[truebluefan]

Texas Lottery Night with the Rayz

The Corpus Christi Rayz will return to the American Bank Center on Thursday, December 14th at 7:05pm when they host the Austin Ice Bats on Texas Lottery Night. Fans in attendance will have a chance to win a free Texas Lottery scratch-off ticket at the game. Plus it's College Night, Presented by Z-95FM and the U.S. Army. College students with a valid school ID will receive discounted tickets, starting at just $6. For more information on how you can be part of Thursday night's festivities at the American Bank Center, please call the Rayz at (361) 814-PUCK.

The first 2,250 fans (18+) in attendance on Texas Lottery Night at the American Bank Center will have an opportunity to win a free scratch-off ticket. 750 of those in attendance will win a free ticket. The Texas Lottery helps support Texas education and invites you to join in all the fun when the Rayz host the Cotton Kings on Thursday night, December 14th. Plus all college students can receive discounted tickets to the game with their school ID. The Rayz and the Cotton Kings have not met this season and will kick off the first of back to back home games for the Rayz.

 

[truebluefan]

SteelHounds Weekly Report

The Hounds are now down to their last two games of the long eight game road trip after splitting two games last weekend. Friday night saw Jeff Christian pick up career assist 500 as Y-Town defeated Lubbock 3-1. Saturday night saw the goalies get ejected as the Hounds lost a wild one 6-3 against the Oklahoma City Blazers. Youngstown are now 10-6-5 (25pts) for the season and are 2-3-1 for this road trip.

What's On Tap:

This weekend will be the end of the three week, eight game road trip as Friday night Youngstown plays division rival, Tulsa and Saturday night it's another tilt with Oklahoma City.

Christian Makes History:

Friday night saw some history as captain and assistant coach Jeff Christian recorded his 500th assist against Lubbock. The 17 year veteran has played all over the world including the NHL as his last stint was with the Phoenix Coyotes. At 36 years old he is still a force to be reckon with as he is on a seven game point streak and is now tied for first place with teammate Chris Richards in both assists (26) and points (38).

Ladies Night and Playboy at the Chevrolet Centre:

December 21st the Hounds will host Austin at 7:05pm and it will be student rush, ladies night and WBBW night all at the same time and now the Hounds will have Youngstown native and former playboy playmate Jennifer Walcott at the arena signing autographs. Call 330-747-PUCK or go to Youngstown SteelHounds Hockey, Central Hockey League, Youngstown, Ohio and get your tickets today.

 

[truebluefan]

Rocky Mountain Rage Weekly Update

Dec. 6 vs. Colorado Eagles, 3-1 Loss - The in-state rival Eagles ended the Rage's three-game home winning streak in a game that was a one-goal contest the entire third period until the visitors tallied an empty-netter in the final 10 seconds.

Dec. 8 @ Arizona Sundogs, 6-3 Loss - Down 2-0 early in the second period, the Rage's Chip Dunleavy and Craig Olynick set a new team record by scoring 19 seconds apart to tie the game at two. Arizona quickly rebounded, though, and re-took the lead 1:19 later on their way to winning the season's first meeting between the CHL's two expansion teams.

Dec. 9 @ New Mexico Scorpions, 4-3 Loss - The Rage got off to a flying start when Anders Strome scored 2:22 into the game, but slowly New Mexico took over and Rocky Mountain had to rely upon 30 saves from goaltender David Guererra to reach the third tied at one. The Scorps then scored a power play goal and a shorthanded goal in the period's first two minutes to send the Rage to their third consecutive loss.

THIS WEEK'S UPCOMING GAMES

Wednesday, Dec. 13 vs. Oklahoma City Blazers, 7:05 p.m. MST - One of the CHL's most storied franchises makes its first visit to Broomfield Event Center. The game features $1 Budweiser and Bud Light drafts at the BEC.

Friday, Dec. 15 vs. Colorado Eagles, 7:05 p.m. MST - The Rocky Mountain Rivalry resumes with a two-game set at Broomfield Event Center. The first 2,500 fans will receive a Rage Hockey Jersey Koozie courtesy of Total Beverage.

Saturday, Dec. 16 vs. Colorado Eagles, 7:05 p.m. MST - In their eighth meeting of the year against the Eagles, the Rage will wear specialty holiday jerseys, which will be auctioned off after the game to benefit the Broomfield Sports and Entertainment Foundation. The first 2,500 fans will receive a Rage Foam Finger courtesy of Exempla Good Samaritan Medical Center, Stryker Physiotherapy Associates, and Front Range Orthopedic Center. All fans are encouraged to bring a brand new stuffed animal to the game for the team's First Annual Teddy Bear Toss to benefit local police and fire department outreach programs.

** All three games this week can be heard live on Z560, Colorado's ESPN, beginning with the pre-game show at 6:50 p.m.**

NOTES

* With six of the 12 games completed, the Rage trail the Eagles in the Rocky Mountain Rivalry series four games to two.

* Mark Wires had a team season-high five-game point streak ended during the loss to Colorado last week, but he bounced back and returned to the score sheet on both Friday (2a) and Saturday (1a).

* Chip Dunleavy, who grew up in Littleton and is a graduate of Columbine High School, made his Rage debut on Friday in Arizona after being activated from injured reserve. He scored a goal on Friday and had an assist on Saturday.

* Clay Plume scored his first goal of the season on Saturday in New Mexico.

LAST WEEK'S RECORD: 0-3-0 OVERALL RECORD: 6-12-2, 14 pts., 4th Place Northwest Division

 

[truebluefan]

Cotton Kings Weekly Notes

The Central Hockey League's Southwest Division is the largest division in the league with five teams in the division, and it is currently the tightest division in the league. Three standing-points separates the last place teams from the first place teams. Lubbock and Arizona are currently tied atop the division with identical records of 10-9-1. The Kings have struggled recently, dropping six of their last eight games while trying to get through injuries and offensive woes. Lubbock lost all three games last week and have lost three straight for the first time this season. This week, the Cotton Kings head into battle against a couple of Southeast Division opponents. Lubbock begins the week Friday in Corpus Christi with a tilt against the Corpus Christi Rayz before closing the week at home Saturday against the Laredo Bucks.

HEAD TO FRONTIER DODGE TO SIGN UP FOR THE CHL ALL-STAR CONTEST

The CHL has announce a partnership with Dodge for a very special contest involving this year's Central Hockey League All Star Game, giving one lucky CHL fan the full use of a 2007 Dodge Magnum for a year with an opportunity to win the car outright during the 2007 CHL All-Star Game, scheduled for Wednesday, January 17th at the CenturyTel Center. Participants can submit their entry at their local Dodge Dealership or mail a completed entry form to the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs to be eligible to win.

17 third place prizes (one in each of the CHL's 17 markets) of a local team jersey will be awarded. Of those 17 winners, four lucky participants (representing each of the CHL's four divisions) will receive airfare, accommodations and tickets for themselves and a guest to the 2007 CHL All-Star Game. Those four finalists will compete for the Grand Prize, the use of a Dodge Magnum for a year, and a chance to win the car outright.

Entries must received by close of business on Thursday, December 21st at each Dodge dealership or at the Mudbugs offices. Frontier Dodge is Lubbock's participating Dodge dealer where fans can sign up or they can pick up an entry at Frontier Dodge and personally mail it to the 'Bugs offices at 2000 CenturyTel Center Drive, Bossier City, LA 71112. Frontier Dodge is located at Spur 327 and Frankford.

TOYS FOR TOTS

The Lubbock Cotton Kings have once again teamed up with the United States Marine Corps Reserve's Toys for Tots program during the holiday season. The Kings are encouraging fans to bring toys on December 16th and December 23rd game dates to be donated to unprivileged children. Individuals bringing donations will receive a free game program. It is encouraged to drop toys in specially marked Toys for Tots barrels inside the coliseum, unless the toys are plush. Plush items (stuffed animals) should be thrown onto the ice after the Kings score their first goal.

COTTON KINGS STOCKING STUFFERS

If your looking for a special Christmas gift for your friend or loved one, take a look at the Cotton Kings Entertainment Stocking Stuffer. The Entertainment Pack includes a ticket to Cotton Kings home games on December 26, 29 and 31st, a free round of miniature golf at Lights Out Golf located in South Plains Mall, a free pass to a Lubbock City Museum (Buddy Holly Center / Silent Wings) and a limited edition signed photo of the Cotton Kings captains. All for the price of $40. The Entertainment Pack can be purchased at the Cotton Kings offices and additional info can be found by calling the Kings offices at 747-7825.

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 JF Perras. The Embrun, Ontario native receives the honor for the second consecutive week. Perras appeared in Lubbock's 2-1 loss in Odessa Wednesday night and stopped 33 of 35 shots in the loss. The first goal he allowed in the game ended a shutout sequence of 71:46. That followed a shutout sequence of 78:00, which means he allowed one goal over a span of 149:46.

THIS WEEK'S "INSIDE THE NUMBERS"

6 - Games - Lubbock has played six games in December and only once have they scored at least three goals... 3-1 win on December 3rd for their only win thus far this month.

77:39 - Scoreless Sequence - Lubbock has not scored a goal in their last 77-minutes and 39-seconds of hockey, which is the second longest this season, behind the mark of 80:07 which was ended on their last goal. That equals one goal over the last 157:46.

90 - Penalty Minutes - The Kings were whistled for a humiliating season high 90 penalty minutes Saturday night in Odessa. To contrast that to last season, the Kings season high last season was 52 minutes.

WEEK IN REVIEW

Dec. 6 @ Odessa L 1-2 Top Star: ODE - Mike Gorman (38 saves)

Dec. 8 vs. Youngstown L 2-5 Top Star: YNG - Brad Roberts (34 saves)

Dec. 9 @ Odessa L 0-6 Top Star: ODE - Derek Dolson (36 saves, SO)

WEEK AHEAD

PRACTICE SCHEDULE: Tue - Wed: 9:30 - 11AM,

Fri. Dec. 15 7:05 pm @ Corpus Christi Rayz Radio: KKAM 1340 AM TV: CHLTV.COM

Notes: The Cotton Kings make their only trip to the American Bank Center of the season as they open up the season series with the Corpus Christi Rayz. It will be the 18th all-time meeting and the first of three contests on the season against the Rayz. Lubbock went 3-1-0 against the Rayz last season, winning both games played in Corpus Christi in overtime. Kyle Nosan led returning Kings last season with 3 assists. The all-time series is led by Lubbock with a dominate 14-2-1 record against Corpus Christi's 3-11-3 mark in the series. Former Kings forward Jan Melichercik leads the all-time series with 15 points (5g,10a), while the Rayz all-time series leader is former Corpus Christi member Geoff Bumstead, who had 6 assists.

Sat. Dec. 16 7:05 pm vs. Laredo Bucks Radio: KFYO 790 AM TV: CHLTV.COM

Notes: It will be "Buck-and-a-half Beer Night" at the Lubbock Municipal Coliseum Saturday as the Kings host the Laredo Bucks. Semania Media is the game sponsor, and it will also be "Cow Bell Night" sponsored by Chick-fil-a, as cow bells will be given to the first 1,500 fans through the door. It will be the second game of four on the season between the two clubs and the first of two in Lubbock. Laredo leads the season series with a 1-0-0 mark after defeating the Kings 5-1 on November 22nd. The meeting is also the 19th all time meeting between the two teams. Laredo has dominated the all-time series with a 14-1-3 series mark. Lubbock is 4-13-1 all-time against the Bucks. Laredo's Jeff Bes leads the all-time series with 18 points (4g,14a), while Lubbock is led in the series by former King Paul Fioroni, who has registered 10 points (1g,9a) all-time against the Bucks.

 

[truebluefan]

RiverKings road game preview

Tuesday, December 12

Memphis RiverKings (12-4-3, 27 pts, 1st NE Div) @ Tulsa Oilers (10-6-2, 22 pts, 4th NE Div) 7:05

Radio: Sports 56 WHBQ (AM 560)

Webcast: riverkings.com

RECENT SCORES

Friday, 12/8 Wichita 8 RiverKings 3

Tulsa 7 Odessa 3

Saturday, 12/2 Bossier-Shreveport 3 RiverKings 2 OT

Tulsa 6 Wichita 3

THE MATCH UP

The RiverKings and Oilers play for the second time this season, the second time at the Tulsa Convention Center. The RiverKings pulled out a come from behind 5-4 overtime victory in the teams' first meeting on November 4. After tonight, the two squads will play seven more times, including this Saturday night at the DCC at 7:05. The Oilers come in as the hottest team in the league with a six game winning streak. The RiverKings, who also own a six game winning streak this season, are 0-1-1 in their last two games and lead the tight Northeast Division by two games over Youngstown. Tulsa is in fourth place five points back of the RiverKings. This will be the 107th all-time meeting with the RiverKings having a 51-49-6 all-time record versus the Oilers, 22-29-3 in Tulsa.

Upcoming:

Friday, December 15

Wichita Thunder (9-9-2, 20 pts, 3rd NW Div) @ Memphis RiverKings 7:05

Radio: Sports 56 WHBQ (AM 560)

Webcast: riverkings.com

TV: chltv.com

Featured Non-Profit: Mississippi Nurses Association

Promotion: First 1,500 fans receive a Mercury Printing Team Poster. Teddy Bear Toss-Bring a new or gently used stuffed animal to toss on the ice after the RiverKings first goal and get a $12 Red Level ticket for $7. All stuffed animals will be donated to the North Mississippi Sexual Assault Resource Center's "Gifts from the Heart" program. POST GAME SKATE.

Saturday, December 16

Tulsa Oilers (10-6-2, 22 pts, 4th NE Div) @ Memphis RiverKings 7:05

Radio: Sports 56 WHBQ (AM 560)

Webcast: riverkings.com

TV: chltv.com

Featured Non-Profit: Home for the Holidays Pet Adoption

Promotion: First 1,500 fans receive a Hockey Mr. Potato Head sponsored by CW-30. Q 107.5 "Ice on Ice" Diamond Giveaway-First 107 women through the doors will have a chance to win a genuine diamond.

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

RiverKings tickets make great Christmas gifts. Flex Plan packages start at only $88 for 8 Red Level Coupons that can be used for any home game. Ticket Gift Certificates are also available.

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.

UPCOMING PROMOTIONS: Friday, December 15 --- Mercury Printing Team Poster to first 1,500 fans; Teddy Bear Toss; Post-Game Skate; Saturday, December 16 --- CW-30 Mr Potato Head to first 1,500 fans; Q107.5 "Ice on Ice" Diamond Giveaway; Tuesday, December 19 --- WMC TV Channel 5 CheerStix to first 1,500 fans

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]

Scorpions run season-high win streak to four

RECORD TO DATE: 8-9-2 (18 points) T-4th place in Southwest Division

THIS WEEK:

FRI Dec. 15 Arizona @ SCORPIONS 7:35 pm Santa Ana Star Center *FAITH NIGHT*

SAT Dec. 16 Arizona @ SCORPIONS 7:05 pm Santa Ana Star Center

*TOYS FOR TOTS TOY DRIVE*

The rivals return to New Mexico as the Scorpions will continue to see the Sundogs this month. Arizona ruined the opening of the Santa Ana Star Center with a win Oct. 27, but the Scorpions paid them back with a weekend sweep in Arizona two weekends ago.

Friday night is "Faith Night" at the Scorpions game. All religious groups are encouraged to get a group together for a fun night of hockey, inspiration and a post-game concert on the concourse.

Saturday night the annual Toy Drive culminates. This will be the final night the Scorpions collect toys to benefit "Toys For Tots". Toys For Tots distributes toys to New Mexico 's children who are in need this holiday season.

Season Series: Scorpions lead 2-1-0 All Time Series: Scorpions lead 2-1-0

LAST WEEK:

Fri. Dec. 8 Oklahoma City @ SCORPIONS (6-3 WIN) 7:35 pm Santa Ana Star Center

Friday, the Scorpions celebrated their tenth anniversary night in style with a 6-3 win over Oklahoma City . The win was the Scorpions third in a row and fifth straight game in which they collected a point.

As the Scorpions honored former player and current Assistant Coach Randy Murphy by inducting him into the Scorpions Hall of Fame, his current players made sure to give lasting memories.

Mike Falk continued his power play brilliance adding two more goals with the man advantage to help lead the Scorps' with three points on the night. Oklahoma City enjoyed a lead early as Jared Dumba scored his first of two goals 2:48 into the contest.

The Scorpions took control in the middle of the first period and never looked back. After Falk tied the game, four minutes later Chris Robertson gave New Mexico the lead for good. Late in the first period, Lance Herauf registered his fifth goal of the season giving the Scorpions three first period goals, their most on home ice this season.

The goals settled down in the second period as the hitting heated up. The lone goal of the middle period may have been the prettiest goal of the night. Craig MacDonald pushed the puck down the ice and Konrad Reeder caught up to it before anyone else. Reeder patiently waited for Ryan McLeod to join the rush and delivered a perfect tape-to-tape pass to the fellow rookie. McLeod lit the lamp for the ninth time this season giving the Scorps' their biggest lead of the game.

Dumba attempted to get the Blazers back into the contest with his second goal of the game 3:45 into the third period. The Scorpions quickly clamped down and again extended their lead. Falk finished his big night before Jake Brenk finished the Scorpions scoring only 32-seconds later. Dallas Flaman closed the scoring with his fifth goal of the year 10:32 into the final frame.

Scorpions' goalie David Cacciola had another strong performance making 29 saves. It was Cacciola's third win in as many games in a New Mexico jersey.

SAT Dec. 9 Rocky Mountain @SCORPIONS (4-3 WIN) 7:05 pm Santa Ana Star Center

The Scorpions continued their great play with a 4-3 home victory over Rocky Mountain . The win was the fourth victory in a row for New Mexico , a season high.

Things started out much like last night with the Scorpions falling behind early. Anders Strome scored his team leading tenth goal 2:22 into the game giving Rocky Mountain their only lead of the game.

Unlike last night, the Scorpions waited until the later stages of the game to stage their comeback. Chris Robertson registered his eight goal of the season 5:28 into the second period, tying the game at one.

As penalties filled the late stages of the second period and the early part of the third period, New Mexico used its special teams to push towards the victory. The final period started with the Scorps' on the power play and Aaron MacInnis gave his team their first lead of the game with a power play goal 19-seconds in.

Robb Guinn was sent to the box on the next shift, putting the Scorpions were two men down. Mike Prpich didn't seem to mind being shorthanded and won a draw forward, to himself. With open ice in front of him, he barreled down and shot the puck past Rage goalie David Guerrera giving the Scorps' the 3-1 edge. It was the first time this year New Mexico has scored while down two men.

Things got interesting late in the game. Clay Plume scored his first goal of the season, on the power play, with just under three minutes to go, cutting the Scorpions lead down to one. The Rage pulled Guerrera, in favor of the extra attacker. Craig MacDonald made them pay as he took a Ryan McLeod face-off win the length of the ice and slipped it into the open net.

Rocky Mountain made one last comeback attack in the final minute when John DiPace notched his second goal of the season drawing the Rage to within one. Scorpions' goalie David Cacciola had enough and stopped the final shots he faced securing his fourth victory in as many games as the Scorps' net minder.

Robertson's goal may have tied the game up, but the centerman's work on face-offs may have helped his team more. The Scorpions' assistant captain took 20 draws on the night, winning 18 of them.

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!

- Tue. Dec. 12-"TIP A SCORP' NIGHT"- On this night the Scorpions will set aside their hockey uniforms for a different type of outfit. Players will serve as waiters and hosts from 6-9 p.m. All "tips" the Scorpions receive while serving patrons will be donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central New Mexico. In addition, Boston 's The Gourmet Pizza will donate 10% of all proceeds during these three hours. Boston's is located off I-25 and Jefferson.

- Wed. Dec. 13-"COACH'S SHOW"-Join Adam Minnick along with assistant coach Randy Murphy at the All Star Bar & Grill inside the Santa Ana Star Casino from 6-7pm for the monthly "Coach's Show." This is your chance to ask anything Scorpions and hockey related. If you can't make it in person listen to the show on 610 The Sports Animal. Adam and Randy will also take calls on the air during the hour-long show.

- Fri. Dec. 15-"FAITH NIGHT"-Bring your religious group out to the annual "Faith Night" extravaganza. The night is more than just your average exciting Scorpions game. Following the game will be an inspiring post-game concert on the North Concourse.

- Sat. Dec. 16-"TOY DRIVE"-The Toys For Tots toy drive will culminate on Saturday night at the Santa Ana Star Center . Fans are welcome to bring new, unwrapped toys to help benefit those less fortunate during this holiday season.

- Sat. Dec. 16-"POST GAME PARTY"-After the Scorpions battle the Arizona Sundogs join the players and staff at the All Star Bar & Grill inside the Santa Ana Star Casino for a post game party. Players will be on hand for autographs and Ray Edwards will hold his weekly "Chalk Talk" at the event.

- 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.

- 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:

Tue. Dec. 12-6-9 p.m.-Tip A Scorpion night at Boston's the Gourmet Pizza to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central New Mexico. Boston's is located off I-25 on Jefferson.

Tue. Dec. 12-7 p.m.-Players will visit with Cub Scout Pack 171 and talk hockey.

Thu. Dec. 14-1 p.m.-The Scorpions will visit Roosevelt Elementary School for a "reading with the students" event.

Sat. Dec. 16-2 p.m.-Sabana Grande Community will be getting lunch served by two Scorpions players.

TEAM NOTES:

The Scorpions continue a season long five game home stand this weekend.

New Mexico 's penalty kill has been successful 89.2% (25-28) over the last five games.

The power play has scored at least one goal in each of the last four games.

Saturday night the Scorpions shot a season high 41 shots on goal against Rocky Mountain .

STANDOUTS:

ROB GUINN is second in the CHL with 13 power play assists.

LANCE HERAUF is tied for the rookie lead with 22 points and leads all rookies with 17 assists.

MIKE FALK's eight power play goals tie him for most among CHL rookies.

CHRIS ROBERTSON has 13 points (6G, 7A) in the last 10 games.

 

[truebluefan]

Tonight's Preview

Six Shooters: The Tulsa Oilers, winners of six straight games take begin a series of three straight games against divisional foes tonight, taking on the Memphis RiverKings.

Records: Oilers are 10-6-2 with 22 points, in fourth place in the Northeast Division. Memphis is 12-4-3 with 27 points in first place in the Northeast Division.

Season Series: This is the second of nine meetings between these two teams and the second of six visits by Memphis to the Tulsa Convention Center. The RiverKings won the first meeting between the two teams, 5-4 in overtime on November 4th in Tulsa.

Recent Action: The Oilers stretched their longest winning streak since 2002 to six games with a 6-3 road win in Wichita on Saturday night. Memphis dropped a 3-2 overtime decision to Bossier-Shreveport on Saturday night. Memphis has earned points in five of its last six games.

Easy Way To Make A Hundred: The Oilers are the only CHL team with five players who have at least 20 points. David Alexandre Beauregard (27 pts), Mike Wiggins (26), Bryan LaChapelle (26) David Masse (25), and Jaroslav Cesky (20) are the Oiler players who have hit double decades in points already this season.

Streaking Spencer: Center Spencer Carbery has points in 10 straight games (five goals, nine assists in the streak). That ties him for the longest streak in the CHL this season, along with Chris Lipsett of Amarillo and Bobby Chaumont of Laredo.

Shaw-Shank: The Oilers today signed defenseman Chris Shaw who played 50 games last season with Bossier-Shreveport and started this season in the United Hockey League. To make room for Shaw on the roster, the Oilers waived left winger Paul D'Agostino.

Next Up: The Oilers host the Youngstown SteelHounds on Friday with several activities planned to benefit the Salvation Army. Fans can bring coats and conned food items to donate to the Salvation Army and be entered in a drawing for lunch with coach Butch Kaebel and their favorite Oiler player. It's also the team's annual Teddy Bear toss. Fans can bring bears, show them at the Salvation Army donation table and also get a ticket for another drawing for lunch with the coach and their favorite player. The bears will be thrown on the ice after the first Oilers goal and donated to the Salvation Army. The first 35 fans who spend at least $50 at the merchandise stand on Friday will go on the ice after the game to shoot for a turkey from Wal-Mart. Memphis hosts Wichita on Friday night.

 

[truebluefan]

Family Nights with the Killer Bees kick off this Sunday

Hidalgo, Texas --- Get ready for the first Time Warner/McDonalds Family Night with the Killer Bees this Sunday at Dodge Arena as the Bees host the Corpus Christi Rayz. Face off is scheduled for 4 p.m.

For just $48 families get four tickets and four vouchers good for value meals at any Valley McDonalds! Plus, Sport Clips will be at the game providing FREE haircuts to kids 12 and under! To take advantage of this special offer, tickets must be purchased at the Dodge Arena box office! Advance ticket purchase is highly recommended to avoid long lines at the ticket window.

This Sunday, the first 1000 kids 12 and under also receive a Mr. Potato Head Killer Bee Hockey player courtesy of Clear Channel and Presidio Shopping Plaza.

Don't forget to bring a new or gently loved stuffed animal for the Teddy Bear Toss! When the Bees score their first goal of the game, toss your teddy bear on the ice. The bears will be collected and later distributed to needy kids throughout the Valley.

Killer Bees tickets are available at the Dodge Arena Box Office, online at killerbeehockey.com, and by phone at 866-RIO-TIXX. Tickets can also be purchased at The Boot Jack Valley Wide, Valley Yamaha, Melhart Music Center, Lionel's Western Wear Weslaco, or Lone Star National Bank.

 

[truebluefan]

RiverKings end Oilers' streak in shootout, 5-4

SOUTHAVEN --- Rick Kozak scored twice and Larry Sterling stopped all five Tulsa shootout attempts as the Memphis RiverKings snapped the Oilers' six game win streak Tuesday night in Tulsa. Ryan Campbell was credited with the game-winner as he was the only one to convert in the shootout. All eight goals in regulation were scored on the power play as the RiverKings went 4-for-8 and Tulsa went 4-for-9 with the man adantage.

Larry Sterling picked up his 12th win on the season with 32 saves while Tulsa's Jason Montgomery made 34 saves in his first loss in seven games.

After David Beauregard gave Tulsa a 1-0 lead at 10:58 of the first, the RiverKings scored three unanswered. Kozak, Travis Banga and Derek Landmesser each lit the lamp to take a 3-1 lead in the second. The Oilers came back to tie with a pair in the second with Kozak then giving the lead back to Memphis with :13 left in the second.

Spencer Carbery scored the only goal of the third the tie the score at four and force the overtime and shootout. Campbell's shootout winner occurred in the fifth round. Sterling came up with five huge saves to help secure the two standings points.

The RiverKings improved to 13-4-3 on the season and expanded their lead to four in the NE Division. They will be back home this weekend for games with Wichita (Fri) and Tulsa (Sat) at 7:05.

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

RiverKings tickets make great Christmas gifts. Flex Plan packages start at only $88 for 8 Red Level Coupons that can be used for any home game. Ticket Gift Certificates are also available.

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.

UPCOMING PROMOTIONS: Saturday, December 9 --- Cellular South Travis Banga Mini Bobbleheads to the first 1,500 fans; Teddy Bear Toss; Friday, December 15 --- Mercury Printing Team Poster to first 1,500 fans; Saturday, December 16 --- CW-30 Hockey Mr Potato Head to first 1,500 fans; Tuesday, December 19 --- WMC TV Channel 5 CheerStix to first 1,500 fans

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]

Oakley CHL Player and Goaltender of the Week Announced

The Week Eight recipients of the Oakley CHL Player and Goaltender of the Week awards have been determined. Laredo defenseman Adam Rivet has been selected as the Oakley CHL Player of the Week after registering five goals (including his first professional hat-trick) for the Bucks during a 3-1-0 week. Bossier-Shreveport netminder Ken Carroll earns Oakley Goaltender of the Week honors after a pair of wins while also recording his 21st career CHL/WPHL shutout and lowering his CHL-best goals against average and save percentage marks.

Rivet began his week by scoring the tying goal in the third period on Wednesday in a 2-1 overtime home win over Corpus Christi. Friday night he assisted on the game tying goal in the third period in a 3-2 come from behind home victory over Austin and Saturday scored the Bucks only goal in a 2-1 road loss to Rio Grande Valley. His best outing came Sunday, potting a hat-trick against the Killer Bees in a 9-4 home win. Rivet leads the Bucks with both 10 goals and 25 points and leads all defenseman in points. The 2nd year pro was an All-CHL Rookie team selection last season and a finalist for CHL Rookie of the Year.

Carroll continued his march towards a key CHL record this week with his 21st career shutout, making 35 saves to blank visiting Wichita 4-0 Thursday night. Two days later he picked up his 128th career win in a 3-2 (OT) victory at Memphis, making 24 saves and now ranking 5th all-time in that category. The two-time Most Outstanding Goaltender (200-2001 WPHL, 2005-2006 CHL) and four-time All-Star needs just a single shutout win to equal the CHL career record of 22 held by Rod Branch. Carroll leads all CHL goaltenders this season with a 1.72 goals against average and a .947 save percentage.

Oakley CHL Player of the Week, Week 8

Adam Rivet, Laredo Bucks

Position: Defenseman

Height: 6-00

Weight: 185

Date of Birth: September 25, 1980

Hometown: Fort Erie, Ontario

Weekly Totals Season Totals

Games Played: 4 Games Played: 22

Goals: 5 Goals 10

Assists: 1 Assists: 15

Points: 6 Points: 25

Plus/Minus +2 Plus/Minus: +4

Oakley CHL Goaltender of the Week, Week 8

Ken Carroll, Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs

Position: Goaltender

Height: 5-10

Weight: 180

Date of Birth: July 19, 1976

Hometown: Oil City, Ontario

Weekly Totals Season Totals

Games Played: 2 Games Played: 11

Record: 2-0-0 Record: 7-4-0

Saves: 59 Saves: 341

Shots: 61 Shots: 360

Save %: .967 Save %: .947

Shutouts: 1 Shutouts: 2

 

[truebluefan]

Ice Bats Announce Management Addition

The Austin Ice Bats of the Central Hockey League today announced a restructuring of the team's front office operation, with President Jeff Buch named Chairman of the Board and Managing General Partner of the Ice Bats' parent company, Capital Hockey Ventures, Ltd., and Randy Sanders appointed as the team's new President.

Highlighted by the opening of its new home, Chaparral Ice Arena, the Ice Bats organization has undergone a host of exciting changes during the past year. With the team's short-term future now secure, the operational changes will allow Buch to focus on strategic development and the long-term financial success of Capital Hockey Ventures Ltd., while Sanders oversees day-to-day operations of the Ice Bats.

Sanders, a Texas native, was one the founding members of Integrated Solutions, a semiconductor parts and equipment company. Sanders moved that company's corporate headquarters from Boston to Austin in 1994. In 1997, Sanders then founded Spares LLC and built the company to $25 million in annual sales before selling the firm in 2004. Now semi-retired, Sanders remains active on the Board of Directors with Applied Mechanical in addition to the Ice Bats, and is an active supporter of the Revolution Soccer Club, Austin Children's Shelter and many other community organizations.

"Our business has matured to the point that running the Ice Bats and heading Capital Hockey Ventures, Ltd. are two distinct full-time positions," said Buch. "Because of his depth of business experience, I thought it was a tremendous opportunity to bring someone of Randy's caliber on board. Randy and I have been meeting on a daily basis for several months, and I believe he is perfectly suited to guide the Ice Bats organization."

"My goals are to help build on the Ice Bats' tradition of providing affordable family entertainment at our new venue, Chaparral Ice Arena, and strengthening our relationships within the community," Sanders said. "The Ice Bats are entering an exciting chapter in their history, and I look forward to this opportunity as we move toward the eventual construction of a new facility."

-- This Saturday, December 16th, the U.S. Army presents "Support Our Troops Night," as the Ice Bats face Rio Grande Valley. All active, reserved and retired military will receive $5 off admission to the game with their military ID. And all fans in attendance will have an opportunity to express their support by signing a large banner in the main lobby at Chaparral Ice Arena. After the game, the banner will be sent to U.S. Army troops in the 1st Squadron, 7th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division, stationed near Baghdad in Iraq.

The Ice Bats play all home games at Chaparral Ice Arena, located on I-35 between Howard Lane and Wells Branch Parkway. Tickets to individual home games are available through the Ice Bats office at 927-PUCK, or at any Front Gate Tickets location, including Stubbs BBQ, Waterloo Records and Encore Video & CD.

Fans may order on-line through the Ice Bats website at Austin Ice Bats Hockey!. Phone orders may be placed by calling (512) 927-PUCK, or 1-888-512-SHOW. Individual game tickets range in price from $15 to $35, depending on section, with discounted rates for groups of 15 or more. Fans may call the Ice Bats ticket office at (512) 927-PUCK, or log onto the team's website at Austin Ice Bats Hockey! for more information.