The second-year Laredo Bucks enjoyed a remarkable inaugural season, and fears of a sophomore slump have quickly been erased as the Bucks have streaked to an 18-3-1 mark to open the 2003-2004 campaign. Whats even more impressive is that the Bucks are doing so well despite only returning four players from last seasons club, which posted an overall record of 41-17-6 and led the CHL with 26 wins on home ice.
The Bucks have a quality mix of veteran leadership and youngsters, and their seven rookies are tied with Wichita for the most in the CHL this season. Accomplishments to date this season include leading the circuit in goals, power play goals, assists, and total points. Overall, Laredo is averaging 4.18 goals scored per game, nearly half a goal per game better than their closest competitor.
Already four Bucks (forwards Brent Cullaton, Jeff Bes, Patrik Nilson and Chris Grenville) have scored more than ten goals each, and 11 Laredo players have double-digit point totals. Despite their impressive offensive numbers, Laredo is also currently the CHLs leading defensive club, allowing just 2.23 goals against per game, and boasts a goaltending duo in Marco Emond and David Guerrera that has combined for 18 wins, three shutouts, and a save percentage of 92.6.
Laredo has also clearly benefited from a strong relationship with their American Hockey League affiliate in San Antonio, with five Bucks on assignment, and Laredo sits atop the In The Crease / Just Hockey AA Top 20 Rankings for the second consecutive week.
Laredos current .841 winning percentage tops the CHL, and the Bucks are on pace to shatter the previous CHL record of .781, established by the Odessa Jackalopes during the 2001-2002 season.