the Amarillo community. All kids who come on out and color with the Gorillas will eat free courtesy of Fazoli's!! The Gorillas will also be available for autographs throughout the evening.
Season ticket packages and corporate partnerships for the 2006-2007 season are available now! Individual game tickets, as well as great group rates, can be purchased at the Gorillas Hockey Office, located at 1934 Civic Circle off of I-40 and Georgia, the Civic Center Box Office and all Panhandle Ticket Outlets. These include Randy's Music Mart, the West Texas Event Center in Canyon and United Supermarkets. Tickets can also be charged by phone at (806) 378-3096 or (806) 242-PUCK (7825).
Sundogs and Toys for Tots Donate Toys to 80 Families in Northern Arizona
PRESCOTT VALLEY, Ariz. - The Arizona Sundogs and Toys for Tots have announced that the first-ever toy drive at the Tim's Toyota Center in Prescott Valley has been a success in providing toys to over 80 families in Northern Arizona.
"It's because of the generosity of our communities and businesses such as the Arizona Sundogs that we have been able to provide a little hope to our youngsters," said Kris Vogler, Coordinator for the Verde Valley Community Toys for Tots.
In total, toys collected at the arena through the month of December were donated to 10 families in the Prescott/Prescott Valley area as well as to 72 families in the Mayer area.
"We are very pleased with the outcome of our partnership with the Verde Valley Toys for Tots organization," said Shane Ferraro, Manager of Public Relations for the Arizona Sundogs. "The Holidays can be a tough time for families and if we can deflect that in any way, we're committed. Our partnership is sure to continue into the future," added Ferraro.
Vernace Selected to Join Kelly in 2007 CHL Dodge All-Star Game
PRESCOTT VALLEY, Ariz. - The Arizona Sundogs Hockey Club today announced that defenseman Michael Vernace has been selected to the CHL Southern Conference All-Star roster by Southern Conference Head Coach Terry Ruskowski.
Vernace is the second Sundog picked to appear in the mid-season game. Forward Brent Kelly was previously selected by CHL Head Coaches, communications departments and selected media as a starter in the contest.
Vernace is currently with the Albany River Rats of the American Hockey League (AHL), being recalled by the Colorado Avalanche to the AHL club on Thursday, December 28.
In 24 games with the Arizona Sundogs this season, the 20-year-old rookie has three goals and eleven assists for 14 points and 20 penalty minutes.
In related news, Southern Conference All-Star starter Brent Kelly has been named as alternate captain for the all-star game.
The 2007 CHL Dodge All-Star game is scheduled for Wednesday, January 17 in Bossier City, Louisiana.
PRESCOTT VALLEY, Ariz. - The Arizona Sundogs played host to the most coveted trophy in all of sports, the NHL's Stanley Cup on Saturday evening in front of a packed house of more than 4,700 fans. Arizona won in convincing fashion 8-3 against division foe the New Mexico Scorpions. Arizona went 4-for-5 on the power play while holding the Scorpions to just 1-for-7 with the man advantage. Seven Sundogs had multiple-point outings in the contest including four point totals from Brent Kelly, Dan Laperriere and Karl Sellan.
Sixteen minutes would pass in the first period before the game would see its first goal. Kelly would score on a pass from Laperriere and Steeves to give the Sundogs a one goal lead. The lead wouldn't last long as New Mexico's Ryan McLeod would tie the game just 37 seconds later on a Aaron MacInnis pass. With just six seconds left in the first frame, Sellan would tally the first of four Sundogs' power play goals from Stillman and Laperriere to go up 2-1.
The Sundogs would start quick in the second period as Cory Stillman would grab his second point of the night just 38 seconds in. Adam Campbell and Kelly were credited with the assists. At the 13:18 mark, the Scorpions would notch their second goal of the night from Ryan McLeod and Rob Guinn. As happened in the first period, Arizona would score with less than 20 seconds left in the period. Stillman's marker from Jon Landry would prove to be the eventual game winner.
In the third, Arizona would tally three power play goals in an 8:54 span. Kelly would start the onslaught at the 4:49 mark from Sellan and Steeves. Landry would grab the next on a pass from Laperriere and Kelly. Sellan would grab the third, his second goal of the night Laperriere and DaSilva. At 13:55, the Scorpions' Josh Garbutt would notch his club's only power play goal of the night. Christopher Robertson and Jamie Herrington assisted on the play. Less than 30 seconds later, DaSilva would secure his second point of the night from Steeves and Sellan.
Brad Smith appeared in net for the Scorpions, stopping 30 of 38 shots while Chris King started in his third-straight game stopping 38 of 41 shots. The Sundogs finished 4-for-5 with the man advantage while the Scorpions went 1-for-7. With the win, the Sundogs climb back into first place in the Southwest Division.
The two teams face off again tomorrow night in the Sundogs' first-ever New Year's Eve game. Game time is set for 8:00pm. Fans can skate with the team after the game to ring in 2007.
Southwest Division Battle Ends Sundogs' Streak at Three
PRESCOTT VALLEY, Ariz. - The New Mexico Scorpions played spoiler in the Arizona Sundogs first-ever New Year's Eve game at the Tim's Toyota Center in Prescott Valley Sunday night. The Sundogs and Scorpions skated in a close battle familiar to the Southwest Division. Both teams were unable to score with the man advantage as the Sundogs went 0-for-10 and the Scorpions went 0-for-9. New Mexico would come out on top with a 2-1 victory ending the Sundogs winning streak at three. Arizona still sits atop the Southwest Division in first place, just one point ahead of second place Amarillo, Lubbock and Odessa.
New Mexico would take an early lead just 1:11 into the contest. Matt Frick would put one past Sundogs' netminder Chris King after a through pass from Ryan McLeod and Lance Herauf. It would take just under 16 minutes for the Sundogs to answer as David Svagrovsky would collect his third goal of the season. Defenseman Adam Campbell was credited with the assist, his second point in two games.
New Mexico would once again gain a one goal lead at the 10:13 mark as Peter Kennedy would tally his first marker of the season on passes from Mike Prpich and Kevin Harvey. The goal would prove to be the game winner as neither team would score again.
Penalties would pick up in the third as both teams would vie to gain momentum. New Mexico would grab five penalties for ten minutes while Arizona tallied three penalties for eight minutes.
Chris King saw his fourth start in as many games but was unable to come away with the win stopping 28 of 30 shots. Brad Smith came away with just his third victory of the season stopping 45 of 46 shots. Next up for the Sundogs are the Colorado Eagles in Loveland, Colorado on Thursday, January 4. Game time is set for 7:05pm.
Sundogs Unload for Four First Period Goals in 5-3 Win
PRESCOTT VALLEY, Ariz. - The Arizona Sundogs and New Mexico Scorpions have become regular foes in the Central Hockey League as they squared off for the sixth time in the month of December. The Clubs meet tomorrow and Sunday evening to closeout the year. Arizona unloaded for four goals in the first period, a margin that the Scorpions would be unable to surmount. Brent Kelly would score the Sundogs first-ever regulation penalty shot in the contest. With the win, the Sundogs improve to 13-11-1 for 27 points and sole possession of second place in the balanced Southwest Division.
New Mexico would strike first early in the contest at 4:37 of the first as Vladimir Hartinger would put the puck past Sundogs' netminder Chris King on passes from Ryan VandenBussche and Aaron MacInnis. Less than a minute later, Brent Kelly would score the Sundogs' first-ever regulation penalty shot to tie the game. At 8:21 of the first period, Dan DaSilva would team up with Chris Bartolone to give Arizona its first lead of the game. At the 13:21 mark, Bartolone would grab his second point of the night, this time on an unassisted marker to increase the Sundogs' lead to two. At 18:43 of the first, DaSilva would collect his second goal of the night to cap off an offensive first period by Arizona. Jonathan Bernier and Jordan Mowbray would assist on the play.
In the second, Mike Falk would cut the Sundogs' lead back to two with a power play goal on a pass from Rob Guinn and Christopher Robertson at the 6:50 mark. Both teams would see power play chances in the second, but the game's next goal wouldn't be scored until 17:28. Arizona's Jon Landry would grab a power play goal of his own with Chris Greene being credited with the assist.
The third period would see the Scorpions' Lance Herauf try and cut into Arizona's lead but his goal from Falk and Brad Smith wouldn't prove to be enough as neither team would crack the net again.
Chris King appeared in net for the Sundogs stopping 33 of 36 shots for the win while New Mexico netminder Brad Smith stopped 19 of 24 shots. Both teams went 1-for-6 with the man advantage. The two clubs face off again tomorrow night at the Tim's Toyota Center in Prescott Valley. Game time is set for 7:30pm.
Wildfong and DeCaro Announced as 2007 CHL All-Stars
BOSSIER CITY, LA -- The Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs announced today that team captain Dan Wildfong and rookie goaltender John DeCaro have been named to the 2007 Dodge CHL All-Star roster. The remaining roster was selected by the respective conference All- Star coaches in conjuction with the CHL's Hockey Operations Department. The All-Star game will be played on January 17th, 2007 at CenturyTel Center.
Wildfong and DeCaro join Mudbugs goaltender Ken Carroll, who was selected as a starter earlier in the week but will not play due to injury. It's the third time Wildfong has been voted to the All-Star game during his career and the first for DeCaro. DeCaro leads all active goaltenders in goals-against average and save percentage. Wildfong will serve as an Alternate Captain for the Northern Conference.
The entire roster includes the following:
2007 CHL Northern Conference All-Stars
Coach: Chris Stewart, Colorado
Athletic Trainer: Chris Porowski, Colorado
Equipment Manager: Tony Deynzer, Colorado
Broadcaster: Jim Erickson, Memphis
Forwards CHL Team
*Christian, Jeff Youngstown
*Nelson, Riley (A) Colorado
*Richards, Chris Youngstown
Blaznek, Joe Wichita
Hartsburg, Chris Colorado
Prosofsky, Garrett Oklahoma City
Wiggins, Mike Tulsa
Wildfong, Dan (A) Bossier-Shreveport
Wires, Mark Rocky Mountain
Defensemen CHL Team
*Burgoyne, Mike Oklahoma City
*Landmesser, Derek* (C) Memphis
Esdale, Paul Youngstown
Medley, Matt Tulsa
Tessier, Jason Memphis
Williamson, Brad Colorado
Goaltenders CHL Team
*Carroll, Ken (INJ) Bossier-Shreveport
Decaro, John Bossier-Shreveport
Sterling, Larry Memphis
Laplante, Sebastien Wichita
*Starting Line-Up
2007 CHL Southern Conference All-Stars
Coach: Terry Ruskowski, Laredo
Athletic Trainer: Bobby Moore, Laredo
Equipment Manager: Rusty Aldridge, Laredo
Broadcaster: Josh Bogorad, Corpus Christi
Forwards
*Kelly, Brent (A) Arizona
*Quenneville, Justin Corpus Christi
*Watson, Simon Lubbock
Chaumont, Bobby Laredo
Hansen, Rich Amarillo
Herauf, Lance New Mexico
Korchinski, Chris Laredo
McNabb, John Austin
Rutter, Mike Odessa
Defensemen
*Hillman, Scott (C) Odessa
*Rivet, Adam (A) Laredo
Dulle, Kurtis Rio Grande Valley
Guinn, Rob New Mexico
Vernace, Michael Arizona
Virtue, Terry Austin
Goaltenders
*Symington, Jeremy Rio Grande Valley
Perras, JF Lubbock
Zelenewich, Brent Corpus Christi
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