MAVERICKS SIGN THREE INCLUDING CHL VETERAN TYLER FLECK
Defensemen Shaun Arvai and SPHL MVP Travis Kauffeldt also added to roster

INDEPENDENCE, Missouri –Missouri Mavericks’ head coach Scott Hillman announced Tuesday the Central Hockey League (CHL) club has signed a pair of defensemen and a forward for the Mavericks’ inaugural 2009-10 season.  Longtime CHL veteran defenseman Tyler Fleck, defenseman Shaun Arvai and 2009 SPHL MVP Travis Kauffeldt have all signed to play for the expansion club.  The Mavericks’ roster now sits at a total of four players including 2007 CHL MVP Jeff Christian.

Fleck, 30 (1/20/79), is entering his 11th professional season and first outside of the Oklahoma City Blazers organization.  The 5-foot-10, 210-pound defenseman has played in 545 professional games and tallied 172 points (34-138=172) while amassing 1,209 penalty minutes all with the Blazers. Fleck is a two-time CHL All-Star (2004, 2009) and was co-captain of the 2009 CHL All-Star team.  The Carlyle, Saskatchewan native was a member of the 2000-01 Blazers championship squad. Fleck was named Best Defensive Defenseman in the CHL’s 2008-09 Best of the Best Poll, he was also voted Best Leader and finished third in the voting for Best Bodychecker.  Off the ice, Fleck created a website for a former teammate of his, Les Borsheim. The website - TeamBorsheim.com - is dedicated to his teammate who was involved in a motorcycle accident in June of 2007 that left him nearly paralyzed and in critical condition.

 “Tyler Fleck is recognized throughout the CHL as a leader, someone who is always willing to sacrifice for his team both on and off the ice,” said Mavericks’ coach Scott Hillman.  “He brings a big physical presence to our blue line and is a great shot blocker.  Tyler was one of the most sought after free-agent defensemen in the league and we are very fortunate to have him with us here in Independence.”

Arvai, 26 (10/6/82), is entering his third professional season having played in Italy last season, and in the CHL during his rookie campaign.  The 5-foot-10, 170-pound defenseman has 20 goals and 42 assists in 99 professional games played over two seasons.  The West Lorne, Ontario native had 39 points (10-29=39) in 61 games played with Amarillo in 2007-08 ranking him among the top 20 rookie scorers in the CHL.  His 17 power play assists were tied for the most among all rookies.  Prior to playing professionally, Arvai played four seasons at the University of Alabama-Huntsville where he totaled 54 points (7-47=54) in 124 games.

“I am very pleased to announce the signing of Shaun Arvai,” remarked Hillman.  “He has a strong NCAA Division 1 background and had two outstanding years as a professional.  He is a young, skilled player with good puck handling and passing skills that our fans will love to watch.”

Kauffeldt, 24 (6/9/85), was named the Most Valuable Player for the SPHL last season leading the Huntsville Havoc with 37 goals, 70 points and a +19 rating in 59 games played.   The Bancroft, Ontario native played his first three professional seasons with the Havoc and totaled 169 points (71-98=169) in 155 games played.  Prior to playing professionally, the 6-foot-2, 191-pound left winger played five seasons of junior hockey scoring 255 points (137-118=255) in 190 games.

“Travis showed last year that he is becoming a complete player and was named the MVP of the Southern Professional League.  Having coached against him for two seasons I have a great deal of respect for Travis and believe he will be an impact player in the CHL.  Travis plays with grit and does not back down physically.  He also has a very hard shot and good nose for the net.  Travis is a rookie in this league but brings a great deal of experience from his three seasons with Huntsville in the SPHL.”