LONG-TIME RGV KILLER BEE SUPPORTER LOSES BATTLE WITH CANCER
By Killer Bees Media Relations | June 30, 2009
It is with great sadness to inform you that Arlene Trusten, a long time supporter of the RGV Killer Bee organization lost her battle to cancer Monday afternoon.
Words can’t express how much Arlene will be missed by not only the entire Killer Bee organization but also the residents of the Rio Grande Valley. Arlene sat on numerous non-profit boards in the RGV including the Killer Bee Foundation and was a season ticket holder since the Killer Bees inception in 2003. Arlene did a lot for the Killer Bee organization and especially our players and will never be forgotten.
The RGV Killer Bee organization will retire her seats at the top of Section 112 (Row S, Seats 1 & 2) and pay tribute to Arlene by mounting her favorite Killer Bee jersey and some pictures on the wall behind her seats. A proud member of the Killer Bee family, Arlene will be sorely missed. We will forever hold Arlene and her family in our prayers.
We love you Arlene!
RGV Killer Bee Organization
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PENA EYE SHOT FOR SIGHT WINNER
By Killer Bees Media Relations | June 29, 2009
McAllen resident Marc Charbonnier, 32, was the winner of the Pena Eye Institute Shot for Sight contest during the 2008-09 Killer Bees season. On June 19, Marc said goodbye to his glasses for good! View the gallery below to see Dr. Pena perform the LASIK procedure on Marc! For more info on Dr. Pena, visit www.penaeye.com.
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RYCROFT, CHL GOAL-SCORING LEADER IN 2007-08, SIGNS IN RGV
By Killer Bees Media Relations | June 25, 2009
HIDALGO, TEXAS — The Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees of the Central Hockey League (CHL) today announced that center Daymen Rycroft has signed with the team for the 2009-10 season.
Rycroft, 30, played two seasons with RGV from 2004-06. In 113 regular season games, he collected 75 points (37-38-75) and 181 PIM. Those numbers rank him among the top-10 in the franchise record book for goals and points. He played the last two seasons with the Rocky Mountain Rage (CHL) and served as a player/assistant coach last season.
The 5-foot-11, 190-pound Beaverlodge, Alberta, native’s breakout campaign came in 2007-08 when he won the CHL goal-scoring title. He established new career highs that season by leading the league with 48 goals while finishing for seventh with 84 points overall. His league-high 23 power play goals equaled a mark that has not been surpassed in the CHL since the 2000-01 campaign.
In a season full of offensive exploits, Rycroft’s most impressive stretch in 2007-08 came during the month of January when he was named the CHL’s Player of the Month. He registered 26 points (16-10-26), potted five game-winning goals, and strung together a 10-game goal-scoring streak, which tied the longest goal-scoring streak in the CHL since the league record of 13 straight games was last accomplished in 1995-96.
“To be able to bring in a player of Daymen’s caliber to our team was a big priority for me,” Killer Bees Head Coach Chris Brooks said. “More importantly, to bring in a good character kid that fits into the culture of our team was even bigger. Daymen brings experience, skill, grit and character which are difficult qualities to find in elite players.”
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Last season, he appeared in 51 games for the Rage and finished second in team scoring with 63 points (28-35-63) while adding 100 PIM. He led the team with 23 power play points, finished tied for the team lead in goals and was second in plus-minus (+11).
Prior to signing with the Rage, he spent one season (2006-07) playing for the Charlotte Checkers in the ECHL.
“I’m happy to come back to the Valley. It wasn’t a tough decision to decide to play here again,” Rycroft said. “I’m excited to help build on the success the team had last season and I’m thrilled to be a piece of the puzzle to make a run at the President’s Cup.”
During Rycroft’s previous tenure with RGV, he went by his step-father’s surname, Bencharski. “When I started playing, putting Rycroft-Bencharski on the back of a jersey was impossible, so they just started using Bencharski, “ Rycroft explained. “With all the crackdowns on immigration and everything, it became a hassle at the border so I went back to using Rycroft.”
The Killer Bees return to Dodge Arena ice this October for their seventh season in the CHL. Season tickets are available now by calling 956-843-PUCK (7825).
2009-10 SEASON POWERED BY
FIRST NATIONAL BANK
RAMIREZ FAMILY DEALERSHIPS
—2009 CHL FRANCHISE OF THE YEAR—
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PRESS CONFERENCE THIS THURSDAY
By Killer Bees Media Relations | June 23, 2009
WHAT – The Killer Bees will make a major announcement regarding the 2009-10 team.
WHEN – Thursday, June 25, 2 p.m.
WHERE – Jackson’s All American, North 10th and Dove, McAllen
5712 N 10th St
McAllen, TX 78504
(956) 664-1488
Get directions
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KILLER BEES BRING BACK LEE FOR 2009-10
By Killer Bees Media Relations | June 17, 2009
HIDALGO, TEXAS — The Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees of the Central Hockey League (CHL) today announced that left wing Aaron Lee has signed with the team for the 2009-10 season.
Lee, a 24-year-old Calgary, Alberta, native, finished tied for fifth in team scoring (14-23-37) with RGV last season. His point total placed among the top-20 in CHL rookie scoring while he was one of six Killer Bees to compete in all 64 regular season games. One of the top-four penalty killers on the club, he also showed bursts of offense. Lee collected points in 11 straight games (5-9-14) from Dec. 22-Jan. 14, which at the time set a new team record.
“I’m truly excited to have Aaron returning to the team,” Killer Bees Head Coach Chris Brooks said. “His character, hard work and determination are innate abilities that come natural to him. Night-in-night-out everyone knows exactly what Aaron Lee is going to bring to the table. He has been a critical part of our team in our past and I expect even more in the future.”
Before joining the Killer Bees, Lee played four years at the University of Alaska-Fairbanks. He appeared in 145 games and collected 51 points (28-23-51) and 136 PIM. The 6-foot-1, 208-pound winger was honored with the Alaska-Fairbanks Top Playoff Performer Award as a junior thanks to his play in the first round of the CCHA playoffs vs. Western Michigan. Among his two goals and one assist in the three-game set was the series-clinching, game-winning goal.
The Killer Bees return to Dodge Arena ice this October for their seventh season in the CHL. Season tickets are available now by calling 956-843-PUCK (7825).
FIRST NATIONAL BANK
RAMIREZ FAMILY DEALERSHIPS
PROUD SUPPORTERS OF KILLER BEE HOCKEY
—2009 CHL FRANCHISE OF THE YEAR—
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ANSELL RETURNS TO KILLER BEES BLUE LINE FOR 2009-10
By Killer Bees Media Relations | June 10, 2009
HIDALGO, TEXAS — The Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees of the Central Hockey League (CHL) today announced that defenseman Nathan Ansell has signed with the team for the 2009-10 season.
The Sarnia, Ontario, native finished third among defenseman in scoring for the Killer Bees last season with 24 points (3-21-24). One of his goals was a game-winner, while half of his points came via the power play (1-11-2).
“Nate is a kid that was crucial to our team last year. He understands the culture and my expectations,” Killer Bees Head Coach Chris Brooks said. “I truly expect this to be a huge year in Nate’s development. He is a kid I have known through my years at Western Michigan and last season and I know he is excited about his future as a Killer Bee.”
Ansell, who turns 23 later this month, appeared in 61 games for RGV in 2008-09. He added six playoff contests and led the team in points (0-8-8) and plus-minus (plus-5) in the postseason run.
Before turning pro, Ansell played four years of Div. 1 college hockey at Western Michigan University, where he played under Brooks and Broncos Head Coach Jim Culhane. His totals included 145 games, 42 points (9-33-42) and 118 PIM. The 5-foot-11, 195-pounder also appeared in one game with ECHL Fresno at the start of the 2008-09 season.
The Killer Bees return to Dodge Arena ice this October for their seventh season in the CHL. Season tickets are available now by calling 956-843-PUCK (7825).
—KILLERBEEHOCKEY.COM—
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BEES NAMED CHL FRANCHISE OF THE YEAR
By Killer Bees Media Relations | June 7, 2009
HIDALGO, Texas — The Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees, in conjunction with the Central Hockey League (CHL), today announced that the team was named the CHL’s Franchise of the Year for the 2008-09 season.
The league’s most prestigious award was presented to the team Saturday night at the annual CHL Summer Conference, held at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa in Chandler, Arizona.
This is the second time the Killer Bees have captured the league’s Franchise of the Year Award. The team was honored following its inaugural campaign of 2003-04.
That Franchise of the Year award goes to the CHL franchise that best exemplifies operational excellence under the CHL system. That includes all aspects of the team operation including communications, community relations, game operations, ticket sales, merchandising and hockey operations.
“Our staff works diligently to make sure we provide a great experience for our fans and corporate partners in the Rio Grande Valley,” Killer Bees General Manager Grant W. Buckborough said. “This is a great honor and achievement for our organization. We will work hard to maintain the level of excellence we have set for ourselves. We strive to over-deliver. Without the support of our fans and partners, we would not have received this honor. ”
This league award is one of several the team has captured since Buckborough assumed General Manager duties in 2005. Since then, the Killer Bees have been named the CHL’s Community Relations Franchise of the Year twice (2005-06, 2007-08), Group Ticket Sales Franchise of the Year twice (2005-06, 2007-08) and Game Operations Franchise of the Year (2007-08) among others.
Buckborough has been with the team since its inception in 2003. He was honored by the CHL with the league’s Executive of the Year Award in 2007 and the CHL Commitment Cup in 2008. The Commitment Cup was presented to Grant for his outstanding service and dedication to the Central Hockey League.
The team was nominated in six total categories at this year’s event winning two. Killer Bees Vice President, Communications, Rich Bocchini was presented with the CHL’s Communications Executive of the Year Award. RGV was also nominated in the Community Relations, Executive (Buckborough), Ticket Executive (James Whitener) and Group Ticket Sales categories.
The Killer Bees return to Dodge Arena ice this October for their seventh season in the CHL. Season tickets are available now by calling 956-843-PUCK (7825).
—KILLERBEEHOCKEY.COM—
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BOCCHINI GETS CHL COMMUNICATIONS HONOR
By Killer Bees Media Relations | June 7, 2009
HIDALGO, Texas — The Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees, in conjunction with the Central Hockey League (CHL), today announced that Rich Bocchini has been named the CHL Communications Executive of the Year for the 2008-09 season.
The award was presented Saturday night at the annual CHL Summer Conference, held at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa in Chandler, Arizona. Killer Bees General Manager Grant W. Buckborough accepted the award for Bocchini, who was traveling with the RGV Dorados arenafootball2 team.
This is the first CHL award for Bocchini, who began his tenure with the organization in the 2005-06 season. For the past four seasons, Bocchini has served as the radio and TV play-by-play voice for the club as well as its primary media contact. He was nominated for the communications award following the 2007-08 season and was nominated for the league’s Broadcaster of the Year Award following both the 2006-07 and 07-08 seasons.
The Pawtucket, RI, native has called close to 300 games for the Killer Bees. Before joining the Killer Bees, he worked in similar roles for the Knoxville Speed (UHL) and Bridgeport (Conn.) Sound Tigers (AHL). He also spent five seasons with the Worcester (Mass.) IceCats (AHL). A Rhode Island College graduate, Rich is also the play-by-play voice of the Rio Grande Valley Dorados (af2).
The Killer Bees were nominated in six total categories at this year’s event and won two. The Killer Bees were also named the CHL Franchise of the Year for the second time (the first was 2003-04, the team’s inaugural season).
Also nominated for the Communications Executive of the Year Award was Shane Ferraro (Arizona Sundogs), JP Puma (Colorado Eagles) and Bryan Benway (Laredo Bucks).
The Killer Bees return to Dodge Arena ice this October for their seventh season in the CHL. Season tickets are available now by calling 956-843-PUCK (7825).
—KILLERBEEHOCKEY.COM—
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KILLER BEES ADD HARD-HITTING PERRIN TO BLUE LINE FOR 2009-10
By Killer Bees Media Relations | June 3, 2009
HIDALGO, TEXAS — The Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees of the Central Hockey League (CHL) today announced that defenseman Jesse Perrin has signed with the team for the 2009-10 season.
The 22-year old Crossfield, Alberta, native appeared in 34 games for RGV last season, compiling nine points (1-8-9), 24 PIM and a plus-one rating. The 6-foot-1, 200-pound blue liner missed two months (Jan. 17-March 17) with a lower body injury before returning to the lineup for RGV’s final two regular season games and all seven postseason contests.
“Jesse is a young kid who I am excited to have back,” Killer Bees Head Coach Chris Brooks said. “His hockey sense and defensive instincts are second to none. I expect him to take the next step in his development. For Jesse the sky is the limit. It all depends on how bad he wants it.”
Perrin played the previous three seasons in the Alberta Junior Hockey League with the Okotoks Oilers. He was recruited by Brooks to play at Western Michigan University before deciding to turn pro. He finished third in scoring (9-21-30) among defensemen for the Oilers in 2007-08 and added 45 PIM. Five of his goals came via the power play.
The Killer Bees return to Dodge Arena ice this October for their seventh season in the CHL. Season tickets are available now by calling 956-843-PUCK (7825).
—KILLERBEEHOCKEY.COM—
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KILLER BEES, SOUTHEAST DIVISION RIVALS TEAM UP TO BATTLE CHL ALL STARS
By Killer Bees Media Relations | June 2, 2009
HIDALGO, TEXAS — The Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees of the Central Hockey League (CHL), in conjunction with the Laredo Bucks, today announced details about the 2010 CHL All-Star Game at a press conference inside the Laredo Entertainment Center.
The Killer Bees will team up with Southeast Division rivals Corpus Christi and Laredo to form the South Texas All-Stars, which will take on the CHL All-Stars on January 13th, 2010.
Members of the Ice Rays and Killer Bees organizations were in attendance for the announcement Tuesday. “This is an interesting twist on last year’s All Star format which saw the Colorado Eagles take on the rest of the league,” Killer Bees President/Owner Troy Nelson said. “This is a unique and exciting way to bring together hockey fans across South Texas.”
The Bucks, along with the Central Hockey League, will be making other announcements about the game, such as a title sponsor, TV broadcast plans, and banquet information in the coming weeks.
“We are going to put the Division rivalries aside at the All-Star Game and take the best players from the Bucks, Ice Rays, and Bees, and see if we can beat the rest of the league,” Bucks President/General Manager and Head Coach Terry Ruskowski. “It’s something we hope that the fans will enjoy very much, seeing three big rivals playing on the same team with each other.”
“The 2010 All-Star Game hosted by the Bucks will provide tremendous excitement for the fans of the entire League, which builds upon last year’s format”, CHL Commissioner Duane Lewis said. “The South Texas team versus the rest of the CHL is an innovative way to play the game and we are confident it will make for a truly exciting event.”
Bucks season ticket holders will receive a FREE ticket to the All-Star Game, while tickets for Corpus Christi and Rio Grande Valley season ticket holders will receive a FREE Pirata. All other tickets to the game will be just $15. Call 718-BUCK (2825) to buy yours now.
Laredo becomes the first CHL Franchise to host the All-Star Game twice in the same arena, as the 2005 game was held at the LEC. Oklahoma City has hosted the All-Star Game twice, but in two different venues. The Blazers held the 1999 game at the Myriad, while the 2003 game was at the Ford Center. RGV hosted the 2006 CHL All Star Game at Dodge Arena.
The Killer Bees return to Dodge Arena ice this October for their seventh season in the CHL. Season tickets are available now by calling 956-843-PUCK (7825).
—KILLERBEEHOCKEY.COM—
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