Central Hockey League Preview (Continued)
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Memphis
RiverKings Defending President's Cup Champion Northern Conference - Northeast Division Last Year's Record – 46-14-4-92 Affiliation – TBA Head Coach – Doug Shedden |
Coaches Cut – N/A
Impact Change – N/A
Knocking On The Door
Players with potential to play at the next level – N/ATeam – Odessa Jackalopes Southern Conference - Southwest Division
Last Year's Record -47-11-6-100
Affiliation – Hamilton Bulldogs [AHL] Edmonton Oilers [NHL]
Head Coach – Don McKee
Coaches Cut - “We had a dream season last year” says coach Don Mckee. The team won 22 out of their final 24 contests and ended the 2001/02 campaign with 100-points.
“That will be hard to repeat, the team put it all together”, McKee tells MLN. This year look for the team to be improved in transition defense.
Goaltending will be a major strength for the club as well. Mike Gorman and Matt Carney will be in net and standing on their heads.
Kevin Hansen and Kenny Croupe will be two of the key offensive threats for the Jackalopes.
Also working hard is forward John Bossio. The team will again be in the thick of things when March rolls around.
Impact Change - The addition of goaltender Matt Carney is huge. A solid backup net-minder could propel the Jackalopes to the Presidents Cup Round.
Knocking On The Door
Players with potential to play at the next level:Donnie Margettie-Kevin Hansen-Scott Hillman
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Fort
Worth Brahmas Northern Conference - Northeast Division Last Year's Record – 30-27-7-67 Affiliation – TBA Head Coach – Todd Lalonde |
Coaches Cut – Head Coach and Director of Operations Todd Lalonde is building a team that will be young and full of potential in 2002/03.
Justin Williams is one young player that Coach Lalonde is counting on to turn heads in the league this season.
“Justin Williams is a dynamic young player who has the offensive skills to really put up some good numbers for us.
Not only is he capable of scoring goals, he can also create scoring chances for his teammates.
He’s been a leader on a winning team for the last three seasons. It wouldn’t surprise me at all if he turns out to be one of the top rookies in our league this year,” stated Lalonde.
Impact Change – The addidtion of Goaltender Scott Roache will be a shot in the arm for Ft.Worth. Roache will be one of two net-minders that will be in between the pipes for the Brahmas this year.
“Scott Roche is an outstanding goaltender. He’s big, moves well, and plays consistently night in and night out. You don’t get drafted to the NHL without being able to play the game at a very high level. He’ll be a little rusty, having missed the last two years, but I think he’ll be able to shake that off and perform well for us,” said Lalonde.
Roche, 6’4”, 220, was a third round pick (75th overall) of the St. Louis Blues in the 1995 NHL Entry Draft. He attended four NHL training camps with St. Louis (1995-98).
Because of family obligations, Roche also did not play in the 2001-2002 season. After being away from the game for nearly two years, he is eagerly looking forward to returning to the ice with the Brahmas
Knocking On The Door
Players with potential to play at the next levelScott Roache, Chad Grills, Jim Midgley
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Division and League Previews: AAA: AHL | AA: CHL, ECHL, WCHL | A: ACHL
