Bucks' Cullaton Announces Retirement

LAREDO, TX- The Laredo Bucks announced Friday that Brent Cullaton has retired from professional hockey after 12 seasons. Cullaton, who Captained the Bucks to two President's Cup Championships in 2004 and 2006, returned to play for Laredo in February thanks to a trade with Rocky Mountain.

Cullaton has been named the Head Coach for the Boulder Jr. Bisons of the Western States Hockey League (WSHL).

"I had some great memories in Laredo during my playing career", Cullaton said by phone from Colorado. "When I look up at the banners in the LEC it makes me proud that we did that".

Cullaton, a three-time CHL All-Star, ends his career near the top of the Bucks record books in several categories. Cullaton finished fifth in Bucks history in goals (71), assists (122), and points (193) in 130 regular season games.

The 34 year-old Cullaton put up 16 points (5-11=16) in 20 games in his return to Laredo this season. In his first game back in a Bucks uniform on February 5th, Cullaton picked up an assist in the Bucks 7-1 rout of Corpus Christi at the LEC.

"Brent Cullaton will be remembered as a very big part of our success here in Laredo", said Bucks President/General Manager and Head Coach Terry Ruskowski. "He helped us win two Championships, and bring some great memories to the fans here".

Cullaton recorded 802 points (281-521=802) in his 12 professional seasons.

In 2007-08 with the Rage, Cullaton notched a career-high 92 points (21-71=92), and was named a finalist for CHL-MVP.

Cullaton led the Bucks in scoring in the 2004 playoffs, putting up 20 points (4-16=20). Cullaton scored points in five of the seven games in the Finals, including handing out two assists in Laredo's game-seven win. Cullaton assisted on Dion Hyman's overtime game-winning goal to clinch the Bucks first Championship.

"I wish Cully well in the future. I think he will be a good mentor and coach for the young kids", Ruskowski said.

In the 2006 Playoffs, Cullaton scored at least a point in 15 of the Bucks 16 games, to help lead them to their second President's Cup Title.

Cullaton will make his debut as coach of the Boulder Jr. Bisons in September. The Bisons play in the 13-team WSHL, consisting of teams in seven different states.

"I'm looking forward to helping the kids try and get the same opportunities that I had playing professionally", Cullaton said. "It's going to be a challenge, and I look forward to taking that step".