The Central Hockey League is continuing to see increased and strengthened affiliation agreements with the American and National Hockey Leagues paying dividends, as three former CHL players made their NHL debuts recently.
Forward David Gove, who recorded a goal and a franchise record five assists in the Laredo Bucks first ever home game on November 1st, 2002, joined the Carolina Hurricanes for their contest in Montreal on January 31st, recording an assist in an 8-2 victory for the NHLs point leaders.
Another former Buck, forward Petr Taticek, who registered seven points in four games for Laredo last season, made the jump to the NHL on January 21st, skating with the Florida Panthers in their 1-0 loss in Anaheim.
Center Keith Aucoin, who had nine points for the Memphis RiverKings last season prior to joining the AHLs Providence Bruins, scored an assist for Carolina in his first NHL action on January 23rd in the Hurricanes 7-3 home win over Montreal.
We offer our sincere congratulations to these players as they reach the highest level of professional hockey, and wish them continued success, said CHL President Brad Treliving. We also commend the efforts of our coaches and scouts as they continue to focus on developing young talent and creating opportunities for them to advance their careers.
Lubbock right winger Jason Beatty, signed by San Antonio on Thursday, is expected to make his AHL debut this evening in Rochester, facing former Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs forward Scott Sheppard, who has 12 points in 21 games since his recall on December 1st.
Goaltender Tyler Weiman, who earned both CHL Rookie of the Year and Most Outstanding Goaltender honors as a member of the Ray Miron Presidents Cup Champion Colorado Eagles last season, received his first AHL action on December 28th, making 26 saves for the Lowell Lock Monsters in their 4-2 home win over Providence.
Corpus Christis Scott Reid, the CHLs 2003-2004 Most Outstanding Goaltender, is also enjoying an opportunity in the AHL this season, remaining with the Norfolk Admirals since his January 9th recall, as is Oklahoma City netminder Sebastien Centomo, with the Manitoba Moose since his recall on Deember 28th.
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