With just over 20 percent of the 2004-2005 Central Hockey League regular season complete, several rookies have already had significant impacts on their respective clubs. The most impressive first-year pro may be Colorado goaltender Tyler Weiman, leading the circuit in shutouts (2), goals against average (1.27) and save percentage (.952). With a record of 5-0-3, the Lloydminster, Alberta native has quickly established himself as a top CHL netminder. Also impressing in the pipes are Wichita’s talented young rookie duo of Jamie Vandespyker and Jason Flick, who have combined to lead the Thunder to a CHL-best team goals against average of 1.83 and a CHL-high 10 wins.

Offensively, several rookies are enjoying fine starts to their professional careers. Corpus Christi forward Derrick McIver leads all rookies with eight goals, while Memphis’ left winger Phil Aucoin and Tulsa defenseman Mario Joly share the rookie assist lead with 11.

Also making significant early season contributions are Bossier-Shreveport’s Scott Sheppard, Colorado’s Kevin Marsh, and tandems Mike Lukajic & Dallas Flaman in Topeka and Emery Olauson and Derick Martin in Lubbock. Forward Sheppard has already scored seven times (including two game winning goals) and added six assists for the Mudbugs, while Marsh also has a pair of game winners among his six goals and seven assists.

Despite a slow start, the Topeka Tarantulas have won five of their last seven outings, with first year players Mike Lukajic (four goals, six assists) and Dallas Flaman (four goals, five assists) pacing the club. Meanwhile, a much improved Lubbock squad has gotten excellent production from rookie forward Emery Olauson and rookie rearguard Derick Martin, with the pair combining for four goals and 12 assists for the 6-4-0 Cotton Kings. One rookie making a different type of impact is Wichita enforcer Derek Parker, whose 95 penalty minutes currently lead the entire CHL.