[truebluefan]

Mudbugs Weekly

MUDBUGS BEAT MEMPHIS IN THIRD STRAIGHT MEETING, 4-2
The Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs felt no holiday hangover when they faced the Memphis RiverKings on Boxing Day, December 26th. The Bugs trailed by a goal when special teams swung the momentum the other direction. Chris Abbott scored on the powerplay, followed up by a Forbes MacPherson shorthanded goal. Travis Banga tied the game up in the third period, but quick work on a neutral zone turnover allowed Daniel Pegoraro to feed Karlis Zirnis for the game winning goal. Pegoraro added an empty net goal and John DeCaro won his third straight in goal for the Mudbugs. The win marked the third time Bossier-Shreveport beat Memphis in as many games.

BUGS FIND VICTORY IN WEST TEXAS
The Bugs began a swing of three games in three days with a Friday night game in Odessa, Texas, against the Jackalopes. The Mudbugs trailed by one goal after a scoreless first period when Jeremy Downs turned on the offense. He scored his first two goals of the season, both from the point to give Bossier-Shreveport the lead. Ryan Fairbarn added his first goal since returning from injury to seal the game, 3-1. It was the first start and first win for Adam Hanna in net, who surrendered only one goal after facing 45 shots.

MUDBUGS DISPOSE OF COTTON KINGS 5-2
The Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs finished off the season series edging Lubbock two games to one, with a 5-2 win on Saturday night at CenturyTel Center. The Mudbugs powerplay went 2 for 6 as Cam Abbott, Dan Wildfong and Daniel Pegoraro all turned in two point games. It was the fifth straight win for the Mudbugs. Former Mudbugs player Craig Minard registered a goal on the man advantage.

HI SCORING NEW YEAR'S GAME ENDS IN SHOOTOUT LOSS AGAINST CORPUS CHRISTI
The Mudbugs hoped to end 2006 on a high note but fell just short, dropping Sunday's game 5-4 in a shootout against the Rayz. Daniel Pegoraro turned in a two goal performance while Dan Wildfong finished with three assists on the evening. Forbes MacPherson notched two assists, including the best pass of the game to set up Ryan Fairbarn's goal. The Mudbugs killed off one minute of a powerplay when Cam Abbott was sent to the box on a hooking call to send the game to a shootout. Ryan Carter and Jason Baird scored in the shootout for the Rayz while the Mudbugs were unable to score on Brent Zelenewich in four tries.

MUDBUGS STARS OF THE WEEK
DANIEL PEGORARO - Four goal and two assists gave the Mudbugs some major offensive lift last week.
DAN WILDFONG - The three time all-star registered 8 points in four games.
ADAM HANNA - Earned a record of 2-0-1 and a goals-against average of 2.27 in his first three CHL games.

NEWS AND NOTES
-Mudbugs goaltender John DeCaro became the first Bug since Scott Sheppard to be called up to the American Hockey League. He suited up on Saturday night for the Philadelphia Phantoms but did not play.
-The Mudbugs finished December 8-2-2. Their record of 7-1-2 has vaulted them to fourth place overall in the CHL standings.

THREE BUGS NAMED TO ALL-STAR TEAM
Three Mudbugs were named to the 2007 Northern Conference All-Star team. Ken Carroll was named a starter, but will not play due to injury. It's the fourth time Carroll has been selected as an All-Star. Mudbugs rookie goaltender John DeCaro has been selected for the first time in his career. Dan Wildfong will make his third All-Star appearance; he was also named an alternate captain for the team. All three players will attend the game scheduled for January 17th, 2007 at CenturyTel Center.



UPCOMING GAME PROMOTIONS
CHEERLEADER NIGHT - Anyone wearing a cheerleading outfit gets free admission when the Mudbugs host the Tulsa Oilers on January 5th, 2007 at 7:05 PM. Tickets for family and friends are available at group rate of $9 per ticket. Please call the Mudbugs office at 318-752-BUGS for details.

GUN'S AND HOSES -- The Mudbugs will be offering discounted tickets to all city personnel at Firehouse Subs this week. Each ticket sold will be entered for a chance to win a Firehouse Subs sponsored 10th Anniversary Mudbugs jersey w/ Shreveport Police and Fire Department patches. The winner will also drop the opening puck the night of the game. A portion of each ticket sold with be donated to Supporters of the Shield and the family of firefighter Mike Waits. Come out and show your support for Bossier-Shreveport's Bravest and Finest!

ALL-STAR BANQUET TICKETS ON SALE
Tickets to the 2007 All-Star Banquet dinner presented by Dodge are on sale. The Banquet will be held on January 16th from 5:30 PM-8:00 PM at the Horseshoe Casino RiverDome. Colorado Avalanche President Pierre Lacroix is scheduled to speak at the event. Call 318-752-BUGS to reserve your tickets today. You can also click the link on the left hand side of the page at mudbugshockey.com: Splash, print off the registration form and fax it to the Mudbugs office.

POWERPLAY WITH SCOTT MUSCUTT -
The next Coach's Show is scheduled for Tuesday, January 9th at 6 PM. Come out to Buffalo Wild Wings at the Louisiana Boardwalk to join Mudbug players, coaches and Justin Scholtes for a show that covers everything regarding Mudbugs hockey. The show will air live on 1130 KWKH. One lucky fan will win a special Mudbugs prize.

THIS WEEK -
The Mudbugs are home for the next four games leading up to the All-Star Game at CenturyTel Center on January 17th, 2007. The Mudbugs host the Tulsa Oilers on Friday, January 5th at 7:05 PM. Then the Corpus Christi Rayz visit Century Tel Center on Saturday, January 6th for a 7:05 PM game. Single game tickets can be purchased at the CenturyTel Box Office, online at Official Ticketmaster site. Tickets for Concerts, Sports, Arts, Theater, Family, Events, more or by phone at 318-741-9700. Group tickets can be purchased by calling 318-752-BUGS.

 

[truebluefan]

Elvis, Blazers Start ‘07

King Weekend:The Tulsa Oilers start the 2007 portion of their schedule Friday at Bossier-Shreveport at 7:05 against the Mudbugs. That game can be heard on KRVT AM 1270 and via the internet at The Official Site of the Tulsa Oilers . The Oilers will then host Elvis night on Saturday as they host the Memphis RiverKings at 7:35 p.m. On Sunday the Oilers will play a make up game against the Oklahoma City Blazers. That game will start at the Tulsa Convention Center at 3 p.m. Fans who purchased tickets for the December 1 game that was postponed can use those tickets for Sunday afternoon's game.

'06 Wrap-up: The Oilers lost a wild 7-5 decision in Amarillo on December 29th, defeated the Oklahoma City Blazers 4-2 on the 30th, and dropped a 4-1 decision in Wichita on New Years Eve.

Shining Stars: Defenseman Matt Medley and right winger Mike Wiggins have been named to the Northenr Conference team for the 2007 CHL Dodge All-Star game. The Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs will host the game on Wednesday January 17th.

Make-Up II: Along with playing a make-up date this Sunday at 3 p.m., the Oilers have rescheduled their home date from December 22nd with Wichita. That game will be played Tuesday February 6th at the Tulsa Convention Center at 7:05 p.m. Tickets from December 22nd will be honored for the make up date of February 6th.

Tickets Here: Oiler tickets are available at all Carson Attraction locations, Drug Mart stores, and by phone at (918) 584-2000.

 

[truebluefan]

Thunder weekly

THUNDER COMEBACK FALLS SHORT IN COLORADO- Trailing 4-0 in the third period, the Thunder outshot the Eagles 16-6 and scored a pair of goals, but fell 4-2 on Friday night in Colorado. Travis Clayton scored both goals for the Thunder, who also had a goal by Scott Rozendal waived off.

WEATHER FORCES POSTPONEMENT- Due to the snow storm in Colorado, the Thunder had to find an alternate route back to Wichita, forcing the postponement of Saturday's home game versus Amarillo. Due to numerous road closures the Thunder left Fort Collins at 9:00 AM Saturday, traveled north thru Cheyenne, Wyoming, and then took I-80 East thru Nebraska. The Thunder finally arrived back in Wichita at 10:35 PM. Saturday's postponed game has not yet been rescheduled.

THUNDER SHUTS DOWN OILERS- The Thunder jumped out to a first period lead and never looked back, rolling to a 4-1 home win on New Year's Eve over Tulsa, the CHL's highest scoring team. Joe Blaznek led the Thunder with three assists on goals by Kris Wiebe, Ryan Lauzon, and Scott Rozendal. Daniel Tetrault also added a goal, making a winner out of goaltender Sebastien Laplante. The win was Wichita's first of the season when a game has been decided by three or more goals (1-6-0) and moved Wichita's all-time New Year's Eve record to 10-4-1. The Thunder did not allow a shorthanded goal, ending a streak of four games.

THUNDER ROAD GAME RESCHEDULED- The Thunder game at Tulsa, snowed out on Friday, December 22 when the Thunder were stuck in Colorado the first time, has been rescheduled for Tuesday, February 6 at 7:05 PM.

FEWER PENALTIES, BETTER PENALTY KILLING- After spending most of the season in the penalty box, the Thunder has smartened up lately, taking fewer penalties and thus vastly improving the penalty kill. Over the last five games, the Thunder has been shorthanded just 21 times and has killed off 20 of those power play opportunities, moving up to sixth in the CHL at 84.5%.

INJURY REPORT- Forward Ryan McLean missed Sunday's game and is questionable for this weekend. McLean, second in Thunder history with 934 penalty minutes, is just one point shy of 100 for his career. The Thunder, who have an open roster spot, have played with a full 18-man lineup just six times this season.

MILESTONES- Veteran Travis Clayton scored two goals on Friday, passing Don Parsons for fourth on the all-time CHL goal-scoring list with 291. Clayton now needs four goals to pass Luc Beausoleil for third place in CHL history. Jason Duda is close behind, with 287 goals. Ryan Lauzon is two points shy of 100 for his career. Scott Rozendal has matched his totals of last season with 14 points in just 27 games. Last season he scored 14 points in 49 games.

THUNDERBOLTS- Matt Coughlin ranks second in the CHL with 11 majors and is third overall with 133 penalty minutes...Daniel Tetrault is third among CHL defensemen with five power play goals...Wichita is still last in the CHL, averaging 30 shots per game.

PROMOTIONS- Thunder players will be signing autographs at Best Buy today and tomorrow. Troy Barnes, Andrew Martin and Jeremy Koning will be at Best Buy EAST on TUESDAY from 6:30-7:30 PM, while Joe Blaznek, Kris Wiebe and Kim Brandvold will be at Best Buy WEST on WEDNESDAY from 6:30-7:30 PM. Friday's game is the Taco Bueno and Fox 104.5, 13th annual sports auction, as well as Fantastic Sam's "N" Magnet Night. Saturday is Sonic Thunderdog's 14th Birthday Party.

LAST WEEK'S GAMES:

Friday, December 29- Wichita 2 at Colorado 4 Loss

Saturday, December 30- Amarillo at Wichita Postponed

Sunday, December 31- Tulsa 1 at Wichita 4 Win

THIS WEEK'S GAMES:

Friday, January 5- Odessa at Wichita 7:05 PM

Saturday, January 6- Oklahoma City at Wichita 7:05 PM

PRACTICE SCHEDULE:

Tuesday-Thursday Wichita Ice Center 10:00 AM

Friday Kansas Coliseum 10:00 AM

METAL BLADE RECORDS PLAYER OF THE WEEK-

Goaltender Sebastien Laplante 2GP, 1-1-0, 2.50 GAA

 

[truebluefan]

Rage's Guererra Named CHL Goaltender of the Week

Broomfield, Colo. - The Central Hockey League today named Rocky Mountain Rage goaltender David Guererra its Oakley Goaltender of the Week for the week of Dec. 25 - Dec. 31.

Last week Guererra helped lead the Rage to their first two-game winning streak since Nov. 25 and 28 by going 2-0-0 with a 1.44 goals against average and .955 save percentage. He stopped 29 of 30 shots last Friday against the Austin Ice Bats, including all 13 he faced in the third period to preserve a 2-1 victory. The fourth-year pro then made 35 saves through regulation and overtime before stopping four of five Oklahoma City shooters as Rocky Mountain concluded 2006 with a 3-2 shootout win over the Blazers on New Year's Eve.

Now a perfect 4-0 in shootouts this season, Guererra has been in goal for all eight of the Rage's victories and is the first player in team history to garner a CHL weekly award. On the season, he is 8-11-2 with a 3.08 goals against average and .914 save percentage.

The son of first generation Italians, Guererra grew up speaking Italian at home and attended English-speaking school in predominantly French-speaking Montreal. Following a stand-out college career at Wayne State University in Detroit, he turned pro and helped lead the Laredo Bucks to the CHL's President's Cup title in 2003-04 on his way to earning league Rookie of the Year and Playoff MVP honors. He helped the Bucks back to the Finals in 2004-05 before spending last season playing in Norway.

The Rage return to the ice looking for their third straight win on Thursday, Jan. 4, when they host the Youngstown SteelHounds at Broomfield Event Center 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]

Banga named CHL Player of the Week

SOUTHAVEN, MS --- The Central Hockey League announced today that RiverKings center Travis Banga (Bunga) has been named the Oakley CHL Player of the Week. Banga scored three goals and had five assists in three games last week. This is the third time that he has been named the player of the week in his career, earning the distinction once in each of his first two seasons.

To start out last week, the High River, Alberta native had a goal and an assist in a 4-2 loss at Bossier-Shreveport on Tuesday. Then, in the big weekend series in Youngstown, Banga helped the RiverKings expand their lead over the Steelhounds to seven points in the division standings. In the first game on Friday, he clinched the game in the shootout to go with an assist earlier in the game. On Saturday, the third year pro scored a goal and assisted on three, including Ryan Campbell's game winner in the third period.

For the season, Banga leads the team with 17 goals and 36 points. He is also sixth and seventh in the CHL in those categories, respectively. He has been exceptionally productive the last 12 games. He has registered at least a point in 11 of those games, has eight goals and 12 assists for a total of 20 points in that span, and has a four game goal streak.

Banga and the first place RiverKings will conclude a string of seven straight road games with contests this weekend at Oklahoma City on Friday and Tulsa on Saturday. The team then returns home for three straight beginning on Sunday, January 7 versus the Corpus Christi Rayz at 5:05. That game will be followed by a post game skate with RiverKings players.

########################

A RiverKings game is even more fun when you come as a group. Groups of 15 or more save up to 30% on the box office rate, plus every person in the group receives a player mini bobblehead. Call 662-342-1755 for more information.

Don't miss the next Kevin McClelland Show on Tuesday, January 2 LIVE from Beef O' Brady's in Southaven from 6-7 on Sports 56 WHBQ.

RiverKings Single-Game Tickets for all 2006-2007 home games are on sale now at the DeSoto Civic Center box office and at all TicketMaster locations and at ticketmaster.com.

UPCOMING PROMOTIONS: Sunday, January 7 --- Post Game Skate with Players; Tuesday, January 9 --- WMC TV Channel 5 CheerStix to first 1,500 fans; Friday, January 12 --- Cellular South Darrell Stoddard Mini Bobbleheads to first 1,500 fans; Post Game Skate; Friday, January 19 --- RiverKings Drawstring Backpacks to the first 1,500 fans; Post Game Skate

After every RiverKings home game, the party heads to the new Buffalo Wild Wings on Airways in Southaven, the official Post Game Hang-Out of the RiverKings.

 

[truebluefan]

Eagles Week in Review

Week In Review


Wednesday, December 27 Eagles 5 @ New Mexico Scorpions 1
The Colorado Eagles won their ninth straight game Wednesday night 5-1 against the New Mexico Scorpions at the Santa Ana Star Center in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. Colorado scored two shorthanded goals by Ed McGrane and Aaron Schneekloth adding to their league-leading total of 19 shorthanded goals on the season. Marco Emond stopped 36 of 37 shots for his seventh straight victory.


Friday, December 29 Eagles 4 vs. Wichita Thunder 2
Chris Hartsburg had his second straight two-goal game as the Colorado Eagles defeated the Wichita Thunder Friday night 4-2 at the Budweiser Events Center. The game marked the Eagles 123rd consecutive sellout (including playoffs) at home. Tim Boron saved 30 of 32 shots for his fifth win of the season and Sebastien Laplante saved 36 of 40 shots for the Thunder. Brad Williamson scored the Eagles league-leading 20th shorthanded goal.


Saturday, December 30 Eagles 3 vs. Austin Ice Bats 2 - OT
Les Borsheim scored the game-winning goal 1:54 into overtime as the Colorado Eagles won their 11th straight game 3-2 over the Austin Ice Bats at the Budweiser Events Center. The game marked Austin's first trip to Colorado in four seasons and they became only the second team this season to earn a point at the BEC.



Week Ahead
Thursday, January 4 vs. Arizona Sundogs, 7:05 p.m. MST Radio: 107.9 The Bear
The Eagles take on the Sundogs for the third time this season at the Budweiser Events Center. It is the fourth overall meeting of the season and the home team has won every game. This is a rescheduled game that was originally to be played on December 22, 2006. Each team has scored six power play goals on 27 chances and the Sundogs hold a slight edge out scoring Colorado a total of 13-12.


Friday, January 5 vs. Youngstown SteelHounds, 7:05 p.m. MST Radio: 107.9 The Bear
Colorado hosts the SteelHounds for the first of two January meetings at the Budweiser Events Center. The Eagles have not lost to the SteelHounds going 4-0 last year in Youngstown's inaugural season. Colorado won both meetings at the BEC last season by a combined score of 7-3. The teams will play three games in Youngstown over the St. Patrick's Day weekend. Last season, Colorado played on the green ice in Youngstown on St. Patrick's Day.


Saturday, January 6 vs. Rocky Mountain Rage, 7:05 p.m. MST Radio: 107.9 The Bear
The Rage are a familiar foe for Colorado this season, the game on Saturday will be the 10th meeting between the two teams this season. Colorado is 7-2 against Rocky Mountain having won the last four contests. Riley Nelson leads all scorers in the series with 16 points (7-9-16) including two shorthanded goals. The Eagles and Rage will face off two more times after Saturday night's game, once in Broomfield on February 10th and once more on March 3rd in front of a televised audience on Altitude Sports & Entertainment.


Eagles Team Leaders
Goals: Pankewicz 18 Shots: Nelson 109
Assists: Williamson 26 SH Pct: Pankewicz .340 - leads CHL
Points: Nelson 38 Shootout G: -- --
+/-: Nelson +20 Wins: Emond 17
PIM: Borsheim 116 GAA: Emond 2.62
PPG: Pankewicz 12 - leads CHL Saves: Emond 563
SHG: Nelson 7 - leads CHL Save Pct: Emond .918
GWG: Pankewicz 4 Minutes: Emond 1146:56


Streaks
Ed McGrane Five games (4-4-8)


Rescheduled Game- The Eagles game on Thursday night is the rescheduled game against the Arizona Sundogs originally scheduled for December 22, 2006. Season ticket holders are asked to bring their original Game #13 tickets to the game.


Win Streak- The Eagles are currently on an 11-game winning streak that started on December 2nd against the Lubbock Cotton Kings. The streak is the second longest in Eagles history and one-away from the all-time mark of 12 games that Colorado tied in the 2004-05 season. During the win streak Colorado has out scored their opponents 44-20.


Home Sweet Home- Since the Eagles opening night loss to the Rage at the Budweiser Events Center on October 20th, the Eagles have not lost a game at home. Colorado has reeled off 14 consecutive wins in which they have outscored their opponents 66-31 during that time. The streak is the longest streak of home wins in Eagles history.


Moving on Up- Eagles head coach Chris Stewart won his 314th Central Hockey League game on Saturday night against the Austin Ice Bats. He is now tied with Ice Bats head coach Bill McDonald on the CHL's all-time list with the 314 wins.


Three-in-Three- Due to the rescheduled game against the Arizona Sundogs, the Eagles will be playing three games in three nights. After this weekend, the Eagles will have two more "three-in-three" situations, both of them on the road. Colorado travels to Tulsa, Wichita and Oklahoma City later this month for three games in three nights on January 26-28. Later in the season, the Eagles will play three games in three nights against the Youngstown SteelHounds on March 16-18.


Magic Number "3"- The Eagles magic number this season is three. Colorado is 23-1 this season when scoring three or more goals and they have won 23 games in a row when reaching the third goal. On the contrary, the Eagles are just 1-3 when scoring less than three goals.


Eagles on The Bear- Every Colorado Eagles game will be held on the new home of the Colorado Eagles, 107.9 The Bear. All Eagles games will also be streamed online at www.1079thebear.com.

 

[truebluefan]

Cotton Kings Weekly Notes

COMEBACK WIN HELPS KINGS SPLIT WEEK CLOSING OUT 2006

The Lubbock Cotton Kings opened the week with a 3-0 win over the Odessa Jackalopes on Tuesday and closed the week and the calendar year with a 2-1 comeback win in overtime over the Jackalopes to split the week with a 2-2-0 record. The losses in between included a 3-1 home loss Friday to Corpus Christi and a 5-2 loss Saturday at Bossier-Shreveport. Lubbock enters the week with a 13-13-2 record and tied for second place in the Southwest Division, sitting a standing-point behind first place Arizona. This week, the Kings have two games on the docket, with a trip to Austin to face the Ice Bats on Thursday and a home game Saturday against the Odessa Jackalopes.

A NEW YEAR, A NEW MONTH

After a strong November, the Cotton Kings were looking for an optimistic December, but things did not pan out that way. Injuries, medical conditions and a lack of offense turned out to be huge factors dealt to the Kings during the month and they completed the month with a 4-9-1 record. In January, Lubbock has ten games schedules split with five home and five road games. Of the ten games scheduled, only four division contests are scheduled, with a pair of games against Arizona and Odessa. Non-division contests see the Cotton Kings host Corpus Christi, Tulsa and Wichita, and will see the Kings travel to Austin, Oklahoma City and Tulsa.

December numbers:

Record for the month: 4-9-1

Leading Scorer: Simon Watson (6g,2a) 8 pts.

Leading Defenseman: Craig Minard 7 pts (2g,5a)

PP%: 9/87 10.3% PK% 84/94 89.4%

LANCE LESLIE LEADS OFF A PAIR OF PLAYER TRIBUTE NIGHTS

This Saturday night is "Lance Leslie Night," as the Cotton Kings pay tribute to the former goaltender. Lance Leslie will be in attendance signing autographs, and the first 1,500 kids 12 and under will receive Youth Replica Jerseys compliments of McDonald's. S&S Dirt is the game night sponsor and the Kings will also wear stripped alternative jerseys, which will be auctioned off after the game. Leslie closed his 12-year pro career at the conclusion of last season, bringing an end to Lubbock's most storied goaltender in franchise history. The Dawson Creek, BC native played in his final game on March 25th at the Lubbock Municipal Coliseum and the game was his 300th appearance in a CHL/WPHL game, marking him as the third goalie ever to accomplish the feat behind Rod Branch (388) and Tony Martino (321). Leslie's career concluded with a 241-173-54 record and a 3.15 GAA with a 90.1% save percentage and 17 shutouts in 496 games. His Cotton Kings numbers included an 81-53-17 record, a 2.74 GAA, 91.1% save percentage and 7 shutouts in 160 games.

The Cotton Kings will also have a "Paul Fioroni Night" February 3rd against the New Mexico Scorpions. Additional info will be announced closer to the date detailing the event.

PENALTY SHOTS

Penalty shots are rare in the sport of hockey, but not for the Lubbock Cotton Kings this season. There have been seasons in the past in which the Kings never saw a penalty shot attempted, but this season, the Kings have been a part of a team record 7. There is no true official stat kept on file concerning penalty shots, but there is research underway to uncover what the CHL single season record might be for penalty shots. Last season, the Oklahoma City Blazers set a franchise high with seven penalty shot attempts.

THE KILLERS

Lubbock's penalty kill in the month of December finished at 89.4% and it improved their overall penalty kill percentage to 88.2%, which ranks third in the CHL. Their home penalty kill percentage leads the CHL at 91.3% and they have only allowed 9 power play goals at home this season. Lubbock's PK group is 20 for 20 over the last three home games and they went 46 for 48 (95.8%) in December on home ice.

THE WIENERSCHNITZEL TOP DOG OF THE WEEK

Each week a member of the Cotton Kings is selected as the "Wienerschnitzel Top Dog of the Week" for their performance in the previous week's games, and this week's recipient for their effort last week is goaltender J.F. Perras. The Embrun, Ontario native had an outstanding week in net for the Kings. He posted a 2-1-0 record in three games played and stopped 93 of 96 shots for a 96.9% save percentage. He allowed just three goals on the week and shutout the Odessa Jackalopes on Tuesday. The shutout was his second consecutive home shutout at the time. Perras currently ranks third in the CHL with a 2.36 GAA and with a 93.2% save percentage.

THIS WEEK'S "INSIDE THE NUMBERS"

2 - Empty Net Goals - Lubbock had not surrendered an empty net goal this season until giving up empty net goals Friday against Corpus Christi and Saturday against Bossier-Shreveport.

31 - Goals Allowed - Lubbock ranks second in the league in goals allowed at home with an allowance of 31 goals this season on home ice.

168:16 - Shutout Sequence - Cotton Kings goaltender J.F. Perras had back-to-back home shutouts and combined for 168:16 of shutout hockey on home ice.

WEEK IN REVIEW

Dec. 26 vs. Odessa W 3-0

Top Star: LUB - Jimmy Callahan (2G,1a, 3 pts)

Dec. 29 vs. Corpus Christi L 3-1

Top Star: CRP - Ron Vogel (38 saves)

Dec. 30 @ Bossier-Shreveport L 2-5

Top Star: BOS - Karlis Zirnis (1g,1a, 2pts.)

Dec. 31 vs. Odessa W 2-1

Top Star: LUB - Kyle Nosan (OT GW Goal)

WEEK AHEAD

PRACTICE SCHEDULE: Wed: 8 - 9:30 AM... DEPART FOR AUSTIN AT 10 AM

Thur. Jan. 4 7:30 pm @ Austin Ice Bats

Radio: KKAM 1340 AM TV: None

Notes: The Cotton Kings start the week on the road with their second trip to the Chaparral Ice Center to battle the Austin Ice Bats. Austin continues to be coached by former Cotton Kings Head Coach Bill McDonald. Lubbock won the prior meeting this season 4-2 on October 27th, with Bobby Brown netting a pair of goals. This meeting marks the 24th time all-time and holds a 11-8-4 all-time record against the Bats, while Austin holds a 12-9-2 series advantage. The all-time leading scorer in the series is former Austin forward Dan Price, who has 22 points (9g,13a), while Lubbock's all-time leader is former King Jan Melichercik, who had 5 goals and 15 assists for 20 points in 19 games.

Sat. Jan. 6 7:05 pm vs. Odessa Jackalopes

Radio: KFYO 790 AM TV: CHLTV.COM

Notes: It is "Lance Leslie Night" as the Odessa Jackalopes and Lubbock Cotton Kings face off for the fourth time in Lubbock this season and for the 77th meeting all-time. Odessa, who owns the all-time regular season series with a 49-22-5 record, is 3-2-1 this season against the Kings. Lubbock is 27-44-5 all-time against Odessa and former King Jan Melichercik is the Kings all-time leader against the Jacks with 43 points (16g, 27a). Lubbock's Bobby Brown (2g,5a), leads the Kings in this season's series with seven points, while Mike Rutter (2g,7a) and Steve Shrum (4g,5a) each lead the Jackalopes this season against Lubbock with nine points.

 

[truebluefan]

Cotton Kings and Rocky Mountain Complete Trade

LUBBOCK, TX: January 3, 2007 - The Lubbock Cotton Kings and the Rocky Mountain Rage are ringing in the New Year with a major trade, as the Cotton Kings have traded forward Trevor Weisgerber to the Rage for forward Anders Strome.

Strome, a native of Winnipeg, Manitoba, returns to Lubbock for his second stint and third season with the Cotton Kings. His last season in Lubbock came during the 04/05 season, as he led the Kings in scoring that season with 57 points off 35 goals and 22 assists, including tying a franchise high with a four-goal performance on 2/19/05. He earned an invitation to the CHL All-Star Game in Laredo that season and earned the Cotton Kings "Offensive Player of the Year" honor. The 6'3" 210-pound forward originally joined the Kings in his rookie season (03/04) ironically via a January trade with the Wichita Thunder for Joe Blaznek. Strome appeared in 25 games with the Kings that season and compiled 10 goals and 9 assists for 19 points, leading to a finalist for the CHL "Rookie of the Year" award. He appeared in the CBC (Canadian TV) reality series "Making the Cut" and made it to the final round of 18 players. The appearance led to him attending training camp with the American Hockey League's San Antonio Rampage before returning to Lubbock in 04/05. Following the 04/05 season, Strome went to the ECHL and appeared with a trio of teams. He played with the Long Beach Ice Dogs and the Florida Everblades before closing the season with the South Carolina Stingrays. Strome combined for 14 goals and 21 assists for 35 points in 54 regular season games, and led the Stingrays in postseason scoring with 7 points (5g,2a). With the Rage this season, playing under former Kings player and coach Tracy Egeland, Strome was co-leading the team in points with 22 points, which included a team leading 12 goals. His all-time pro numbers include 86 goals and 80 assists for 166 points in 206 games, and his Kings numbers include 45 goals and 31 assists for 76 points in 85 games. The fourth-year pro has attended AHL training camps with Manitoba (03/04), San Antonio (04/05) and Manchester (05/06) throughout his career. Prior to turning pro, Strome was a Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL) All-Star and "All-Rookie Team" member during the 99/00 season with 24 goals and 47 assists for 71 points in 63 games, and a MJHL postseason leading 23 points (14g,9a) in 16 games with the Winnipeg South Blues. He earned the team's "Rookie of the Year" and "Top Playoff Performer" awards. Strome went on to a three-year college career following juniors at UMass-Lowell, where he combined for 20 goals and 15 assists for 35 points in 91 games.

Weisgerber leaves the Kings ranked second in scoring with 10 goals and 13 assists for 23 points in 28 games. The Vibank, Saskatchewan native was in his first season with the Kings after being acquired in an offseason trade with Rio Grande Valley for Emery Olauson. While in Rio Grande Valley, Weisgerber played under Egeland and was the Killer Bees leading scorer last season. The fifth-year pro also leaves the Kings with six multi-point games and with individual game highs for shots (9 on 11/16) and power play goals (co-leads with 2 from 10/28) this season.

Lubbock expects to have Strome join the team Thursday night, as the Kings are on the road. The Cotton Kings face the Austin Ice Bats Thursday night in Austin before returning home to host the Odessa Jackalopes Saturday. Strome will not be the only familiar name making a return to "The Kingdom" Saturday, as it is "Lance Leslie Night." Leslie will be on hand signing autographs and the first 1,500 kids 12 and under in attendance will receive a youth replica jersey compliments of McDonald's. The Kings will also be wearing striped alternate jerseys, which will be auctioned off after the game.

The Cotton Kings are competing in their eighth season of professional hockey in the South Plains. The next home game, Saturday against Odessa, is set for a 7:05 face-off inside City Bank Coliseum. 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]

Gorillas weekly update

GORILLAS CONTINUE TO ROLL - The Amarillo Gorillas enter Central Hockey League play this week in the midst of a season-high 4-game winning streak, which has vaulted them to within one point of first place in the highly contested Southwest Division. The Arizona Sundogs lead the division with 29 overall points, but have played one more game than the Gorillas. In fact, with 26 games played, Amarillo has played the fewest games of any team in the Southern Conference. And yet, the Apes stand poised to take over the division as they prepare for another grueling 3-games-in-3-days weekend. The Gorillas own the best winning percentage (.538) of any team in the division and now stand at 13-11-2 overall, thanks to the recent 4-game stretch.

WEEKEND RUNDOWN -

FRIDAY January 5th @ New Mexico Scorpions, 7:35 P.M. (Santa Ana Star Center)

(Mountain Standard Time)

SATURDAY January 6th vs. Youngstown Steelhounds, 7:05 P.M. (The Jungle)

SUNDAY January 7th vs. Odessa Jackalopes, 5:05 P.M. (The Jungle)

**All 3 games can be heard on 1010 AM The Canyon**

SCORING APLENTY - One of the biggest reasons why the Gorillas have had so much recent success has been their ability to consistently find the back of the net. In their first 22 games, the Apes had scored 5 or more goals only three times this season. However, in their last four contests, the Gorillas have tickled the twine 5 or more times in 3 of those 4 games, including a season-high 7 total goals in a 7-5 victory over the Tulsa Oilers last Friday. During its recent 4-game winning streak, Amarillo has outscored the opposition 21-12 overall and has only been shutout in 2 of 12 periods within the last four games. The Gorillas have now scored at least one goal in each of their last 8 periods, the longest such streak of the season. And while the Apes are still averaging just 3.23 goals per game (9th best in the league), they're averaging better than 5 goals per contest (5.25) during the recent winning streak. The Gorillas have been led offensively during the four-game clip by their top offensive line of Rich Hansen, Bill Vandermeer and Chris Lipsett, who have combined for 10 goals and 13 assists in the last 4 games.

HEY NOW, YOU'RE AN ALL-STAR - Rich Hansen has been getting his game on all season long and will now continue to do so as he represents the Amarillo Gorillas at the 2007 CHL All-Star Game to be held in Bossier-Shreveport on January 17th. Hansen was announced as a Southern Conference reserve late last week and will be the only Gorilla in attendance at the mid-season contest. Hansen, the Gorillas' most consistent player all season, seemed the logical and sure-fire choice to represent Amarillo. The Northport, NY native currently leads the team in scoring with 35 overall points and now ranks 8th among all CHL skaters in scoring. Hansen's 23 assists is currently pacing the Gorillas as well and has him tied for 8th in the CHL in helpers with fellow All-Stars Riley Nelson and Brent Kelly. Hansen has also had a propensity this season for scoring when it's mattered most. He leads the team in both power play goals (8) as well as game-winning tallies (4). Hansen is also tied with Bill Vandermeer for the team lead with 10 multi-point games and has recorded both a 4-point game as well as a 5-point performance.

NEW YEAR STARTS WITH A BANG - The Gorillas will waste little time getting their feet wet into the new calendar year. Starting this Friday, the Gorillas will not only play back-to-back 3-games-in-3-days weekends, but they will also open up a stretch in which they will play 6 games in just 10 days. All together this month, Amarillo will play 12 games, with 6 coming at home and another 6 on the road. The Apes will also get a healthy dose of Southwest Division competition in the opening month of the New Year as Amarillo is slated to play 8 games in January against divisional opponents. The Gorillas take on the New Mexico Scorpions and Odessa Jackalopes 3 times this month and additionally tangle with the Arizona Sundogs for a pair of contests. Amarillo is 4-5-2 in games against Southwest Division opponents this season.

Individual game tickets as well as great group ticket 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). Also be sure to call the Gorillas front office today to learn about all the great incentives you can gather by bringing a group out to a Gorillas game!