[truebluefan]

ECHL's Carnefix League Media Relations Director Of Year

PRINCETON, N.J. - The ECHL announced that MLN Sports has named ECHL Vice President of Communications Jack Carnefix as the recipient of its League Media Relations Director of the Year Award for 2006 in the current issue of its flagship magazine, MLN Sports Zone.

He becomes the first two-time winner of the award having won in 2003 while finishing as a runner-up in 2001.

MLN Sports provides coverage of more than 700 professional teams and 38 professional leagues in hockey, baseball, basketball and football through the magazine at Roger Powell Jr. (COVER STORY - MLN Sports Zone - A Minor League News Magazine and the first national RSS newswire, MLN - The Raw Feed at MLNTHERAWFEED.COM.

"On behalf of the ECHL and our member teams we are both pleased and proud that Jack has been recognized as the first two-time winner of this award. Jack works long and hard on behalf of the ECHL," said ECHL Commissioner Brian McKenna. "To be recognized for his outstanding efforts from such a large field of candidates is a prestigious and well-deserved honor."

"It is gratifying to be recognized and I want to thank MLN Sports," said Carnefix. "I am extremely fortunate to work with very good people at both the league and the team level which makes my job easier."

Carnefix is in his second season as Vice President of Communications and his seventh season with the ECHL, having served five years as Director of Communications. He joined the ECHL in 2000 after six years as the director of communications for Diamond Sports & Entertainment in Boise, Idaho. Diamond Sports entities included the Idaho Steelheads hockey team, the Boise Hawks baseball team, the Idaho Sneakers World TeamTennis franchise, professional boxing events, and the Bank of America Centre, a 5,000-seat multipurpose facility in downtown Boise. Carnefix was presented the inaugural West Coast Hockey League Public Relations Director of the Year award in 1999 and won the award again the following season. He spent seven years with Oklahoma State University baseball and three years as the assistant sports information director at Oklahoma State.

 

[truebluefan]

Checkers to hold inaugural Pink in the Rink game February 11

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The Charlotte Checkers announced today that they will hold their inaugural 'Pink in the Rink' game at 4:00 pm on Sunday, Feb. 11 to benefit Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation, Carolina Breast Friends and American Cancer Society.

The Checkers will wear special pink jerseys bearing the logos of the three organizations and there will be a live jersey auction following the game with the proceeds going to the organizations.

"The Checkers are really excited about Pink in the Rink," said Tera Black, Vice President of the Checkers. "In one way or another almost everyone has been touched or affected by women's related cancers."

"This night is meant to not only raise funds for three phenomenal charities, but also to promote awareness regarding prevention, treatment, and care that is provided to women suffering from cancer," Black added. "We are looking forward to making this an annual event where the fundraising bar is set higher and higher each year. It is just another great opportunity for Checkers fans and supporters to get involved in a great cause."

"The Charlotte area Independent Beauty Consultants who represent Mary Kay, Inc. are very excited to be a part of the Pink in the Rink fundraising event," said Robin Rowland, National Sales Director with Mary Kay. "Pink in the Rink will raise money for the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation which focuses on providing funds for groundbreaking research on cancers affecting women and efforts to end domestic violence. By teaming up with the Charlotte Checkers our goal is not only to raise money, but to create awareness in a very unique way to these ongoing issues."

"Carolina Breast Friends mission is to create a positive environment for breast cancer survivors of all ages by providing women with an atmosphere that focuses on healing, self-exploration and empowerment through knowledge," said Pam Darnell of Carolina Breast Friends.

"Funds raised from this event will help create "Project Pink House", a house in Charlotte N.C. for social gatherings, group meetings, counseling services, fitness area, nutritional education, rooms for overnight stays, creative exploration and more," Darnell added.

"The American Cancer Society is very excited to team up with the Charlotte Checkers for this inaugural event," said Todd Ohlmeyer of the American Cancer Society.

"The night will raise money and awareness for the American Cancer Society's 'Making Strides Against Breast Cancer' walk which will take place in the fall," Ohlmeyer added. "One of the American Cancer Society's goals is to reduce the mortality of cancer by 50% by the year 2015 and successful events like these will help us achieve our goals."

For more information on these charities please visit their web sites at:

Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation - Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation

Carolina Breast Friends and "Project Pink House" - Carolina Breast Friends

American Cancer Society - "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer" - Making Strides Home:

The Checkers on the road for the next three games at Florida tonight, Saturday and Tuesday. The Checkers next home game is at 7:00 pm on Thursday, Jan. 11 against the Columbia Inferno. The Checkers are also at home at 7:30 pm on Friday, Jan. 12 vs. the Pensacola Ice Pilots. Tickets for next week's games can be purchased by calling 704.342.4.ICE or purchase and print your tickets at home by visiting Charlotte Bobcats Arena :: Home.

 

[truebluefan]

'Blades make changes to roster

ESTERO, FL - Florida Everblades President and General Manager Craig Brush along with Head Coach Gerry Fleming announced today that defenseman Ryan Van Buskirk and forward Jonathan Lehun have been activated off the injured reserve list, and forward Ernie Hartlieb has been placed on the 3-day IR. As per team policy, the injury was not disclosed.

Van Buskirk, 26, returns to the line up for the first time since suffering an injury in Florida's 2-0 loss to South Carolina on Dec. 22. Van Buskirk, who was signed to a contract by the Everblades on Dec. 5, has picked up seven points, all assists, in the seven games he's played in this season. Van Buskirk began the season in the Central Hockey League with the Wichita Thunder and skated in 11 games picking up two assists.

Lehun returns to action for the Everblades after missing the last 13 games. The 22-year-old tallied 15 points (8g, 7a) in the first 15 games of the season. The Toronto, Ontario native is in his second professional season, and second with the Everblades, having totaled 46 points (19g, 27a) in 46 career games with the 'Blades.

Hartlieb, 27, heads to the IR after suffering an injury in Florida's 4-1 loss at Texas on Dec. 30. The Warren, Michigan native has seven points, all assists, in 24 games this year with the Everblades.

The Florida Everblades, proud affiliate of the Carolina Hurricanes and the Florida Panthers, return to the ice tonight when they host the Charlotte Checkers at 7:30 p.m. from Germain Arena. Florida Everblades individual & group tickets are now available! Reserve your seat for all the exciting action today by calling (239) 948-7825. Visit Florida Everblades - ECHL and Germain Arena for more information on group ticket packages, pricing and upcoming Germain Arena events.

 

[truebluefan]

Red-hot Falcons shoot for eight straight tonight

Your Defending Pacific Division Champion Fresno Falcons have won seven games in a row and will try to extend the streak to 8 tonight against the Victoria Salmon Kings at 7:30pm. The Falcons are currently in second place only two points behind first place Las Vegas. The First 3000 fans at tonight's game will receive a free Falcons Calendar Poster courtesy of Dumont Printing and Community Medical Center. Falcons Goaltender Ryan MacDonald, the ECHL Goaltender of the Week, will be honored by the Falcons as the Rogers Jewelry Superstore/YellowBook Player of the month tonight. Falcons fans may stop by Sport Clips at Fort Washington and Friant for the chance to win Ryan's Custom Painted Goalie Mask.

Saturday night Your Falcons travel to Long Beach for a 7pm match against the Ice Dogs. Tune in to all of the action with Joe Babik on AM 1550 Sporting News Radio.

Sunday the Falcons return to home ice to battle the Victoria Salmon Kings again at 5pm. Sunday is a Pump it Up/Comcast Cable Kids Day. All kids tickets are half price. Sunday also features a birthday tribute to the "King" with Jeremy "Elvis" Pearce. There will be a pregame Elvis performance on the concourse at 4:15pm and a First Intermission on-ice Elvis performance with 20 lucky ladies getting the chance to be serenaded by Elvis on the ice.

Tickets for both games are on sale at the Save Mart Center and Ticketmaster. For more information call the Falcons at 559-485-PUCK!

 

[truebluefan]

Gladiators fall to Lynx 3-2

Gladiators' Brad Schell had his point scoring streak snapped at 15 games as Gwinnett dropped a 3-2 decision to the Augusta Lynx on Thursday night at the James Brown Arena in Augusta. With the loss, Gwinnett falls to 17-11-4 on the season.

Gwinnett broke a scoreless tie on the power play midway through the second period. A bouncing puck in the high slot rolled right to Jamie Milam where the blueliner ripped a slapshot past Augusta netminder Dave McKee at the 10:25 mark of the second period for the goal. Bruce Mulherin and Joel Stepp hooked up to pick up the assists on the goal for Gwinnett.

Augusta stormed back with three goals before the end of the second period to take a 3-1 lead into the second intermission. Louis Goulet got the Lynx on the board with a little over five minutes left in the second period. Parked along the crease, Goulet took a pass from Sean Blanchard, who was parked at the left wing point, and beat Gladiators netminder Dave Caruso to the far post. Shane Hynes collected an assist on the power play goal at the 14:33 mark of the second period.

Ryan Lang gave the Lynx a 2-1 lead as he posted an unassisted goal for Augusta with less than a minute left in the second period. Collecting a loose puck in the slot, Lang beat Caruso from point blank range on the goal with just 53 second left in the period.

Following the conclusion of a 5-on-3 power play, Augusta record a power play goal as Hynes redirected a slapshot from the point past Caruso to give the Lynx a 3-1 lead. Goulet and Lang posted the assists on the power play marker for Augusta to give the Lynx a two-goal advantage.

Jim Jackson got the Gladiators within a goal as he collected his 6th marker of the season on the power play. Corralling a bouncing puck off the back dasher off of Mulherin's slapshot from the point, Jackson whipped the puck past McKee for the marker at the 14:41 mark of the third period. Stepp collected his second assist of the contest on the marker.

Gwinnett could get no closer in the loss as Dave Caruso finished with 19 saves for the Gladiators. Gwinnett posted both goals on the power play going 2-for-7 on the man advantage in the loss.

The Gwinnett Gladiators continue their fourth season as a proud member of the ECHL on January 5th as they host the Johnstown Chiefs for the first time in team history on the Your Best Rate Financial Home Ice at the Arena at Gwinnett Center at 7:35 p.m. Season tickets are on sale now. In addition, the Gladiators offer several unique multi-game ticket packages as well as discounted group rates, suite rentals, and birthday parties. For more information call 770-497-5100 or log on to gwinnettgladiators.com.

The Gladiators are the AA affiliate of the Atlanta Thrashers and play all home games on the Your Best Rate Financial Home Ice at the spectacular 11,355-seat Arena at Gwinnett Center, located just off I-85 on Sugarloaf Parkway in Duluth, where parking is always free.

 

[truebluefan]

Steelheads Re-Sign Justin Johnson

Boise, Idaho - The Idaho Steelheads of the ECHL announced today that rookie winger Justin Johnson has been re-signed. Johnson, who has suited up for seven games this season with the Steelheads, is in the lineup tonight in Phoenix.

The Anchorage, Alaska native played four games for the Kelly Cup champion Alaska Aces last season and one game with the Aces this season after finishing his collegiate career at the University of Alaska-Anchorage. In his seven games with the Steelheads this season he has collected one assist, a +1 rating and 20 penalty minutes.

Johnson, who holds the University of Alaska-Anchorage record for most career games played, is expected to stay with the team through Monday, January 8, before returning home to Anchorage.

Don't forget the Steelheads return home to take on the Stockton Thunder on Friday, January 5 and Saturday, January 6. Face-off for both tilts is at 7:10 p.m. MST. Tickets are still available for both games, and can be purchased via www.idahosteelheads.com (using the all-new, print-at-home feature), by calling 331-TIXS or from the Qwest Arena box office. The 2007 RBK ECHL All-Star Game at Qwest Arena is a two-night event beginning on Tuesday, January 16. Tickets to both events start at just $25 and are also on sale now.

 

[truebluefan]

Steelheads Fall To RoadRunners 3-1

Phoenix, AZ - Three power play goals by the host RoadRunners helped spoil 30 saves by goaltender Steve Silverthorn and boost them past the Steelheads 3-1 on Thursday night from the US Airways Center.

With the game tied at one after 40 minutes of play, RoadRunners (17-13-11) broke the tie with a power play goal by Lance Monych. Monych grabbed a loose puck at the left wing circles and squeaked a backhander past the right arm of Silverthorn for the 2-1 advantage. Defenseman Alexandre Rouleau and forward Justin Aikins grabbed the helpers.

Minutes later, the home team added some insurance with their third power play goal of the night, as Brett Smith collected his 13th of the campaign. Chanse Fitzpatrick fluttered an aerial pass into the top of the crease and Smith batted it out of mid air and inside the right post for the 3-1 lead. Defenseman Dave Pszenyczny got the other assist.

The Steelheads opened the game's scoring on winger Colin Shields' eighth of the season and first since joining the Steelheads. On the power play, defenseman Darrell Hay fired the puck from center point and D'Arcy McConvey tipped it in on RoadRunners' goaltender Cody Rudkowsky (30 saves). Rudkowsky stopped McConvey's deflection, but he couldn't get to Shields' rebound chance, as the Glasgow, Scotland native swept it past the sprawled out netminder at 5:51.

The RoadRunners evened the score at 12:37 of the first, with a man advantage goal of their own. Todd Jackson got to an errant shot from Pszenyczny that caromed off the end boards and right to Jackson who beat Silverthorn. Forward Brock Hooton recorded the second assist.

After a scoreless second period, the shots favored the Steelheads 23-20.

The Steelheads finished one-for-six on the power play, while the RoadRunners went three-for-nine. For the contest, the shots favored the RoadRunners 33-31. The loss is just the third this season for the Steelheads when being out-shot in a match, as they fall to 7-3-0-1 when that feat occurs. Tonight was the fifth time this season they've allowed three power play goals and the club lowers to 11-3-0-1 when scoring first.

The Steelheads return home to take on the Stockton Thunder on January 5. Face-off is at 7:10 p.m. MST. Don't forget, Steelheads' single-game tickets and all-star game tickets can be purchased via www.idahosteelheads.com (using the all-new, print-at-home feature), by calling 331-TIXS or from the Qwest Arena box office. The 2007 RBK ECHL All-Star Game at Qwest Arena is a two-night event beginning on Tuesday, January 16. Tickets to both events start at just $25.

• Discuss this story on the ECHL message board...

 

[truebluefan]

Hrdel called up to Springfield

Johnstown, PA (January 5, 2007) - The Johnstown Chiefs on Friday announced that forward Zbynek Hrdel has been recalled to Springfield of the American Hockey League.

The 6-4, 195-pound Hrdel has scored 16 points (5g, 11a) in 26 games with Johnstown this year, and currently has a four-game point-scoring streak, during which he has scored six points (3g, 3a).

Selected in the 9th round (286th overall) by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, Hrdel spent the bulk of the 2005-06 season with Springfield, scoring five goals and 10 assists while appearing in 45 games for the Falcons. In 15 regular season games last season with the Chiefs, the native of Pisek, Czech Republic scored six goals and added five assists, while in four Kelly Cup Playoff games he scored a goal and added two assists.

The next Chiefs home game is Monday, January 15, at 1:00 p.m. against the Wheeling Nailers when the kids have off for the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. Discounted seats for the MLK day game are available for as low as $8 for school age children! Pick up your tickets for both games at the Cambria County War Memorial box office between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., or by calling the War Memorial box office at 536-5156 or 1 (800) CHF-TIXX.

 

[truebluefan]

Ice Pilots fall short to South Carolina

CHARLESTON, SC - A third period comeback by the Pensacola Ice Pilots fell short on Thursday night as the South Carolina Stingrays used a solid first 20 minutes to win 6-4 to conclude three consecutive games between the two teams.

It was a tough first period for the Pensacola Ice Pilots as they surrendered three goals in the first 3:44 and it was 3-0. One goal was on the power play, one even strength and the other was shorthanded.

The Ice Pilots made it a 3-1 contest when Sergei Ogorodnikov netted a goal from Niko Tuomi and Mike Wirll.

However South Carolina extended their lead to two goals with another power play marker and it was 4-1.

In the second period the Ice Pilots had a five-on-three power play in attempt to get closer but goaltender Davis Parley made some great stops for South Carolina to keep his team in front.

South Carolina connected on their third power play goal to make it 5-1 but the Ice Pilots pulled to within three when David Wrigley scored from John Hecimovic and Niko Tuomi just before the end of the period.

In the third period, the Ice Pilots comeback was started by a strange goal from Dwayne Hay on a rebound shot that went off the Stingrays' goalies back and in. The Ice Pilots then added another when Mike Wirll scored from Travis Lisabeth to make it 5-4. However, the Stingrays added a sixth goal on a delayed penalty to round out the scoring.

 

[truebluefan]

RoadRunners Reel In Steelheads 3-1

PHOENIX, Ariz. - Lance Monych broke a 1-1 tie with 8:19 remaining in regulation and the Phoenix RoadRunners tallied three power play goals en route to a 3-1 victory over the Idaho Steelheads before 2,170 at US Airways Center in ECHL action Thursday.

Both teams exchanged power play goals in the opening period. Colin Shields collected Darrell Hay's rebound in the slot and swept the puck behind RoadRunners goaltender Cody Rudkowsky at 5:41 on the man-advantage to give Idaho (17-12-2) a 1-0 lead. The RoadRunners (17-13-2) though would come back and net the equalizer at 12:33 of the first period with a power play goal of their own. Todd Jackson snatched Dave Pszenyczny's rebound off the endboards and tipped the puck into the open Idaho net to tie the score at 1-1.

Monych scored the go-ahead goal at 11:41 of the third collecting Alexandre Rouleau's blocked shot and putting a backhander behind Idaho goalie Steve Silverthorn to give the RoadRunners a 2-1 lead. Brett Smith added some insurance with a third power play goal for the Roadrunners at 15:56 to cap the scoring.

Phoenix out-shot Idaho 33-31. Rudkowsky stopped 30 shots to improve to 5-5-1 on the season. The RoadRunners went 3-9 on the power play while Idaho was 1-6.

Notes: The RoadRunners earned their first win lifetime at US Airways Center over the Steelheads and improved to 1-4-1 over Idaho at home and 3-8-1 for the all-time series...Phoenix snapped a 0-12 stretch on the power play with their goal in the first period...Pszenyczny notched a pair of assists.

The RoadRunners visit Long Beach at 8:30 p.m. Friday. Catch all the action live at phxroadrunners.com: Home beginning with "RoadRunners Countdown" at 8:10 p.m.

Phoenix returns to US Airways Center at 7:11 p.m. Saturday as they open a new four-game homestand beginning with the Las Vegas Wranglers. It's the third of six "Guys Night Out" promotions presented by Classic Rock 100.7 FM KSLX and Coach & Willie's. "Guys Night Out" includes a ticket to the game, a voucher good for a 16 oz. beverage at any US Airways Center concessions stands, and a t-shirt voucher good for an official "Guys Night Out" t-shirt all for just $13 by logging on to phxroadrunners.com: Home. Doors open at 6:00 p.m.

Individual game tickets for the 2006-07 regular season start as low $7 in the lower section and can be purchased at the US Airways Center Box Office and at all Ticketmaster outlets including Ticketmaster.com. Information on season tickets, half-season packages, and flex plans are available by calling (602) 462-GOAL.

 

[truebluefan]

Stingrays Sink Ice Pilots 6-4

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. - Six separate players scored goals with Brendan Bernakevitch leading the way offensively by scoring a goal and adding two assists for South Carolina as the Stingrays downed the Pensacola Ice Pilots 6-4 in front of 3,202 fans at the North Charleston Coliseum.

"We're happy to get the two points," South Carolina coach Jason Fitzsimmons said. "It's nice that we're not relying on one line to do the scoring. Even though we picked up the win, we have to be better prepared for Augusta tomorrow at home."

South Carolina (17-14-2, 36 points) started with a scoring barrage. Just 49 seconds into the contest, Matt Reid netted a breakaway power play tally for his 10th of the season beating goaltender Ben Gray from Cail MacLean and Marc Busenburg, who was reassigned from Hershey of the American Hockey League.

Chris Chaput made it 2-0 for the Stingrays at the 1:37 mark, notching a wraparound marker for his 13th goal of the season. Matt Stefanishion and Nate Kiser drew assists.

South Carolina's Bernakevitch scored a shorthand goal from Ryan Bennett and T.J. McElroy at 3:44 of the first giving the Stingrays a 3-0 lead.

Pensacola (9-21-2, 20 points) got on the scoreboard on the power play. Sergei Ogorodnikov let go with a shot from the right circle and got the puck past netminder Davis Parley. Helpers went to Mike Wirll and Niko Tuomi, who was making his Ice Pilots debut after being acquired in a trade from the Florida Everblades on Wednesday.

Peter Szabo got that one back for the Stingrays by counting his fifth goal of the year at 11:56 with the man advantage. Bernakevitch and Donny Grover garnered assists.

In the second, MacLean took a nice pass from Evan Schwabe and converted his 13th goal of the campaign. Reid also picked up a helper giving South Carolina a 5-1 lead.

David Wrigley re-directed home his sixth of the year at 18:18 on the power play from former Stingrays forward John Hecimovic and Tuomi.

In the third, Dwayne Hay scored a bizarre goal firing a shot off the end glass bouncing on the back of Parley and trickling over the line for his 10th of the year, making it 5-3. Hecimovic and Tuomi collected assists.

Then at 15:39, Wirll converted on a Travis Lisabeth pass and buried his 20th of the campaign to close the gap to one at 5-4 in favor of South Carolina.

However, the Stingrays' Cam McCaffrey ripped a shot from the slot with 2:14 remaining in regulation to put the game out of reach. Bernakevitch and Nate Kiser registered helpers.

South Carolina went 3-for-9 with the man advantage, while Pensacola converted on 4-of-10 opportunities. Ice Pilots outshot the Stingrays 38-35.

The Stingrays continue their three-game homestand at 7:05 p.m. on Friday against the Augusta Lynx at the North Charleston Coliseum. The game is presented by Charleston County Recycling and it's Family Fun Friday featuring four tickets, four hotdogs, four sodas and a program for just $44.

Join Mike Kelly, "Voice of the Stingrays" for live play-by-play action on ESPN Radio 910 The Team and online at stingrayshockey.com: Home beginning at 6:50 p.m. with the Benito's Pregame Show. Watch the game live on the web telecast for $6 each at stingrayshockey.com: Home, courtesy of B2 Networks.

Don't miss the fast-paced, action-packed, family affordable fun! Partial season ticket packages are available by calling (843) 744-2248.

Individual tickets can be purchased at the North Charleston Coliseum box office, by calling Ticketmaster at (843) 554-6060 and online at Official Ticketmaster site. Tickets for Concerts, Sports, Arts, Theater, Family, Events, more.

Discounted groups tickets, birthday packages, Kids Club information and fundraiser opportunities are available by calling (843) 744-2248 or by visiting online at stingrayshockey.com: Home. Stingrays Hockey - A Whole Lot Cooler!

 

[truebluefan]

Busenburg Heads Back to Hershey

CHARLESTON, S.C. - The South Carolina Stingrays and head coach Jason Fitzsimmons announced today that defenseman Marc Busenburg has been called-up once again to the Hershey Bears, the Stingrays American Hockey League affiliate.

Busenburg, at 6'1" and 190-pounds, joined the Rays last night in the Stingrays victory over the Pensacola Ice Pilots recording one point on an assist. The Worcester, MA native now has 11 points on the year on four goals and seven assists in the 18 games he has played with the Rays.

This is Busenburg's third call-up to the Bears this season.

In a separate transaction, Tim Judy has re-signed with the Rays. The 5'10", 175-pound defenseman has played two games with the Stingrays without recording a point. Judy is a native of Bowie, MD and currently resides in Charleston, SC.

The Stingrays play the second of three games at home tonight at 7:05 p.m. when they take on the Augusta Lynx at the North Charleston Coliseum. Catch all the play-by-play action live with Voice of the Rays Mike Kelly on ESPN Radio 910 the Team and online at stingrayshockey.com: Home beginning at 6:50 p.m. with the Benito's Pre-game Show. Watch the game live on the web telecast for $6 each at stingrayshockey.com: Home, courtesy of B2 Networks.

Don't miss the fast-paced, action-packed, family affordable fun! Partial season ticket packages are available by calling (843) 744-2248.

Individual tickets can be purchased at the North Charleston Coliseum box office, by calling Ticketmaster at (843) 554-6060 and online at Official Ticketmaster site. Tickets for Concerts, Sports, Arts, Theater, Family, Events, more.

Discounted groups tickets, birthday packages, Kids Club information and fundraiser opportunities are available by calling (843) 744-2248 or by visiting online at stingrayshockey.com: Home. Stingrays Hockey - A Whole Lot Cooler!

 

[truebluefan]

Kevin Anderson Named ECHL All-Star Game Trainer

STOCKTON, Calif. * Stockton Thunder head athletic trainer Kevin Anderson has been selected as a Trainer for the 2007 RBK Hockey ECHL All-Star Game in Boise, Idaho, Thunder team president Dan Chapman announced today in conjunction with the ECHL.

The game will be played on Wednesday, January 17 beginning at 6:00 p.m. PT at Qwest Arena, with the 10th annual ECHL All-Star Skills Competition to be held on Tuesday, January 16 at 6:00 p.m.

"Kevin is a true professional and has the best interest in our players at all times," said Chapman. "His commitment and dedication is second to none, and the ECHL is obviously well aware of his talents."

The seventh member of the Thunder to be honored with a selection to the ECHL All-Star Game, Anderson is in his second season with the Thunder as the team's Head Athletic Trainer, also currently serving the same role with the arenafootball2 league's Stockton Lightning following a six-year stint at University of the Pacific as an Assistant Athletic Trainer and instructor.

Anderson, a certified member of the National Athletic Trainers Association, has also garnered experience as a fill-in trainer with the Stockton Ports minor league baseball team from 1993-96 and two years as an Athletic Training Intern with the National Football League's Los Angeles Rams.

During his time with Pacific, Anderson also dedicated his time as Head Athletic Trainer for the Magic Johnson Summer Basketball Camps and Charity Games, from 1993-97. He has also worked as a volunteer athletic trainer for various Professional Bull Riding (PBR) events. Kevin received his Master of Arts degree in Sports Medicine from University of the Pacific (Calif.) in 1995, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Pre-Physical Therapy from University of Nevada-Reno in 1993.

Anderson will be joined on the All-Star Game's training staff by Brian Grogesky of the Reading Royals and Dennis Brogna of the host Idaho Steelheads. The trainers were selected in a vote of their peers in the respective conferences.

The Thunder will be sending an ECHL-high four players to the All-Star Game and will have head coach Chris Cichocki serving as a coach for the National Conference team.

Center Nathan Martz and defenseman Beau Geisler were named to the National Conference starting lineup, while goaltender Devan Dubnyk and right wing Troy Bodie garnered selections to the National Conference team in their professional rookie seasons. Additionally, Thunder play-by-play broadcaster Mike Benton was selected to the radio broadcast announcing team for the All-Star Game which will be produced through NHL Radio.

An ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League's Edmonton Oilers, the Thunder drew 228,364 fans to Stockton Arena in its inaugural season, the ECHL's best attendance mark for 2005-06. Thunder season tickets, mini-plans, and individual tickets for the 2006-07 season are on sale now. For more information about tickets, merchandise, or other inquiries contact the Stockton Thunder offices at (209) 373-1500 or visit stocktonthunder.com: Home.