Ice Time
The Central Hockey League is geared up and ready for another great season of exciting play.

10.21.04 - The Central Hockey League's 13th season of play begins this weekend, with 17 teams beginning their search for the 2004-2005 Ray Miron President's Cup Championship. The 510-game CHL season concludes March 20th with eight clubs then advancing into post-season play. Below is a team-by-team preview of the upcoming season:

Northeast Division Preview

Team: Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
Affiliation: Rochester Americans (AHL)
Coach: Scott Muscutt (153-86-24 in CHL)
03-04 Record: 42-16-06
Overview: Perennial contending Bossier-Shreveport came within one bounce of claiming their 4th championship title in 03-04, and appear to be in solid position to again challenge for the Ray Miron President's Cup. The duo of Kenny Carroll and Jeff Blair in net is arguably the CHL's top duo, and no coach in the CHL has won more games over the last four seasons than Scott Muscutt. A quality group of developing returning defenseman (Travis Bell, Wes Blevins, Quade Lightbody, Jason Basile) mixes with a deep group of forwards, including newcomer Scott Sheppard from Rochester (AHL).
Key Statistic: Posted a 14-2-2 record against the Southern Conference in 03-04.

Team: Fort Worth Brahmas
Coach: Al Sims (49-61-11 in CHL)
03-04 Record: 15-40-09
Overview: Coach Al Sims enjoyed a fine off-season, and is hoping to avoid a third straight last place finish by the Brahmas. With a CHL-low 2.96 goals for per game last season, the offense has been bolstered with veteran snipers Lonny Bohonos and Bryan Lundbohm, who should assist returning power forward / CHL All-Star Chad Woollard. The goaltending situation has also been addressed, with veteran Dan Murphy brought in to improve the CHL-high 3.66 goals against allowed per game last year. Early talk has the Brahmas as perhaps the CHL's most improved club, and NHL signee Brad Lukowich will aid both on and off the ice.
Key Statistic: Power Play clicked at a CHL-low 10.7 % in 03-04.

Team: Memphis RiverKings
Coach: Mark Richards (18-11-04 in CHL)
03-04 Record: 35-25-04
Overview: The RiverKings failed in their attempt at three consecutive championships, missing the playoffs last season after back to back titles. A significantly retooled roster still features former CHL Most Valuable Player Don Parsons and up and coming forward Alexandre Mathieu. NHL-experienced Ted Crowley joins incumbent All-Star Derek Landmesser as anchors defensively. Two new faces appear in goal, with Daniel Boisclair and David Lemanowicz competing for playing time. Forwards (and brothers) Keith (43 goals in the AHL over the past two seasons) and Phil Aucoin will contribute offensively.
Key Statistic: CHL-low 28.22 shots for per game in 03-04 season.

Team: Oklahoma City Blazers
Coach: Doug Sauter (380-176-46 in CHL)
03-04 Record: 29-28-07
Overview: The Blazers missed out on the post-season for their first time in franchise history last year, which doesn't sit well with Coach Doug Sauter, the CHL's all-time winningest coach. New faces expected to play significant roles include left winger Pat Hallett (30 goals in 01-02 with Tulsa), C Kahlil Thomas (02-03 Playoff MVP with Memphis) and LW Mike Beausoleil (37 goals, 49 assists in the UHL last year). 03-04 All-Stars Hardy Sauter and Tyler Fleck lead the defensive crew, and developing goaltenders Sean Connors and Boyd Ballard are expected to split time initially between the pipes.
Key Statistic: Led the CHL with 36.89 shots per game, but finished 11th in scoring.

Team: Tulsa Oilers
Coach: Butch Kaebel (15-16-07 in CHL)
03-04 Record: 26-25-13
Overview: A 13-game winless stretch (0-10-3) between December 26th and January 24th essentially ended the Oilers playoff hopes last season, but the club finished strongly with four straight wins. Newcomer Evan Lindsay takes over for departed veteran goaltender Rod Branch with rookie Jeff Dotson also in the mix. The key returning forward trio of Todd Marcellus, Jason Bermingham and Dan Gravelle combined for 97 goals and 220 points last season. Incoming rearguards Jean Francois Piche and Mario Joly are expected to anchor a revamped blueline that allowed 3.28 goals against per game last season.
Key Statistic: Oilers allowed a CHL-high 36.72 shots on goal per game last season.

 

Northwest Division Preview

Team: Colorado Eagles
Coach: Chris Stewart (205-104-29 in CHL)
03-04 Record: 43-16-05
Overview: The Colorado Eagles enjoyed a remarkable inaugural year, earning a CHL expansion record 91 points while selling out every home game at the Budweiser Events Center. Forward trio of Greg Pankewicz, Riley Nelson and Ryan Tobler (who totaled 109 goals and 257 points last year) all return, as do savvy veteran defensemen Brad Williamson and Jesse Cook. Colorado Avalanche prospects Tyler Weiman (Goaltender, Round 5 in 02) and David Svagrovsky (LW, Round 4 in 03) expected to have immediate impacts. LW Karlis Zirnis, a finalist for CHL Rookie of the Year honors last season, also returns.
Key Statistic: Allowed the fewest shots per game last season (27.39).

Team: New Mexico Scorpions
Coach: Bill McDonald (242-163-54 in CHL)
03-04 Record: 32-27-05
Overview: A deep group of forwards powers the Scorpions, including Mike Oliveira, Peter Ambroziak, Shawn Legault and Randy Murphy. Oliveira averaged nearly 1.5 points per game last year, while Murphy returns to Albuquerque after a three-year absence. Talented and physical defensemen Daniel Tetrault and Vladimir Hartinger are joined by highly skilled Aaron Schneekloth, who spent last season with Grand Rapids (AHL), on the blueline. Quality goaltending tandem of Danny Lorenz and Miguel Beaudry returns in net. Power forward Clint Wensley should play a larger role after injury-plagued 03-04 season.
Key Statistic: Allowed CHL-low three shorthanded goals against.

Team: Topeka Tarantulas
Coach: Joe Coombs (00-00-00 in CHL)
03-04 Record: Did Not Play
Overview: Head Coach Joe Coombs leads the Tarantulas as the CHL returns to Topeka after a three-year absence, and has taken a defense-first approach to building his club. AHL-experienced David St. Germain should be the number one goaltender, with Captain Frederick and Peter Robertson leading the defense. Previous WPHL and CHL All-Star LW Cosmo Dupaul and C Kelly Miller are likely to pace the attack, while rookie Dustin Russell has been impressive in training camp. LW Tab Lardner, acquired from Austin in the off-season, is a top two-way force and brings championship experience to the club.
Key Statistic: Topeka plays at home for seven of their first 10 games this season.

Team: Wichita Thunder
Coach: Derek Laxdal (47-41-05 in CHL)
03-04 Record: 35-24-05
Overview: Things just keep on improving for the Thunder under Coach Laxdal, who took over midway through 02-03. The team earned a playoff berth last year while showing a 26-point improvement, and posted a first round playoff upset. The dynamic forward duo of Travis Clayton and Jason Duda (10th and 11th all-time in CHL scoring) are back, as is Joe Blaznek, who had 16 points in 24 games (and four game winning goals) after being acquired midway through last season. Les Hrapchuk (team-best +14 last year) anchors the defense, with Jason Flick and Jamie Vandespyker sharing time in goal.
Key Statistic: Thunder led the CHL with 10 wins last year when trailing after two periods.

 

Southeast Division Preview

Team: Austin Ice Bats
Affiliations: Houston Aeros, AHL; Minnesota Wild, NHL
Coach: Jeff Greenlaw (28-30-06 in CHL)
03-04 Record: 28-30-06
Overview: After back-to-back appearances in the Ray Miron President's Cup Finals, the Bats failed to qualify for the playoffs for the first time since the 98-99 season. The goaltending situation has been rectified with the return of 2-time Goaltender of the Year, Matt Barnes, alongside a healthy Peter Brady. Returnees Kelly Smart and sniper Chris Richards lead the forwards, with proven goal scorers Jared Dumba, John McNabb and former UHL Rookie of the Year Benoit Genesse also adding offense. Skilled d-man Arturs Kupaks controls the power play. Affiliations with Houston (AHL) and Minnesota (NHL) should bring additional bodies.
Key Statistic: 10-19-4 against divisional opponents last season.

Team: Corpus Christi Rayz
Coach: Ken McRae (76-39-13 in CHL)
03-04 Record: 23-38-03
Overview: You'll need a program to recognize the 04-05 Rayz, as new Coach Ken McRae has completely revamped a club that finished 15 games below .500 last season. The 03-04 CHL Defenseman of the Year Bernie John (76 points last season) will make an immediate impact, as will 2004 All-Star MVP LW Jason Baird (79 points in 03-04) and new center Greg Bullock. New tandem of Brent Zelenewich & Josh Blackburn should give the club strength in net, while the Rayz will feature an up tempo puck pressure approach. The Rayz open up their new state-of-the-art arena (the AmericanBank Center) on November 5th.
Key Statistic: CHL-worst penalty killing percentage last season (79.8%).

Team: Laredo Bucks
Affiliations: San Antonio Rampage, AHL; Florida Panthers, NHL
Coach: Terry Ruskowski (89-25-14 in CHL)
03-04 Record: 48-08-08
Overview: What's next for the Bucks, after winning the Ray Miron President's Cup and establishing a CHL record with a .813 winning percentage last season? Despite significant turnover, expect the Bucks again to be solid contenders, with the return of CHL MVP Jeff Bes (117 points last year), speed merchant Brent Cullation (75 points), and CHL Rookie of the Year goaltender David Guerrera. NHL first round draft selection Scott Kelman has been assigned by San Antonio (AHL). Only one defenseman (Dion Hyman) is back to lead a young defensive corps, but three year AHL rearguard Paul Elliott should play a major role.
Key Statistic: Led CHL in goals for, goals against and PIM's last season.

Team: Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees
Coach: Tracy Egeland (50-46-11 in CHL)
03-04 Record: 32-24-08
Overview: Coach Tracy Egeland put together a tough, competitive team that qualified for the playoffs and were named CHL Franchise of the Year in their first year of operation last season. The Killer Bees enter 04-05 looking to build on that success. The key returning group of G Jeff Levy, F Bill Newson, F Ryan Shmyr and D Jason Tessier provide leadership and experience. Slovenian forwards Matik Kralj and Blaz Emersic will team with speedy Newson to lead the attack. Three-time All-Star Derek Holland is a versatile two-way threat, and winger Danny Helmers has impressive in training camp.
Key Statistic: Killer Bees played in a CHL-record 15 shutout games in the 03-04 season, winning eight.

 

Southwest Division Preview

Team: Amarillo Gorillas
Coach: Joe Ferras (95-86-11 in CHL)
03-04 Record: 37-24-03
Overview: After two greatly improved seasons in Amarillo, and a first round playoff win last year, Coach Ferras and the Gorillas look to make another step forward. Incumbent All-Star defenseman Mark DeSantis brings leadership and skill to the blue line, and former CHL Rookie of the Year Derek Hahn (30 goals, 40 assists last season) continues to improve his game. D Tyler Butler had a breakout season last year and returns, and veteran forward Darren Rattray is a physical presence. Amarillo is counting on trade acquisition Brent Hughes (23 goals with Austin last year) to add speed and offense.
Key Statistic: CHL season high 11-game win streak last season between 11/4 and 11/23.

Team: Lubbock Cotton Kings
Coach: Chris Dashney (00-00-00 in CHL)
03-04 Record: 19-35-10
Overview: Former Oklahoma City player and Assistant Coach Chris Dashney takes over a Lubbock squad that struggled last season. Veteran goaltender Lance Leslie returns to Lubbock and is expected to shoulder most of the goaltending responsibilities. Center Matt Turek is a proven offensive threat and should add firepower, along with returnees Paul Fioroni and Jan Melichercik. D's Derick Martin and Stacy Bauman will lead a crop of young defensemen, and rookie forward Max Bull brings championship experience after winning an NCAA title last season with the University of Denver.
Key Statistic: Allowed a CHL-worst (tied with Fort Worth) 234 goals against last season.

Team: Odessa Jackalopes
Affiliations: Edmonton Road Runners, AHL; Edmonton Oilers, NHL
Coach: Don McKee (164-100-30 in CHL)
03-04 Record: 26-35-03
Overview: Odessa experienced a rare off year last season, failing to qualify for the post-season for the first time since their inaugural 97/98 season. Former Goaltender of the Year Mike Gorman and veteran defenseman Scott Hillman hope to get the Jackalopes back into the strong defensive form the club has thrived on in the past. Top scorers Mike Rutter (67 points) and Sebastien Thinel (64 points) return, bolstered by the addition of veteran goal scorer Joel Irving. Veteran RW Donnie Margettie brings leadership and experience to a club looking for a return to prominence.
Key Statistic: Allowed a CHL-high nine shorthanded goals at home last season.

Team: San Angelo Saints
Coach: Ray Edwards (37-19-08 in CHL)
03-04 Record: 37-19-08
Overview: The 03-04 CHL Coach of the Year Ray Edwards helped the Saints make a 35-point improvement last season en route to the Southwest Division title. Vastly improved defensively, the Saints received an outstanding season from netminder Scott Reid, (32-9-4, 2.27 GAA), who went on to earn CHL Most Outstanding Goaltender honors. F Trevor Weisgerber returns for his third season in San Angelo, and forwards Bret Dececco and David Silverstone add energy and grit. Reid's prowess in net should give a young crew of rearguards, including returnee Matt Frick, an opportunity to learn the defensive system.
Key Statistic: Most disciplined team in the CHL last year, averaging 14.19 PIM's.