As many of you have probably heard, the Professional Hockey Players' Association declared a strike against the Central Hockey League owners today.
My story that will run in tomorrow's Times is already up online, and you can read it here.
This announcement certainly surprised me, and from what Bucks head coach/general manager Terry Ruskowski and team captain Serge Dube told me, they were pretty shocked, as well.
Both are obviously hoping things can be resolved in time for the season to begin.
Bucks majority owner Glenn Hart was not quite as surprised, but he also wants to see things cleared up as quickly as possible.
The choice of timing by the PHPA was impeccable, though in the worst way possible for everyone involved.
With the season just around the corner, the owners will definitely feel the pressure to take care of things, and players who have not yet crossed the border cannot do so until negotiations are finalized.
Basically, it comes down to the fact that a lot of teams aren't making money, and thus aren't going to approve increases in spending. But, I guess they might not have a choice.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Camping Out
Here is my story about the signings of rookies Darryl Smith and Mike Collichio from today's Times.
As I mentioned on the blog yesterday, Smith has been invited to training camp with the Houston Aeros. Basically, if he makes the team, he won't be a Buck...but if he doesn't, he will.
Head coach/general manager Terry Ruskowski said he believes his purpose is to get guys up to higher leagues, so he'll be happy to have been involved either way.
Of course, Smith is not the only CHL signee to be getting a shot at the AHL, as some Corpus Christi IceRays will also be at Aeros camp.
As I mentioned on the blog yesterday, Smith has been invited to training camp with the Houston Aeros. Basically, if he makes the team, he won't be a Buck...but if he doesn't, he will.
Head coach/general manager Terry Ruskowski said he believes his purpose is to get guys up to higher leagues, so he'll be happy to have been involved either way.
Of course, Smith is not the only CHL signee to be getting a shot at the AHL, as some Corpus Christi IceRays will also be at Aeros camp.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Two Steps Closer
The Bucks have announced the signings of rookies Darryl Smith, a center, and Mike Collichio, a goaltender.
Both of this signings were fairly expectable, with the team needing another young goalie to compete with Ryan Gibb for the backup spot and reports of Smith's signing having surfaced earlier this month.
Apparently Smith will be headed to training camp with the Houston Aeros next week, while Collichio was MVP of his team at Neumann College all four seasons that he was there. There's certainly nothing bad about either of those accomplishments.
I'll post more, including stats later, and you can expect a story in tomorrow's Times.
Both of this signings were fairly expectable, with the team needing another young goalie to compete with Ryan Gibb for the backup spot and reports of Smith's signing having surfaced earlier this month.
Apparently Smith will be headed to training camp with the Houston Aeros next week, while Collichio was MVP of his team at Neumann College all four seasons that he was there. There's certainly nothing bad about either of those accomplishments.
I'll post more, including stats later, and you can expect a story in tomorrow's Times.
One Week Away
As I was driving around this morning running some errands, it hit me that training camp begins one week from today. I don't know if all of you have gotten excited for the season yet, but I can't wait.
Now that everything is so close to starting up again, I was hoping to get some feedback from you about what you'd like to see on here during the season.
During home games, I will post whenever goals are scored or anything else truly notable happens. For road games, I'll do my best to update for scoring, but when I'm out on other assignments, that won't always be possible.
If there is anything specific you would like to see on here, especially as far as game updates or postgame content, please let me know.
Now that everything is so close to starting up again, I was hoping to get some feedback from you about what you'd like to see on here during the season.
During home games, I will post whenever goals are scored or anything else truly notable happens. For road games, I'll do my best to update for scoring, but when I'm out on other assignments, that won't always be possible.
If there is anything specific you would like to see on here, especially as far as game updates or postgame content, please let me know.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Quotes and Notes
In my story about the Bucks who have left the team, I did not mention exactly what Hiebert will be doing business-wise this season because he is still getting settled, but I can tell you he will be staying in Laredo, at least for now.
Now, finally, here are some leftover quotes...
Majority owner Glenn Hart on team captain Serge Dube and his decision not to retire:
"That was huge. I'm going to get in trouble for saying this, but I think he's been the single most important factor in our success. He may not be the guy who stands out the most to the fans, but he is a superstar at our level."
Hart on bringing back Alex Goupil:
"I loved Goupil. I was really strongly in support of Alex coming back. It's a rare thing to get a guy who's on the second level that has the skill level he has."
Head coach/general manager Terry Ruskowski's address to fans when announcing the re-signing of Jeff Bes:
"I don't know what else you can say about Jeff Bes and what he's done for the community and the Laredo Bucks. He's not just the MVP of the playoffs and MVP of the regular season...with age, he gets better, more productive. He's been a huge help these past two years as my player/assistant coach. He's a great guy to work for...work with, I should say. I'll probably end up working for him a few years down the line, but for now, work with."
"We always talk about guys who are a priority to sign, and he is a huge priority. I couldn't be happier to say that we've signed him for this year and many more years to come."
"One thing I have to say about Jeff that I'm so proud of...when we won our first championship, there was a line, I think we were signing autographs for four, five, six hours. There was a huge line at the arena. I remember his girlfriend at the time came up to him and said, 'This is ridiculous.' And Jeff Bes said, 'I've waited 14 years for this; five hours isn't going to make a big difference.' I thought, 'That's the kind of guy I want on my hockey team,' and that's a guy who stayed with us. That kind of attitude shows his character. With character, you're always in the running to be a championship team, and that's what we're doing now."
Ruskowski on what's left for this offseason:
"There are a couple other guys that we're probably close to getting that I think will help the team a lot, so we're looking forward to getting their contracts back as quickly as possible."
I also meant to mention that Dube was actually in attendance for the Bes presser, sitting in the back of the Whataburger eating lunch with his wife. He usually comes out for all the team announcements even though he doesn't seem to be required to, which is nice to see.
The guys who are coming back this year all seem to be pretty close, even the ones who just got here last season. When I called Goupil last week in attempt to find a number at which I could reach Dustin Traylen, he had Igor Agarunov on the other line. Hopefully that closeness extends to the rookies and newcomer Sebastien Centomo because it definitely helps the team out on the ice.
Now, finally, here are some leftover quotes...
Majority owner Glenn Hart on team captain Serge Dube and his decision not to retire:
"That was huge. I'm going to get in trouble for saying this, but I think he's been the single most important factor in our success. He may not be the guy who stands out the most to the fans, but he is a superstar at our level."
Hart on bringing back Alex Goupil:
"I loved Goupil. I was really strongly in support of Alex coming back. It's a rare thing to get a guy who's on the second level that has the skill level he has."
Head coach/general manager Terry Ruskowski's address to fans when announcing the re-signing of Jeff Bes:
"I don't know what else you can say about Jeff Bes and what he's done for the community and the Laredo Bucks. He's not just the MVP of the playoffs and MVP of the regular season...with age, he gets better, more productive. He's been a huge help these past two years as my player/assistant coach. He's a great guy to work for...work with, I should say. I'll probably end up working for him a few years down the line, but for now, work with."
"We always talk about guys who are a priority to sign, and he is a huge priority. I couldn't be happier to say that we've signed him for this year and many more years to come."
"One thing I have to say about Jeff that I'm so proud of...when we won our first championship, there was a line, I think we were signing autographs for four, five, six hours. There was a huge line at the arena. I remember his girlfriend at the time came up to him and said, 'This is ridiculous.' And Jeff Bes said, 'I've waited 14 years for this; five hours isn't going to make a big difference.' I thought, 'That's the kind of guy I want on my hockey team,' and that's a guy who stayed with us. That kind of attitude shows his character. With character, you're always in the running to be a championship team, and that's what we're doing now."
Ruskowski on what's left for this offseason:
"There are a couple other guys that we're probably close to getting that I think will help the team a lot, so we're looking forward to getting their contracts back as quickly as possible."
I also meant to mention that Dube was actually in attendance for the Bes presser, sitting in the back of the Whataburger eating lunch with his wife. He usually comes out for all the team announcements even though he doesn't seem to be required to, which is nice to see.
The guys who are coming back this year all seem to be pretty close, even the ones who just got here last season. When I called Goupil last week in attempt to find a number at which I could reach Dustin Traylen, he had Igor Agarunov on the other line. Hopefully that closeness extends to the rookies and newcomer Sebastien Centomo because it definitely helps the team out on the ice.
Boy vs. Cancer Bowling Tournament
I am working on transcribing some quotes now, but first I'd like to post something I had been meaning to put on here for a while.
Serge Dube and his wife Aileen will be holding a bowling tournament one week from today to raise money to help pay the medical bills for Aileen’s young cousin, who was recently diagnosed with cancer.
Here is the information:
WHEN: Sunday, October 5, at
WHERE: Jett Bowl North
COST: $150 per team (five players).
INCLUDES: Three games, shoes, a pizza and a pitcher of soda.
There will be prizes, raffles and a chance to play against some of your favorite Bucks.
If you have any questions, you can contact Serge at (956)236-5358 or by email at doobs11@hotmail.com.
Registration forms can also be faxed to (956)723-4241.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Moving Right Along
Here is my story from today's Times, which focuses on the players who will not be returning for the upcoming season, specifically right wing James Hiebert, who will be moving on to the business world at the ripe old age of 26.
As I mentioned previously, I will try to post some leftover quotes from my recent interviews tomorrow (Sunday), when I will finally get a day off from high school football.
The Bucks will be announcing a few more rookie signings on Monday and Tuesday, then that should about do it, with training camp just nine days away.
You can see how all the teams in the league are shaping up here, and if you're interested, you can get a very in-depth look at the Northwest Division on Adam Dunivan's Colorado Eagles blog.
As I mentioned previously, I will try to post some leftover quotes from my recent interviews tomorrow (Sunday), when I will finally get a day off from high school football.
The Bucks will be announcing a few more rookie signings on Monday and Tuesday, then that should about do it, with training camp just nine days away.
You can see how all the teams in the league are shaping up here, and if you're interested, you can get a very in-depth look at the Northwest Division on Adam Dunivan's Colorado Eagles blog.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Bes Story
Sorry for the delay in posting anything after the Jeff Bes press conference, but I figured everything was pretty self-explanatory. Anyway, here is my story about Bes' return from today's Times.
I will post my leftover quotes from the press conference on Sunday, and there will be another Bucks story in the paper tomorrow.
I will post my leftover quotes from the press conference on Sunday, and there will be another Bucks story in the paper tomorrow.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Junior Bucks
Just in case anyone is interested, the Junior Bucks will be holding registration for skating classes on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Laredo Entertainment Center Gate D.
You can contact Marilyn Campbell at 645-3899 or Liz Anguiano at 206-1884 for more information.
You can contact Marilyn Campbell at 645-3899 or Liz Anguiano at 206-1884 for more information.
Hart to Hart
Finally, here is my offseason recap with Bucks majority owner Glenn Hart, which ran in today's Times.
I have some leftover quotes about specific players and some other things that I will post later.
Meanwhile, the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees announced three more signings yesterday in defensemen Stephen Burns, Cody Cole...and Chad Swartzentruber. I swear, Brian Sandalow is getting some great names to work with this season. Too bad he wants to abbreviate this one. The funniest part of this is that there are two Chad Swartzentrubers on Hockey DB.
Of course, tomorrow is the big day in Laredo as reigning Central Hockey League MVP Jeff Bes will finally be officially announced as a member of the 2008-09 roster. In what some may call a coincidence, the press conference is scheduled for the exact same time that I was supposed to go to municipal court about a speeding ticket...guess that will have to wait until next week.
I didn't really go into much depth about the Bes presser yesterday, but it will be held at Whataburger, just as it was last year, and everyone in attendance can get free bacon and cheese on their burgers with any combo meal purchased. As a vegetarian, I find this offer a little less than exciting. However, getting Bes back is obviously a good thing for the team, the fans and the media, so I'll try to deal with the fast food stench.
Bes will be in his 17th professional season and sixth in Laredo. This will also be his third season as assistant coach. He has been working hard with head coach/general manager Terry Ruskowski this summer recruiting and preparing for the upcoming season, so I don't think there was ever any doubt that he'd be sticking around Laredo this year. The fact that he bought a house here last summer was another good clue.
Having turned 35 this summer, Bes obviously isn't getting any younger, but he has been well protected throughout his career and has often said he believes the warm climate in Laredo has helped his body stay young and in good playing shape. I personally don't think this season will be his last.
Bes holds pretty much every Bucks franchise scoring record after breaking a few more during the 2007-08 season, so he'll be sure to add to those this time around. During the past regular season, his second MVP campaign, he played in every single game and had a team-high (and team record) 46 goals and 60 assists for 106 points. In the team's 11 playoff games, Bes had three goals and nine assists for 12 points.
In some fairly random news, the CHL has unveiled a toolbar that fans can download to be a part of their web browser. I would totally try it, but my work computer has been known to crash for less, so I think I'll wait until I get home...
I have some leftover quotes about specific players and some other things that I will post later.
Meanwhile, the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees announced three more signings yesterday in defensemen Stephen Burns, Cody Cole...and Chad Swartzentruber. I swear, Brian Sandalow is getting some great names to work with this season. Too bad he wants to abbreviate this one. The funniest part of this is that there are two Chad Swartzentrubers on Hockey DB.
Of course, tomorrow is the big day in Laredo as reigning Central Hockey League MVP Jeff Bes will finally be officially announced as a member of the 2008-09 roster. In what some may call a coincidence, the press conference is scheduled for the exact same time that I was supposed to go to municipal court about a speeding ticket...guess that will have to wait until next week.
I didn't really go into much depth about the Bes presser yesterday, but it will be held at Whataburger, just as it was last year, and everyone in attendance can get free bacon and cheese on their burgers with any combo meal purchased. As a vegetarian, I find this offer a little less than exciting. However, getting Bes back is obviously a good thing for the team, the fans and the media, so I'll try to deal with the fast food stench.
Bes will be in his 17th professional season and sixth in Laredo. This will also be his third season as assistant coach. He has been working hard with head coach/general manager Terry Ruskowski this summer recruiting and preparing for the upcoming season, so I don't think there was ever any doubt that he'd be sticking around Laredo this year. The fact that he bought a house here last summer was another good clue.
Having turned 35 this summer, Bes obviously isn't getting any younger, but he has been well protected throughout his career and has often said he believes the warm climate in Laredo has helped his body stay young and in good playing shape. I personally don't think this season will be his last.
Bes holds pretty much every Bucks franchise scoring record after breaking a few more during the 2007-08 season, so he'll be sure to add to those this time around. During the past regular season, his second MVP campaign, he played in every single game and had a team-high (and team record) 46 goals and 60 assists for 106 points. In the team's 11 playoff games, Bes had three goals and nine assists for 12 points.
In some fairly random news, the CHL has unveiled a toolbar that fans can download to be a part of their web browser. I would totally try it, but my work computer has been known to crash for less, so I think I'll wait until I get home...
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Bes is Back
Well, at least they aren't even pretending to be sneaky about this...
In a less-than-shocking move, the Bucks announced today that Jeff Bes will indeed be a member of their 2008-09 team. They will hold a press conference at the Whataburger on Jacaman Road on Thursday at 2 p.m. to officially announce the news.
Following up on yesterday's news, here is my story about the Traylen trade, etc... from today's Times.
In a less-than-shocking move, the Bucks announced today that Jeff Bes will indeed be a member of their 2008-09 team. They will hold a press conference at the Whataburger on Jacaman Road on Thursday at 2 p.m. to officially announce the news.
Following up on yesterday's news, here is my story about the Traylen trade, etc... from today's Times.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Different Story
It took more phone calls than I think I've ever made in one day in my life, but I have confirmation that Dustin Traylen was sent out of Laredo via trade...but not one with the Corpus Christi IceRays.
In fact, Traylen's rights were traded to the Mississippi RiverKings in exchange for those to Sebastien Centomo.
The trade occurred earlier this summer but was not publicized until Sept. 5, following Centomo's official signing with the Bucks.
Mississippi did not offer Traylen a contract with financial compensation prior to the league's deadline, and he thus became an unrestricted free agent.
Corpus signed Traylen, who was an All-Star last season, soon after his free agency was established.
Now, instead of my offseason wrapup with Bucks majority owner Glenn Hart, there will be a story about this development in tomorrow's paper, with quotes from Bucks head coach/general manager Terry Ruskowski and some more information about the technicalities of the situation.
Hopefully this helps answer everybody's questions.
In fact, Traylen's rights were traded to the Mississippi RiverKings in exchange for those to Sebastien Centomo.
The trade occurred earlier this summer but was not publicized until Sept. 5, following Centomo's official signing with the Bucks.
Mississippi did not offer Traylen a contract with financial compensation prior to the league's deadline, and he thus became an unrestricted free agent.
Corpus signed Traylen, who was an All-Star last season, soon after his free agency was established.
Now, instead of my offseason wrapup with Bucks majority owner Glenn Hart, there will be a story about this development in tomorrow's paper, with quotes from Bucks head coach/general manager Terry Ruskowski and some more information about the technicalities of the situation.
Hopefully this helps answer everybody's questions.
Updates
Sorry for the delay in posting all of this, but I had the weekend off and have been having some internet issues at home.
First things first, it is being reported that goaltender Dustin Traylen, who spent last season with the Bucks, has signed with the Corpus Christi IceRays for their 2008-09 campaign. The team has yet to officially confirm this signing online or add Traylen to its roster, but IceRays head coach Sylvain Cloutier confirmed it personally on Thursday.
So, now the obvious question is (Besides why did Traylen say he wanted to go to Europe then end up about 150 miles away?) is do the Bucks get anything from the IceRays in exchange for Traylen's rights?
I tried calling head coach/general manager Terry Ruskowski and did not get a response, so I am waiting to hear back from him.
Meanwhile, due to everything else going on this weekend, we decided to hold of on my offseason recap story with quotes from Bucks majority owner Glenn Hart. It will run in tomorrow's paper.
And, very belatedly, here is my story about the Justin Saulnier and Jason Dixon signings from Saturday's Times.
First things first, it is being reported that goaltender Dustin Traylen, who spent last season with the Bucks, has signed with the Corpus Christi IceRays for their 2008-09 campaign. The team has yet to officially confirm this signing online or add Traylen to its roster, but IceRays head coach Sylvain Cloutier confirmed it personally on Thursday.
So, now the obvious question is (Besides why did Traylen say he wanted to go to Europe then end up about 150 miles away?) is do the Bucks get anything from the IceRays in exchange for Traylen's rights?
I tried calling head coach/general manager Terry Ruskowski and did not get a response, so I am waiting to hear back from him.
Meanwhile, due to everything else going on this weekend, we decided to hold of on my offseason recap story with quotes from Bucks majority owner Glenn Hart. It will run in tomorrow's paper.
And, very belatedly, here is my story about the Justin Saulnier and Jason Dixon signings from Saturday's Times.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Two Rookie Centers
The Bucks upped their training camp roster to 21 this morning, announcing the signings of rookies Justin Saulnier and Jason Dixon. Just to warn you, those Hockey DB pages are incomplete.
Last season, Saulnier played with the Kent Cup champion Yarmouth Mariners of the Maritime Junior A Hockey League and was named a First-Team All-Star.
The 5-11, 190-pound center scored 24 goals and had 43 assists for 67 points during 51 regular season games, then had eight goals and eight assists for 16 points in the Mariners' 16 playoff games.
His complete 2007-08 stats can be seen here.
Dixon played his 2007-08 season with the Windsor St. Clair Saints, a junior "AAA" team based out of St. Clair College in Ontario.
The 5-10, 175-pound forward had 13 goals and 27 assists for 40 points in 29 regular season games and had two assists in four playoff games.
His complete 2007-08 stats can be found here.
When I spoke to Bucks majority owner Glenn Hart yesterday for my story that will run in Sunday's paper, he said the rookies that are coming into camp this season are some of the best he has ever seen.
I know head coach/general manager Terry Ruskowski had been interested in signing Saulnier from the start, and I guess he got what he wanted on that front. Both of these young forwards (Saulnier is 21, Dixon 23) put up impressive numbers last season, and having those skills in the leagues they played in should transfer well to the CHL.
I'll be calling coach soon to get some of his thoughts on these players for a story in tomorrow's paper.
In other Southeast Division news, the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees announced yesterday that they have traded for the rights to defenseman Steve Makway. Makway spent the past two seasons with the RiverKings, starting in Memphis and moving with the team to Mississippi, but his first CHL experience came with the Bucks during the 2004-05 season.
The 6-5, 230-pounder put up an average of 42 points and 164.5 penalty minutes during his two seasons with the RiverKings and looks to be a welcome addition to Rio's defensive corps.
Brian Sandalow has some more on Makway, along with some other topics, including his plans and those of Killer Bees Vice President of Communications Rich Bocchini for video blogging during the coming season.
Meanwhile, the Texas Brahmas have re-signed goaltender David Cacciola. You can catch up with the Brahmas' signings and other news on the Texas Brahmas Insider blog.
Outside of the division, the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs have re-signed half of their dynamic netminding duo in Ken Carroll.
Click here to see all of the offseason transactions.
Last season, Saulnier played with the Kent Cup champion Yarmouth Mariners of the Maritime Junior A Hockey League and was named a First-Team All-Star.
The 5-11, 190-pound center scored 24 goals and had 43 assists for 67 points during 51 regular season games, then had eight goals and eight assists for 16 points in the Mariners' 16 playoff games.
His complete 2007-08 stats can be seen here.
Dixon played his 2007-08 season with the Windsor St. Clair Saints, a junior "AAA" team based out of St. Clair College in Ontario.
The 5-10, 175-pound forward had 13 goals and 27 assists for 40 points in 29 regular season games and had two assists in four playoff games.
His complete 2007-08 stats can be found here.
When I spoke to Bucks majority owner Glenn Hart yesterday for my story that will run in Sunday's paper, he said the rookies that are coming into camp this season are some of the best he has ever seen.
I know head coach/general manager Terry Ruskowski had been interested in signing Saulnier from the start, and I guess he got what he wanted on that front. Both of these young forwards (Saulnier is 21, Dixon 23) put up impressive numbers last season, and having those skills in the leagues they played in should transfer well to the CHL.
I'll be calling coach soon to get some of his thoughts on these players for a story in tomorrow's paper.
In other Southeast Division news, the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees announced yesterday that they have traded for the rights to defenseman Steve Makway. Makway spent the past two seasons with the RiverKings, starting in Memphis and moving with the team to Mississippi, but his first CHL experience came with the Bucks during the 2004-05 season.
The 6-5, 230-pounder put up an average of 42 points and 164.5 penalty minutes during his two seasons with the RiverKings and looks to be a welcome addition to Rio's defensive corps.
Brian Sandalow has some more on Makway, along with some other topics, including his plans and those of Killer Bees Vice President of Communications Rich Bocchini for video blogging during the coming season.
Meanwhile, the Texas Brahmas have re-signed goaltender David Cacciola. You can catch up with the Brahmas' signings and other news on the Texas Brahmas Insider blog.
Outside of the division, the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs have re-signed half of their dynamic netminding duo in Ken Carroll.
Click here to see all of the offseason transactions.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Goupil Story, Etc...
Here is my story about the Alex Goupil re-signing in today's Times.
A couple things I wasn't able to include were Goupil's sentiments about starting off the season with a team that has a winning tradition, unlike the Wichita Thunder, and Ruskowski's plans to expand the core of players he returns from season to season. Goupil and second-year forward Matt Summers are two welcome additions to that group.
"I'll take any advantage I can get," Ruskowski said. "If there are more guys I know I can count on, I'm going to try to get them back."
The returning members of the previously established core group are probably quite happy to get someone as energetic and offensively productive as Goupil back, as well. We'll see if he can keep things up without former linemate Chris Korchinski around, as coach told me Korky signed with an ECHL team earlier this offeason.
Meanwhile, the Bucks' "Night Out" event is tomorrow, and Bryan Benway announced today that majority owner Glenn Hart will be in attendance, along with head coach/general manager Terry Ruskowski and several of the re-signed players.
I will be talking to Hart for an offseason recap story that will run this weekend in the Times.
P.S. The first regular season game is one month away. =)
A couple things I wasn't able to include were Goupil's sentiments about starting off the season with a team that has a winning tradition, unlike the Wichita Thunder, and Ruskowski's plans to expand the core of players he returns from season to season. Goupil and second-year forward Matt Summers are two welcome additions to that group.
"I'll take any advantage I can get," Ruskowski said. "If there are more guys I know I can count on, I'm going to try to get them back."
The returning members of the previously established core group are probably quite happy to get someone as energetic and offensively productive as Goupil back, as well. We'll see if he can keep things up without former linemate Chris Korchinski around, as coach told me Korky signed with an ECHL team earlier this offeason.
Meanwhile, the Bucks' "Night Out" event is tomorrow, and Bryan Benway announced today that majority owner Glenn Hart will be in attendance, along with head coach/general manager Terry Ruskowski and several of the re-signed players.
I will be talking to Hart for an offseason recap story that will run this weekend in the Times.
P.S. The first regular season game is one month away. =)
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Goupil's Back
The Bucks have announced the re-signing of forward Alex Goupil for the upcoming season.
I know a lot of people will be very happy to see him return.
Goupil joined the Bucks in February and scored 11 goals with seven assists in only 16 regular season games. In the team's 11 playoff games, he had four goals and seven assists, averaging a point per game.
Though he is not quite 25, Goupil is closer to veteran status than many of the other players signed thus far, having played 262 professional regular season games between his time with the Bucks, the earlier part of the season with the Wichita Thunder and three seasons in the United Hockey League.
In those games, Goupil has 97 goals and 85 assists for a total of 182 career regular season points.
His CHL numbers are the most impressive, especially those he put up with the Bucks. You can get a better breakdown of those here. He had four game-winning goals during the regular season (one with the Bucks) and two in the playoffs.
The 5-foot-8, 205-pound "spark plug" definitely brought a lot to the Bucks last season, and I know head coach/general manager Terry Ruskowski was thrilled to get him when he did.
I got to talk to Alex, as well as coach, so I'll have some quotes from each in my story tomorrow.
Meanwhile, here is the little blurb we ran today about the preseason schedule.
I know a lot of people will be very happy to see him return.
Goupil joined the Bucks in February and scored 11 goals with seven assists in only 16 regular season games. In the team's 11 playoff games, he had four goals and seven assists, averaging a point per game.
Though he is not quite 25, Goupil is closer to veteran status than many of the other players signed thus far, having played 262 professional regular season games between his time with the Bucks, the earlier part of the season with the Wichita Thunder and three seasons in the United Hockey League.
In those games, Goupil has 97 goals and 85 assists for a total of 182 career regular season points.
His CHL numbers are the most impressive, especially those he put up with the Bucks. You can get a better breakdown of those here. He had four game-winning goals during the regular season (one with the Bucks) and two in the playoffs.
The 5-foot-8, 205-pound "spark plug" definitely brought a lot to the Bucks last season, and I know head coach/general manager Terry Ruskowski was thrilled to get him when he did.
I got to talk to Alex, as well as coach, so I'll have some quotes from each in my story tomorrow.
Meanwhile, here is the little blurb we ran today about the preseason schedule.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Playing Hurt
I have to admit I've been struggling through the day with the fact that I cannot attend Jack Falla's wake or funeral weighing on my mind. Many of my classmates are still in the Boston area, whereas I clearly am not, and I feel almost guilty for being so far away that I cannot make it back to pay my respects.
A friend has been telling me all afternoon that I just need to do my work because that's what Jack would have wanted, and I know he's right. In fact, Jack's favorite saying of them all was, "You gotta play hurt." He even included it as a major point in his novel Saved, which was prefaced with the quote, "The first rule of life, love and hockey is the same rule - You've got to play hurt."
I've been reading all sorts of articles about Jack today, including his Associated Press obituary, but this blog post by Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News really hit home.
To quote Mark, "Thanks for everything, Jack. You’ll be missed. I’m definitely hurting today, but I’m going to play anyway. I know you wouldn’t want it any other way."
A friend has been telling me all afternoon that I just need to do my work because that's what Jack would have wanted, and I know he's right. In fact, Jack's favorite saying of them all was, "You gotta play hurt." He even included it as a major point in his novel Saved, which was prefaced with the quote, "The first rule of life, love and hockey is the same rule - You've got to play hurt."
I've been reading all sorts of articles about Jack today, including his Associated Press obituary, but this blog post by Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News really hit home.
To quote Mark, "Thanks for everything, Jack. You’ll be missed. I’m definitely hurting today, but I’m going to play anyway. I know you wouldn’t want it any other way."
Chaumont to Mississippi
The Mississippi RiverKings announced today that they have signed forward Bobby Chaumont for the upcoming season.
Chaumont is well-known in this area after being a finalist for Central Hockey League Rookie of the Year during the 2006-07 season while playing with the Bucks.
His career took him to the East Coast Hockey League last season, but he is now back in the CHL with a team that will face the Bucks on Tuesday, Nov. 25, at the LEC and Saturday, Jan. 24, at the DeSoto Civic Center in Southaven, Miss.
Chaumont is well-known in this area after being a finalist for Central Hockey League Rookie of the Year during the 2006-07 season while playing with the Bucks.
His career took him to the East Coast Hockey League last season, but he is now back in the CHL with a team that will face the Bucks on Tuesday, Nov. 25, at the LEC and Saturday, Jan. 24, at the DeSoto Civic Center in Southaven, Miss.
Preseason Schedule
The Bucks have announced their preseason schedule, and it is mostly what I anticipated.
Laredo will play three pre-season games, two against the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees and one against the Corpus Christi IceRays.
The games will be played on consecutive nights, starting with Bucks-Bees at the LEC on Thursday, Oct. 9, followed by Bucks-Bees at Dodge Arena on Friday, Oct. 10 and concluding with Bucks-IceRays at the American Bank Center on Saturday, Oct. 11.
Laredo will play three pre-season games, two against the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees and one against the Corpus Christi IceRays.
The games will be played on consecutive nights, starting with Bucks-Bees at the LEC on Thursday, Oct. 9, followed by Bucks-Bees at Dodge Arena on Friday, Oct. 10 and concluding with Bucks-IceRays at the American Bank Center on Saturday, Oct. 11.
In Memory
I didn't really want to fill the last post I made with links, so here's another one that will be a little more informative.
If you needed any proof that Jack Falla was an influential member of the hockey community, here it is. At the press conference last week, coach Ruskowski called The Hockey News the Bible for hockey fans, and it only took them a couple hours into the first business day of the week to recognize Falla's passing.
Falla actually wrote a story about the Blackhawks back in coach's playing days, which I had always meant to talk to both of them about...maybe I'll bring it up to coach next time I see him...but maybe not because it actually only mentions him to talk about him getting traded to the Kings. Of course, there is always this story about L.A. I could mention instead.
In reading everything others have written about him (including this column by Mike Alloy, this blog entry by Boston Globe Bruins writer Fluto Shinzawa, who I had the pleasure of meeting during one of Jack's classes and this one by Globe writer Eric Wilbur) and knowing what I know about him myself, I have to say he was probably the most well-liked professor at Boston University, if not at any university.
He truly made every class an amazing and special experience...and I speak from having taken it at 8 a.m. (the only time he offered it to weed out those who weren't truly devoted to the subject) during the harsh Boston winter.
I've kept in touch with a few of my classmates, and I know that we all still spoke to Jack with some regularity. He was one of my references when I got this job, and I was thrilled to tell him what I would be covering when I was assigned the Bucks beat.
I can truly say I haven't read a word the man wrote that I didn't enjoy, including his contributions to classroom exercises he made us do. I had the pleasure of taking his sports journalism class both for credit and during a special summer seminar and also having him for sports communication, a class I took purely because he taught it.
If you'd care to read some great hockey books, check out his essay collections Home Ice and Open Ice or the novel Saved. I'm nearly certain that anyone who likes hockey enough to read this blog would find these books very enjoyable to read. And, even if you don't like hockey, they're still worth your time.
Meanwhile, there are plenty of his stories online, including one of his SI cover pieces about Gretzky and another story he wrote about the Great One for an old edition of Total Hockey: The Encyclopedia of the National Hockey League.
Sorry to go on and on about this, but I am truly heartbroken, and I feel this topic is very appropriate for a blog about a hockey team. I will probably have even more to say later, just to warn you all.
If you needed any proof that Jack Falla was an influential member of the hockey community, here it is. At the press conference last week, coach Ruskowski called The Hockey News the Bible for hockey fans, and it only took them a couple hours into the first business day of the week to recognize Falla's passing.
Falla actually wrote a story about the Blackhawks back in coach's playing days, which I had always meant to talk to both of them about...maybe I'll bring it up to coach next time I see him...but maybe not because it actually only mentions him to talk about him getting traded to the Kings. Of course, there is always this story about L.A. I could mention instead.
In reading everything others have written about him (including this column by Mike Alloy, this blog entry by Boston Globe Bruins writer Fluto Shinzawa, who I had the pleasure of meeting during one of Jack's classes and this one by Globe writer Eric Wilbur) and knowing what I know about him myself, I have to say he was probably the most well-liked professor at Boston University, if not at any university.
He truly made every class an amazing and special experience...and I speak from having taken it at 8 a.m. (the only time he offered it to weed out those who weren't truly devoted to the subject) during the harsh Boston winter.
I've kept in touch with a few of my classmates, and I know that we all still spoke to Jack with some regularity. He was one of my references when I got this job, and I was thrilled to tell him what I would be covering when I was assigned the Bucks beat.
I can truly say I haven't read a word the man wrote that I didn't enjoy, including his contributions to classroom exercises he made us do. I had the pleasure of taking his sports journalism class both for credit and during a special summer seminar and also having him for sports communication, a class I took purely because he taught it.
If you'd care to read some great hockey books, check out his essay collections Home Ice and Open Ice or the novel Saved. I'm nearly certain that anyone who likes hockey enough to read this blog would find these books very enjoyable to read. And, even if you don't like hockey, they're still worth your time.
Meanwhile, there are plenty of his stories online, including one of his SI cover pieces about Gretzky and another story he wrote about the Great One for an old edition of Total Hockey: The Encyclopedia of the National Hockey League.
Sorry to go on and on about this, but I am truly heartbroken, and I feel this topic is very appropriate for a blog about a hockey team. I will probably have even more to say later, just to warn you all.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
R.I.P. Jack Falla
I just got a voicemail from a classmate of mine at Boston University informing me that our sports journalism professor Jack Falla passed away late last night.
Jack, which is the name he always insisted we call him instead of "professor" or anything so formal, was an incredible man and by far my favorite professor or teacher of any sort I've ever had.
Additionally, he was a self-proclaimed "hockey lifer," having played the sport as a kid and written about it extensively as an adult, including years at Sports Illustrated, during which he spent much of his time covering Wayne Gretzky, and several books, including an incredible novel and two essay collections.
Jack's death is a great loss for the hockey community, B.U., everyone who ever met him and of course his wife Barbara, his children and his grandchildren.
If it weren't for Jack, I'm not sure I would have been as excited to cover the Bucks when I got to Laredo, and I certainly would not have known as much about covering hockey period.
At this point, I can't really find the words to say how saddened I am by this news, but it seems almost fitting that his newest, and apparently final, book was called Open Ice: Reflections and Confessions of a Hockey Lifer. I had been meaning to tell him that I had pre-ordered it and have it sitting on my coffee table, but I guess I'll never have that chance.
Jack once told another one of his students that her late grandfather would "live as long as those who loved him remember him," and I know that means he will live on for a very long time, in the hearts of everyone from his family members to the Great One to a young sportswriter in Laredo.
Rest in peace.
Jack, which is the name he always insisted we call him instead of "professor" or anything so formal, was an incredible man and by far my favorite professor or teacher of any sort I've ever had.
Additionally, he was a self-proclaimed "hockey lifer," having played the sport as a kid and written about it extensively as an adult, including years at Sports Illustrated, during which he spent much of his time covering Wayne Gretzky, and several books, including an incredible novel and two essay collections.
Jack's death is a great loss for the hockey community, B.U., everyone who ever met him and of course his wife Barbara, his children and his grandchildren.
If it weren't for Jack, I'm not sure I would have been as excited to cover the Bucks when I got to Laredo, and I certainly would not have known as much about covering hockey period.
At this point, I can't really find the words to say how saddened I am by this news, but it seems almost fitting that his newest, and apparently final, book was called Open Ice: Reflections and Confessions of a Hockey Lifer. I had been meaning to tell him that I had pre-ordered it and have it sitting on my coffee table, but I guess I'll never have that chance.
Jack once told another one of his students that her late grandfather would "live as long as those who loved him remember him," and I know that means he will live on for a very long time, in the hearts of everyone from his family members to the Great One to a young sportswriter in Laredo.
Rest in peace.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Story and Some Upcoming Events
Here is my story about the Ryan James Hand signing from today's Times.
As you all know, Bucks training camp will begin on Monday, Oct. 6, and the regular season will start 11 days later with a game against the Rocky Mountain Rage on Friday, Oct. 17.
What we don't know is when the Bucks will play their pre-season games, but we should find that out on Monday.
I've been told the Bucks' pre-season schedule will consist of three games, two of which will be played against the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees. But I guess we'll see for sure when the schedule is released.
In other news, the Bucks Booster Club will be holding its second fund raiser, a Meet & Greet Bowling Tournament, on Sunday, Oct. 19.
The entry fee for the tournament is $150 per team. Each team will be five bowlers and one hockey player.
Entry fee per pays for three games (9-no tap) and shoes for each player, plus one large pizza and one pitcher of soft drinks.
There will be trophies awarded for the top three teams, door prizes and a 50/50 raffle.
Also, just a reminder, the Bucks will host their first "Night Out" at the LEC on Thursday from 5-9 p.m.
As you all know, Bucks training camp will begin on Monday, Oct. 6, and the regular season will start 11 days later with a game against the Rocky Mountain Rage on Friday, Oct. 17.
What we don't know is when the Bucks will play their pre-season games, but we should find that out on Monday.
I've been told the Bucks' pre-season schedule will consist of three games, two of which will be played against the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees. But I guess we'll see for sure when the schedule is released.
In other news, the Bucks Booster Club will be holding its second fund raiser, a Meet & Greet Bowling Tournament, on Sunday, Oct. 19.
The entry fee for the tournament is $150 per team. Each team will be five bowlers and one hockey player.
Entry fee per pays for three games (9-no tap) and shoes for each player, plus one large pizza and one pitcher of soft drinks.
There will be trophies awarded for the top three teams, door prizes and a 50/50 raffle.
Also, just a reminder, the Bucks will host their first "Night Out" at the LEC on Thursday from 5-9 p.m.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Around the League
I have been meaning to mention some Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees' signings from the other day, so I guess now is as good a time as any.
On Tuesday, the Bees announced the signings of forwards Brandon Hammermeister (nice name), Shawn Houde and Daryl Moore. All three will be in their first CHL seasons.
Meanwhile, former Bucks forward Jeff Genovy has inked with the Odessa Jackalopes for the upcoming season.
Plenty of other signings have been popping up around the league; you can read about them here or view the offseason transaction list here.
In other news, former Colorado Eagles defenseman Les Borsheim made his first public appearance following his motorcycle accident earlier this summer at a charity golf event in his honor last week. Adam Dunivan has the story on that.
On Tuesday, the Bees announced the signings of forwards Brandon Hammermeister (nice name), Shawn Houde and Daryl Moore. All three will be in their first CHL seasons.
Meanwhile, former Bucks forward Jeff Genovy has inked with the Odessa Jackalopes for the upcoming season.
Plenty of other signings have been popping up around the league; you can read about them here or view the offseason transaction list here.
In other news, former Colorado Eagles defenseman Les Borsheim made his first public appearance following his motorcycle accident earlier this summer at a charity golf event in his honor last week. Adam Dunivan has the story on that.
More Rivet
Here is my story about the Adam Rivet re-signing in today's Times.
And, as promised, here are some quotes from Rivet at yesterday's press conference:
On the team's older players teaching the newbies:
“Hopefully the big thing is the guys returning have won a championship in Laredo, and hopefully they (the rookies) see what we’re doing and we have a positive influence, working hard, doing the right things at the right times.”
On falling short of the finals last season:
“You always have one goal in mind, to win a championship, and when you lose like that it really puts a damper on things. You try to move forward. I don’t think we were far off last year; a couple little things. It comes down to working hard and whether you want it or not, and unfortunately we let it slip from us last year. We’ve just got to try not to do the same thing.”
On the team's new goaltender Sebastien Centomo:
“He’s a great goaltender. I played against him in juniors, and I remember how good he was back then. I haven’t really played against him that much when he was in Mississippi and Oklahoma, but I know he’s a really good goalie, and I really think he’s going to help us, and hopefully he is the man that we need to get a little further.”
And one last quote from head coach/general manager Terry Ruskowski:
"I guarantee you that this guy (Rivet) was one of the top priorities to coming back. He’s always in there either on the All-Star Team or as runner-up for best defenseman. He’s always guy I can count on game in and game out, and not just on the ice, but off the ice. You see him a number of times doing different appearances for charity events, going to schools, teaching hockey or teaching how to read. He’s just a character guy, a classy individual, and that’s the type of guy we like to have."
And, as promised, here are some quotes from Rivet at yesterday's press conference:
On the team's older players teaching the newbies:
“Hopefully the big thing is the guys returning have won a championship in Laredo, and hopefully they (the rookies) see what we’re doing and we have a positive influence, working hard, doing the right things at the right times.”
On falling short of the finals last season:
“You always have one goal in mind, to win a championship, and when you lose like that it really puts a damper on things. You try to move forward. I don’t think we were far off last year; a couple little things. It comes down to working hard and whether you want it or not, and unfortunately we let it slip from us last year. We’ve just got to try not to do the same thing.”
On the team's new goaltender Sebastien Centomo:
“He’s a great goaltender. I played against him in juniors, and I remember how good he was back then. I haven’t really played against him that much when he was in Mississippi and Oklahoma, but I know he’s a really good goalie, and I really think he’s going to help us, and hopefully he is the man that we need to get a little further.”
And one last quote from head coach/general manager Terry Ruskowski:
"I guarantee you that this guy (Rivet) was one of the top priorities to coming back. He’s always in there either on the All-Star Team or as runner-up for best defenseman. He’s always guy I can count on game in and game out, and not just on the ice, but off the ice. You see him a number of times doing different appearances for charity events, going to schools, teaching hockey or teaching how to read. He’s just a character guy, a classy individual, and that’s the type of guy we like to have."
A Fighting Chance
The Bucks have now (publicly) signed 18 players, as they added rookie enforcer Ryan James Hand earlier this afternoon.
Hand is the Bucks' 12th rookie signed and their second enforcer, as they acquired Erick Lizon last month from the Oklahoma City Blazers in exchange for future considerations. The Bucks also owe future considerations to the Mississippi RiverKings after trading for goaltender Sebastien Centomo last week.
In 218 career games (between juniors and the North American Hockey League), Hand scored two goals and had 18 assists...to go along with a whopping 1,030 penalty minutes.
Here is a compilation of some of his fights created by a Rochester Americans (AHL) fan who seemed to want Hand on his team's roster for the coming season.
Now we just have to wonder if there will be a rematch of this fight during training camp...
Hand is the Bucks' 12th rookie signed and their second enforcer, as they acquired Erick Lizon last month from the Oklahoma City Blazers in exchange for future considerations. The Bucks also owe future considerations to the Mississippi RiverKings after trading for goaltender Sebastien Centomo last week.
In 218 career games (between juniors and the North American Hockey League), Hand scored two goals and had 18 assists...to go along with a whopping 1,030 penalty minutes.
Here is a compilation of some of his fights created by a Rochester Americans (AHL) fan who seemed to want Hand on his team's roster for the coming season.
Now we just have to wonder if there will be a rematch of this fight during training camp...
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Coach's Take
Here are a few quotes about recently re-signed defenseman Adam Rivet from head coach/general manager Terry Ruskowski at today's press conference:
"We’re trying to put a team together for the upcoming season, and I know I feel the pressure of trying to put a competitive team on the ice. (Bucks president) John Beckelhymer and I sit down many days and talk about many players and who to get and how to get them here and put them together. Summers are as hectic as the wintertime because if you don’t recruit well, you’re not going to have a good team during the wintertime. The priorities we have are getting back the guys who last year and the years before have been great contributors to the game of hockey and the game of hockey in Laredo. We signed Weidlich, we signed Agarunov, we signed Dube, and this (Rivet) is one of the priority guys that we talked about."
"This (Rivet) is a guy who I actually coached in Knoxville, Tenn., in the playoffs. He was gracious enough to come and help us in the playoffs when I was coaching there before I came to Laredo. I saw his potential just in practice and a couple games he played with us. I knew this guy was a good hockey player and a character individual. On the ice, he does what he has to do. He’s one of the guys in practice who I never have to tell to hurry up or do this or do that. It’s always full-out every time he does anything."
"He’s just a real character guy. When I need something, when I ask him something, sometimes he doesn’t tell me what I want to hear, but he tells me the truth. Sometimes I bring all the guys in, the veteran guys, my captain, my player/assistant coach, and I ask them for advice, and he stands up and tells me the truth. He’s just a great guy. He’s a classy guy. I don’t know anybody who doesn’t like him. He’s great in the community, great on the ice, great in the locker room. You try to point out a fault, and I can’t. There are just no faults to him. He’s just a great guy.”
Coach emphasized Rivet's contributions off the ice, noting his lifesaving efforts in Mexico this summer and also the fact that he was not very demanding in contract negotiations, calling re-signing the D-man "no hassle at all."
I'll post some quotes from Rivet as soon as I figure out what is going in my story for tomorrow and what isn't.
Meanwhile, because I wasn't able to talk to coach personally about the rookie signings on Monday, here's his take on forward Brett Hopfe and defenseman Jordan Pawelec:
"Hopfe has good size, goes hard to the net; he’s very physical. If you look at his numbers in juniors, you know he stands up for himself and his teammates. I know I sound like a broken record saying this over and over again, but that's the type of player I like. I like the guys who play hard, go to the net hard, get those easy goals…well, any goal is not easy, but the easier goals. He stands up for his teammates, stands up for himself. I think that’s character, and I think he brings a lot of character, and I’m very excited to see him in training camp and see how he does in the exhibition games."
"Pawelec was a kid that played out in Saskatchewan juniors. He made the All-Star Team two years in a row and was third in the league as fastest skater. He's got good size, and he's got some grit, also. He doesn't a backseat to anybody. He's a raw, young defenseman coming in here, and I'd like to see how he looks and if he has the ability, we'll teach him the system, teach him what he has to do. We'll see what he has to offer in training camp, and hopefully he'll be good enough to make the team, also, because he's got good size and it's not a fluke that he made the All-Star team two years in a row in Saskatchewan junior hockey, so we're expecting great things from him, also."
"We’re trying to put a team together for the upcoming season, and I know I feel the pressure of trying to put a competitive team on the ice. (Bucks president) John Beckelhymer and I sit down many days and talk about many players and who to get and how to get them here and put them together. Summers are as hectic as the wintertime because if you don’t recruit well, you’re not going to have a good team during the wintertime. The priorities we have are getting back the guys who last year and the years before have been great contributors to the game of hockey and the game of hockey in Laredo. We signed Weidlich, we signed Agarunov, we signed Dube, and this (Rivet) is one of the priority guys that we talked about."
"This (Rivet) is a guy who I actually coached in Knoxville, Tenn., in the playoffs. He was gracious enough to come and help us in the playoffs when I was coaching there before I came to Laredo. I saw his potential just in practice and a couple games he played with us. I knew this guy was a good hockey player and a character individual. On the ice, he does what he has to do. He’s one of the guys in practice who I never have to tell to hurry up or do this or do that. It’s always full-out every time he does anything."
"He’s just a real character guy. When I need something, when I ask him something, sometimes he doesn’t tell me what I want to hear, but he tells me the truth. Sometimes I bring all the guys in, the veteran guys, my captain, my player/assistant coach, and I ask them for advice, and he stands up and tells me the truth. He’s just a great guy. He’s a classy guy. I don’t know anybody who doesn’t like him. He’s great in the community, great on the ice, great in the locker room. You try to point out a fault, and I can’t. There are just no faults to him. He’s just a great guy.”
Coach emphasized Rivet's contributions off the ice, noting his lifesaving efforts in Mexico this summer and also the fact that he was not very demanding in contract negotiations, calling re-signing the D-man "no hassle at all."
I'll post some quotes from Rivet as soon as I figure out what is going in my story for tomorrow and what isn't.
Meanwhile, because I wasn't able to talk to coach personally about the rookie signings on Monday, here's his take on forward Brett Hopfe and defenseman Jordan Pawelec:
"Hopfe has good size, goes hard to the net; he’s very physical. If you look at his numbers in juniors, you know he stands up for himself and his teammates. I know I sound like a broken record saying this over and over again, but that's the type of player I like. I like the guys who play hard, go to the net hard, get those easy goals…well, any goal is not easy, but the easier goals. He stands up for his teammates, stands up for himself. I think that’s character, and I think he brings a lot of character, and I’m very excited to see him in training camp and see how he does in the exhibition games."
"Pawelec was a kid that played out in Saskatchewan juniors. He made the All-Star Team two years in a row and was third in the league as fastest skater. He's got good size, and he's got some grit, also. He doesn't a backseat to anybody. He's a raw, young defenseman coming in here, and I'd like to see how he looks and if he has the ability, we'll teach him the system, teach him what he has to do. We'll see what he has to offer in training camp, and hopefully he'll be good enough to make the team, also, because he's got good size and it's not a fluke that he made the All-Star team two years in a row in Saskatchewan junior hockey, so we're expecting great things from him, also."
Rivet It Is
Today's press conference was indeed held to announce the re-signing of defenseman Adam Rivet.
Rivet is a great, humble guy and a lot of fun to watch on the ice, so I'm glad to get to cover him for another season. Obviously, the organization is thrilled to have him back, as well.
Rivet was a finalist for the Central Hockey League's Most Outstanding Defenseman award this past season, a CHL All-Star in 2007 and made the All-Rookie Team in 2006 (when he was also a finalist for Rookie of the Year).
In addition to being an outstanding defensive player, Rivet is also one of the league's top scoring D-men and often fares well in the Best of the Best voting for "Best Offensive Defenseman."
Last season, Rivet finished ninth among CHL defensemen in scoring with 18 goals and 30 assists for 48 points. The 18 goals tied him for third in the league. His plus/minus ratio of +29 was second-best on the Bucks, third among league defensemen and sixth in the league overall.
Rivet is a great, humble guy and a lot of fun to watch on the ice, so I'm glad to get to cover him for another season. Obviously, the organization is thrilled to have him back, as well.
Rivet was a finalist for the Central Hockey League's Most Outstanding Defenseman award this past season, a CHL All-Star in 2007 and made the All-Rookie Team in 2006 (when he was also a finalist for Rookie of the Year).
In addition to being an outstanding defensive player, Rivet is also one of the league's top scoring D-men and often fares well in the Best of the Best voting for "Best Offensive Defenseman."
Last season, Rivet finished ninth among CHL defensemen in scoring with 18 goals and 30 assists for 48 points. The 18 goals tied him for third in the league. His plus/minus ratio of +29 was second-best on the Bucks, third among league defensemen and sixth in the league overall.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Press Conference
The Bucks will be holding another press conference this Thursday, this time on the 10th floor of the Laredo National Bank building downtown. You can get more information from the press release.
Adam Rivet, anyone?
Considering he was at the Booster Club's steak plate sale this weekend, he's obviously back in town, and I think they're saving the Jeff Bes announcement for a bit later, so Rivet is definitely my guess.
Anyway, here is my story about the Brett Hopfe and Jordan Pawelec signings in today's Times.
I wasn't able to talk to head coach/general manager Terry Ruskowski personally about the signings, but I'll be sure to get his thoughts on the team's most recently announced acquisitions when I see him on Thursday.
Adam Rivet, anyone?
Considering he was at the Booster Club's steak plate sale this weekend, he's obviously back in town, and I think they're saving the Jeff Bes announcement for a bit later, so Rivet is definitely my guess.
Anyway, here is my story about the Brett Hopfe and Jordan Pawelec signings in today's Times.
I wasn't able to talk to head coach/general manager Terry Ruskowski personally about the signings, but I'll be sure to get his thoughts on the team's most recently announced acquisitions when I see him on Thursday.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Two More
The Bucks have officially announced the signing of previously mentioned forward Brett Hopfe, while also inking newbie defenseman Jordan Pawelec.
These signings bring the team's training camp roster up to 16 (11 rookies), which means there are 14 more players that could be coming in the next few weeks. Only one vet spot is filled, and the only two signings that remain imminent are assistant coach Jeff Bes and defenseman Adam Rivet, with Bes being the only veteran left that we can assume will be signed. So, that means the team could sign two more veterans, or even three if one is a goaltender. That is fairly doubtable, though.
I'll have more on today's signings later, and, of course, there will be a story in tomorrow's Times.
These signings bring the team's training camp roster up to 16 (11 rookies), which means there are 14 more players that could be coming in the next few weeks. Only one vet spot is filled, and the only two signings that remain imminent are assistant coach Jeff Bes and defenseman Adam Rivet, with Bes being the only veteran left that we can assume will be signed. So, that means the team could sign two more veterans, or even three if one is a goaltender. That is fairly doubtable, though.
I'll have more on today's signings later, and, of course, there will be a story in tomorrow's Times.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Some Things
First things first, there is exactly one month left until training camp begins!
But anyway, here is my story about the Sebastien Centomo signing from today's Times.
Head coach/general manager Terry Ruskowski is obviously thrilled to have signed the two-time All-Star and former Rookie of the Year, as his quotes in the story should express.
I was really hoping to be able to talk to Centomo himself, but coach was out of the office when I spoke to him and didn't have Centomo's number on him. Hopefully, I'll be able to get it soon.
It should be interesting to see what percentage of games Centomo will start this season compared to whoever wins the backup spot. Last season was split pretty evenly between Dustin Traylen and either Kevin Beech or John Ceci, but Centomo will probably take the majority of the games this year.
The Bucks now have two veterans on board, but still only one vet spot filled, as the new regulations do not hold goaltenders against the vet limit.
In other signing news from yesterday, the Corpus Christi IceRays announced that they have inked forward Mike Zbriger and defenseman Jeremy Leroux. According to Greg Rajan, the Bucks may have had some interest in Zbriger but ultimately were not the team for him.
Obviously, those were not the only non-Bucks signings announced this week, so here again is the CHL's complete offseason transaction list.
But anyway, here is my story about the Sebastien Centomo signing from today's Times.
Head coach/general manager Terry Ruskowski is obviously thrilled to have signed the two-time All-Star and former Rookie of the Year, as his quotes in the story should express.
I was really hoping to be able to talk to Centomo himself, but coach was out of the office when I spoke to him and didn't have Centomo's number on him. Hopefully, I'll be able to get it soon.
It should be interesting to see what percentage of games Centomo will start this season compared to whoever wins the backup spot. Last season was split pretty evenly between Dustin Traylen and either Kevin Beech or John Ceci, but Centomo will probably take the majority of the games this year.
The Bucks now have two veterans on board, but still only one vet spot filled, as the new regulations do not hold goaltenders against the vet limit.
In other signing news from yesterday, the Corpus Christi IceRays announced that they have inked forward Mike Zbriger and defenseman Jeremy Leroux. According to Greg Rajan, the Bucks may have had some interest in Zbriger but ultimately were not the team for him.
Obviously, those were not the only non-Bucks signings announced this week, so here again is the CHL's complete offseason transaction list.
Friday, September 5, 2008
There You Have It
The Bucks have officially acquired and signed goaltender Sebastien Centomo.
They received his rights in exchange for sending future considerations to the Mississippi RiverKings.
This is the move everyone has been waiting for, including head coach/general manager Terry Ruskowski, who is quoted in the press release as saying, "He’s played at every level, and he is the number one goalie I have been looking for all summer long."
More later!
They received his rights in exchange for sending future considerations to the Mississippi RiverKings.
This is the move everyone has been waiting for, including head coach/general manager Terry Ruskowski, who is quoted in the press release as saying, "He’s played at every level, and he is the number one goalie I have been looking for all summer long."
More later!
Thursday, September 4, 2008
No. 100
Here is my story about the Maggoch signing in today's Times.
In other team news, the Bucks have announced the dates of this season's jersey auctions, which are as follows:
- Thursday, Oct. 30 (Halloween jersey) vs. Corpus Christi, 7 p.m.
- Thursday Nov. 20 (Dia de Revolución jersey) vs. Rio Grande Valley, 7 p.m.
- Saturday Dec. 20 (Christmas jersey) vs. Corpus Christi, 7:30 p.m.
- Friday Jan. 9 ("Pink in the Rink" jersey) vs. Bossier-Shreveport, 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday Jan. 31 (President’s jersey) vs. Corpus Christi, 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday March 7 (St. Patrick’s Day jersey) vs. Corpus Christi, 7:30 p.m.
The team also announced that it will be selling $2 beers at all Thursday night games as part of its own "Thirsty Thursday" promotion. You can read more about both topics in the team's press release.
In other news, the Bucks Booster Club will be holding a steak plate fund raiser this Saturday (Sept. 6) from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Jett Bowl North parking lot at the corners of McPherson and Gale St. The next Booster Club fund raiser will be a bowling tournament on Oct. 19. The Booster Club hopes to have head coach/general manager Terry Ruskowski and a player or several in attendance for both events.
Last but not least, the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees announced today that they have signed three goaltenders to compete for roster spots between the pipes at their training camp, which also begins on Oct. 6. Those goalies are Christian Boucher (a former Robert Morris University teammate of at least one Bucks camp participant, possibly two), Wylie Rogers and Bill Zaniboni (awesome last name).
Considering the fact that Zaniboni is the most experienced of the three with 40 games as a professional, I guess veteran goaltenders really are hard to come by this offseason. It seems Brian Sandalow is not impressed by the Bees' choices.
In other team news, the Bucks have announced the dates of this season's jersey auctions, which are as follows:
- Thursday, Oct. 30 (Halloween jersey) vs. Corpus Christi, 7 p.m.
- Thursday Nov. 20 (Dia de Revolución jersey) vs. Rio Grande Valley, 7 p.m.
- Saturday Dec. 20 (Christmas jersey) vs. Corpus Christi, 7:30 p.m.
- Friday Jan. 9 ("Pink in the Rink" jersey) vs. Bossier-Shreveport, 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday Jan. 31 (President’s jersey) vs. Corpus Christi, 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday March 7 (St. Patrick’s Day jersey) vs. Corpus Christi, 7:30 p.m.
The team also announced that it will be selling $2 beers at all Thursday night games as part of its own "Thirsty Thursday" promotion. You can read more about both topics in the team's press release.
In other news, the Bucks Booster Club will be holding a steak plate fund raiser this Saturday (Sept. 6) from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Jett Bowl North parking lot at the corners of McPherson and Gale St. The next Booster Club fund raiser will be a bowling tournament on Oct. 19. The Booster Club hopes to have head coach/general manager Terry Ruskowski and a player or several in attendance for both events.
Last but not least, the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees announced today that they have signed three goaltenders to compete for roster spots between the pipes at their training camp, which also begins on Oct. 6. Those goalies are Christian Boucher (a former Robert Morris University teammate of at least one Bucks camp participant, possibly two), Wylie Rogers and Bill Zaniboni (awesome last name).
Considering the fact that Zaniboni is the most experienced of the three with 40 games as a professional, I guess veteran goaltenders really are hard to come by this offseason. It seems Brian Sandalow is not impressed by the Bees' choices.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
More More More
It seems two more rookies will be headed to Laredo for training camp, as forward Brett Hopfe and center Darryl Smith have both reportedly signed with the Bucks.
Hopfe, who has played the past three season with the Robert Morris University Colonials (where he was a teammate of confirmed Bucks' signee Jeff Gilbert), is listed as having signed with the Bucks on the Robert Morris Hockey blog.
Smith's purported signing comes with photographic evidence, courtesy of HockeyResume.com, which features this rather small picture:
The caption reads: "Darryl Smith signing his contract with the Laredo Bucks of the Central Hockey League at the 2008 Hockey Resume Pro Free Agent Camp."
Add these two to the list of confirmed rookies signed and center Justin Saulnier, who has also supposedly inked with the Bucks, and you have 12 rookies showing up at training camp so far.
Hopfe, who has played the past three season with the Robert Morris University Colonials (where he was a teammate of confirmed Bucks' signee Jeff Gilbert), is listed as having signed with the Bucks on the Robert Morris Hockey blog.
Smith's purported signing comes with photographic evidence, courtesy of HockeyResume.com, which features this rather small picture:
The caption reads: "Darryl Smith signing his contract with the Laredo Bucks of the Central Hockey League at the 2008 Hockey Resume Pro Free Agent Camp."
Add these two to the list of confirmed rookies signed and center Justin Saulnier, who has also supposedly inked with the Bucks, and you have 12 rookies showing up at training camp so far.
And Yet Another...
I guess I win the bet I made with a co-worker that the Bucks would wait until Wednesday to announce a signing this week because it's my day off...
At any rate, the Bucks have announced the signing of yet another rookie, 23-year-old forward Joey Moggach.
The 5-foot-7, 165-pound Moggach comes to Laredo from Bemidji State University in Minnesota, but it's his successful MJHL career that seems to have left its mark on Bucks head coach/general manager Terry Ruskowski.
In the team's press release, coach is quoted as saying, "Moggach can score, he proved that in juniors. I like what I hear about him."
Moggach broke the 100-point mark during the final season of his junior career.
Coach had mostly been signing big, tall guys up to this point, but it seems Moggach is more his type of player, maybe somewhere along the lines of Alex Goupil.
Obviously, not every signee who is announced will actually make the 2008-09 roster, so the high number of rookies may just mean coach wants training camp to be highly competitive. There is still plenty of room for some veteran guys. I just realized training camp is only a little over a month away!
More on Moggach later...
At any rate, the Bucks have announced the signing of yet another rookie, 23-year-old forward Joey Moggach.
The 5-foot-7, 165-pound Moggach comes to Laredo from Bemidji State University in Minnesota, but it's his successful MJHL career that seems to have left its mark on Bucks head coach/general manager Terry Ruskowski.
In the team's press release, coach is quoted as saying, "Moggach can score, he proved that in juniors. I like what I hear about him."
Moggach broke the 100-point mark during the final season of his junior career.
Coach had mostly been signing big, tall guys up to this point, but it seems Moggach is more his type of player, maybe somewhere along the lines of Alex Goupil.
Obviously, not every signee who is announced will actually make the 2008-09 roster, so the high number of rookies may just mean coach wants training camp to be highly competitive. There is still plenty of room for some veteran guys. I just realized training camp is only a little over a month away!
More on Moggach later...
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Catching Up
Since I last blogged, the Bucks have made a couple of non-signing announcements. First came word that they will host their first "Night Out" at the LEC this year, on Thursday, Sept. 18, from 5-9 p.m. The event will occur as the team is laying ice for the coming season, so fans will be able to witness that process. Today, Bryan Benway sent out a release about the Bucks' efforts in this year's record-breaking Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon.
In more hockey-oriented news, center Chris Stanley has joined the list of players who ended last season with the Bucks to sign with other teams, inking with EC Trend Dornbirn in Austria.
Here is his new team's press release for anyone who'd like to try to decipher it. Stanley, who contributed 11 goals and 11 assists in his 16 games with the Bucks (11 postseason), started last season in Italy and apparently thought a return to Europe was in his best interest.
It seems goaltender Sebastien Centomo has become a hot topic for Bucks fans recently, and today's cancellation of a transfer listed on EuroHockey.net will certainly only add fuel to that fire.
I wish I could say I knew more about the situation, but the Bucks have been pretty hush-hush about signings until they decide to announce them. I do know for an absolute fact that head coach/general manager Terry Ruskowski wants to have a veteran goalie on his roster but that his attempts thus far have been thwarted. Is Centomo the answer? I guess we'll find out.
Meanwhile, the Corpus Christi IceRays and Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs completed a trade late last week to send forward Joe Blaznek to Bossier in exchange for forward Daniel Pegoraro. Here is the Mudbugs' press release on the trade, which was apparently something they really wanted to complete.
In other Southeast news, the Texas Brahmas re-signed center Tyler Skworchinski, who had a solid rookie season for them last year. You can read more about the Skworchinski signing and other Brahmas news on the Texas Brahmas Insider blog.
For even more CHL blogging, you can check out Adam Dunivan's Colorado Eagles blog for the Loveland-Reporter Herald, where he has some information about the Eagles' offseason moves.
New Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees forward Jesse Bennefield will be holding a power skating clinic in association with SK8's Pro Shop at the RGV Ice Center on Saturday, Sept. 13. There will be clinics for youth, juniors and adults. You can get more information from the flyer for the event. I know this is a Bucks blog and all, but I figured I would post this in case anyone happens to be interested.
In more hockey-oriented news, center Chris Stanley has joined the list of players who ended last season with the Bucks to sign with other teams, inking with EC Trend Dornbirn in Austria.
Here is his new team's press release for anyone who'd like to try to decipher it. Stanley, who contributed 11 goals and 11 assists in his 16 games with the Bucks (11 postseason), started last season in Italy and apparently thought a return to Europe was in his best interest.
It seems goaltender Sebastien Centomo has become a hot topic for Bucks fans recently, and today's cancellation of a transfer listed on EuroHockey.net will certainly only add fuel to that fire.
I wish I could say I knew more about the situation, but the Bucks have been pretty hush-hush about signings until they decide to announce them. I do know for an absolute fact that head coach/general manager Terry Ruskowski wants to have a veteran goalie on his roster but that his attempts thus far have been thwarted. Is Centomo the answer? I guess we'll find out.
Meanwhile, the Corpus Christi IceRays and Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs completed a trade late last week to send forward Joe Blaznek to Bossier in exchange for forward Daniel Pegoraro. Here is the Mudbugs' press release on the trade, which was apparently something they really wanted to complete.
In other Southeast news, the Texas Brahmas re-signed center Tyler Skworchinski, who had a solid rookie season for them last year. You can read more about the Skworchinski signing and other Brahmas news on the Texas Brahmas Insider blog.
For even more CHL blogging, you can check out Adam Dunivan's Colorado Eagles blog for the Loveland-Reporter Herald, where he has some information about the Eagles' offseason moves.
New Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees forward Jesse Bennefield will be holding a power skating clinic in association with SK8's Pro Shop at the RGV Ice Center on Saturday, Sept. 13. There will be clinics for youth, juniors and adults. You can get more information from the flyer for the event. I know this is a Bucks blog and all, but I figured I would post this in case anyone happens to be interested.
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