(Courtesy of the New Mexico Scorpions)
ALBUQUERQUE – The New Mexico Scorpions of the Central Hockey League re-signed three more familiar faces for the 2004-05 season today, as left wing/center Mike Possin, center Daryl Moor and left wing Andrew Katzberg will return to the Land of Enchantment. Possin posted 25 points (4g-21a) last season, while Moor quickly became a fan favorite for his ability to pester opponents and willingness to stand up to anybody after his midseason trade from Memphis. Katzberg returns to the Scorpions after beginning last season with the team before playing most of the year with the Macon Trax of World Hockey Association2.

Possin, 27, returns for his second season with the Scorpions after tying for seventh on the team last year with 21 assists. He filled a variety of roles of the Scorpions last year including a move from left wing to center late in the season. The 6-foot-2, 215-pound native of St. Cloud, Minn. was third among United Hockey League rookies in 2002-03, totaling 43 points (15g-28a) with the Quad City (Moline, Ill.) Mallards. He was an NCAA Division III All-American during his senior season at St. John’s University in Collegeville, Minn.

Moor, 25, was acquired from Memphis on Jan. 17 for future considerations. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound native of Kettleby, Ontario picked up eight points (5g-3a) and 79 PIM in 25 games with the Scorpions. He finished with 205 total PIM and gained the admiration of fans for his tenacious play, refusal to back down from any opponent and timely goal-scoring late in the season.

Katzberg, 22, led the WHA2 last season with 367 penalty minutes and 35 major penalties in just 54 games. He recorded ten penalty minutes in two games before joining the Trax. During the 2002-03 campaign, the 6-foot-2, 210-pound native of Yorkton, Saskatchewan led the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League with 523 PIM in 53 contests.

“Mike hurt his wrist early last season and never really got on track,” said Scorpions Head Coach/Assistant General Manager Bill McDonald. “This year I’m expecting him to get back on track and really become an important contributor for us. When we acquired Daryl last season, we were looking for somebody to bring energy to the team and be a pain in the neck for the opponents. That’s exactly what he did last year and I’m counting on him to do that again. Andrew needed a chance to play last year and get his feet wet. His numbers in Macon speak for themselves and he’ll come back a much improved player.”

“Last year was very frustrating for me getting hurt so early in the season, but I’m looking forward to coming back to prove myself to Coach McDonald and the Scorpions fans,” said Possin. “Albuquerque is a great place and I like how things are shaping up so far with the team. The big thing is to get back in the playoffs this year.”

Today’s announcement gives the Scorpions ten players under contract for the 2004-05 season – defensemen Daniel Tetrault, Vladimir Hartinger, Trevor Hammer; forwards Peter Ambroziak, Randy Murphy, Possin, Moor and Katzberg; and goaltender Miguel Beaudry.