KILLER BEES SIGN BLUELINE PAIR

HIDALGO, TEXAS --- The Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees of the Central Hockey League (CHL) today announced that defensemen Jake Obermeyer and Kyle Radke have signed with the team for the 2010-11 season.

Obermeyer, 25, joins the Killer Bees after playing his rookie pro season as a member of the Amarillo Gorillas (CHL) last season.

“Coach Brooks called me right after I heard the Gorillas would not be playing this year,” Obermeyer explained. “It was perfect timing and I knew the RGV was the right place for me to continue playing hockey.”

The Chanhassen, Minn., resident appeared in all 64 games for Amarillo, posting 24 points (7-17-24) and 43 penalty minutes (PIM). The 6-foot-1, 190-pound defender turned pro after competing at Robert Morris University, a Division 1 NCAA program based in Pittsburgh, Penn.
 
“Jake is a kid I tried to get to come here last season, so as soon as he became available he became a priority,” Killer Bees Head Coach Chris Brooks said. “Adding a player who was selected to the 2009-10 Central Hockey League All-Rookie team is huge. I expect Jake to continue to progress in his second professional season, as he will be counted on to play in many critical situations for us.”

Radke, 25, enters his third pro season after spending the last two seasons in the ECHL. In 2008-09, he played in 54 games for the Idaho Steelheads and collected five points (1-4-5) and 155 PIM. Last season, the 5-foot-11, 190-pounder split 33 games between Idaho and Utah and posted two assists (0-2-2) and 76 PIM.

“Kyle is a tough, skilled player that adds yet another dimension to our team,” Brooks said. “He is intelligent with the puck and solid defensively. After spending two seasons playing both forward and defense in the East Coast Hockey League, I feel he is an important signing for us this off season.”

Radke played four years of NCAA Division1 hockey at the University of North Dakota from 2004-08, appearing in 137 career games and helping the Fighting Sioux to four straight Frozen Four appearances. The Bashaw, Alberta, native finished his career with seven goals, 20 assists and 284 penalty minutes, playing both at forward and on defense. Prior to his college career, Radke was named the Alberta Junior Hockey League Defenseman of the Year for 2003-04.

“I can’t wait for the season to begin,” Radke said. “I’m excited to help contribute to the Killer Bees and contribute to the team’s success.”