The perennial championship contending Mudbugs vie for their fourth title after bowing out of the playoffs in overtime Game 7’s each of the past two seasons. Voted the “Hardest Working Team” in the CHL’s Best of the Best poll last year, work ethic is not a question. F Dan Wildfong does it all for the Mudbugs, leading the club in points, goals, assists and penalty minutes last year. Former All-Star Blair Manning will bolster a deep crew of forwards, including former CHL MVP candidate Chad Spurr and improving youngsters Shane Palahicky, Ryan Manitowich, Scott Sheppard and Brett Smith. All-Star defenseman Jason Basile anchors a solid blueline protecting quality goaltender Ken Carroll, 10th all-time with 101 CHL/WPHL wins and 3rd all-time with 15 CHL/WPHL shutouts.

Affiliations: Rochester, AHL; Buffalo, NHL)
Coach: Scott Muscutt
189-103-31 in CHL
04-05 Record: 36-17-07

Coach Al Sims is seeking a fresh start this year with a revamped roster featuring a slew of youngsters. Special teams and speed will play an important part throughout the season, and the veteran coach sought out leadership, character, and players who know how to win. Three of those newcomers come from San Angelo in formidable defenseman Konrad Brand, sniper and right-wing Bret DeCecco, and speedy left-wing David Silverstone. Returning to back up the team is talented and experienced netminder Larry Sterling. Along with Sterling, the Brahmas should also receive solid goaltending from standout Northeastern product Keni Gibson, runner up for Hockey East Player of the Year in 2004-05.

Coach: Al Sims
75-89-17 in CHL                      
04-05 Record: 26-28-06

The RiverKings new coach has four Stanley Cup rings to lead the way. Veteran superstar Don Parsons, who led the CHL with 55 goals last year,
returns to the royal lineup. He should receive plenty of help from former Amarillo sniper Dorian Anneck. Returning center Travis Banga hopes to build on a 24 goal season, while Ryan Watson is also expected to contribute. Veteran All-Star defenseman Derek Landmesser remains a solid fixture for the RiverKings, who hope the goaltending tandem of All-Star Miguel Beaudry and Guy St. Vincent who were both with New Mexico last season, can fit in quickly and improve on an 04-05 team goals against average of 3.42, 12th in the CHL. Offense shouldn’t be a problem, so the key to the Riverkings year will be defensive play and netminding.

Affiliations: Hartford, AHL; NY Rangers, NHL                     
Coach: Kevin McClelland (0-0-0 in CHL)               
04-05 Record: 30-28-02

To build a following in a tough market, will be an uphill climb. The Youngstown SteelHounds will get a break as they gel as a team on the road for the first five contests away from their new arena prior to opening up at home on November 4th. Energetic Coach JF Laforest has assembled a team with solid veteran leadership including former NHL player/coach Jeff Christian and 04-05 President’s Cup champion Kris Mallette, a defenseman taken first in the expansion draft. Defensemen Kelly Sickavish, taken from Wichita and Matt Nicholson from Bossier-Shreveport will help shore up the blueline, and the ‘Hounds will look for scoring up front from veteran Chris Richards from Austin and Paul Vincent. Marching in net, the two saints, rookie Simon St. Pierre and David St. Germain will be the last line of defense during Youngstown’s inaugural season.

Affiliations: Cleveland, AHL                                                      
Coach: JF Laforest 133-56-19 in CHL
*Expansion Franchise 2005