(Team Release) - The Laredo Bucks of the Central Hockey League announced today the re-signings of defensemen Steve Weidlich and Paul Elliott for the upcoming 2007-08 season. The announcement was made to the media and fans at a press conference at the Westwind Homes Plantation Showcase Home in Laredo. Weidlich returns for his sixth year as a Buck, Elliott for his fourth.
Announced CHL Player Signings for 2007-2008
Weidlich, who has spent most of all-five of his pro seasons in Laredo, was a key part to the Bucks two CHL President’s Cup Championship teams. Weidlich comes into this season third on the Bucks all-time games played list with 223. In those 223 games he has scored 23 goals, with 60 assists, for 83 points, including racking up 423 penalty minutes.
“Steve has been through all the wars and battles here, he knows what it’s all about”, said Bucks head coach/GM Terry Ruskowski. “He is a proven leader, and we expect him to have a big season”.
“It’s always great to be back here in Laredo, the fans are amazing, I’m excited to be back again.” Weidlich said.
Last season Weidlich had his best statistical year as a pro, playing in 43 games with the Bucks, netting seven goals, with a career-high 20 assists, also notching a career-high 27 points, he also had career highs in power-play goals (3), and power-play assists (7). In the 2007 playoffs Weidlich had one goal (on the power-play), five assists-four on the power-play, for six points.
“Steve has been making more plays, and has more confidence than ever”, Ruskowski said. “We are very happy to have him back here, he’s a big part of our success”.
Two-times in his pro career Weidlich has suited up for a team other than the Bucks. During the 2004-05 season he played 11 games for the Bracknell Bees of the BNL picking up eight points, while in the 2005-06 campaign he was called up to the AHL’s San Antonio Rampage, where he played in seven games netting one assist.
VETERAN ELLIOTT BACK AGAIN
Elliott, who is entering his fourth season as a Buck, was a key part of Laredo’s 2006 CHL President’s Cup Championship team. Elliott enters this season having played in 335 regular season games, and 59 post-season games in his six professional seasons.
“Paul is a Vet who is always in good position, makes good plays, and doesn’t panic with the puck”, Ruskowski said. “He’s confident, and a good leader- we are happy he’s back again.”
“I love playing here, this is a great place to live, and the fan support is amazing”, Elliott said.
In his past three season’s with the Bucks Elliott, a native of Surrey, British Columbia, has played in 179 games, scoring 10 goals, with 49 assists, for 59 points, including 20 power-play assists and 145 penalty minutes. In three playoff runs in Laredo Elliott has played in 51 games, netting 2 goals, 12 assists, for 14 points, with two power-play goals, and six power-play assists, in helping the Bucks hoist the 2006 CHL President’s Cup.
“Paul’s a quality defenseman, he will block shots, clear the puck, and make good passes, he’s a key player for us.” Ruskowski said.
Last season Elliott, who will get married next weekend, played in 58 games, scoring one goal, with 14 assists, for 15 points, including five power-play assists. In the 2007 playoffs he triggered one goal, with six assists, for seven points.
“Like Weidlich, Paul has been through the battles and wars, he knows exactly what it’s all about here.”
Prior to turning pro Elliott played six seasons in the WHL, from 1995-2001. During that span he played in 324 games. Putting that in perspective, since 1995 Elliott has played in 659 regular season games in the WHL, AHL, CHL, and ECHL. Elliott is the second signed Buck that has Veteran Status, joining Team Captain Serge Dube.
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