gorillakido
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| Tue Jul 04, 2006 4:13 pm Jacks Announce Opening Weekend |
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Scheduling in the Central Hockey League has always been a long and arduous process during the off-season for the Jackalopes. Building availability, the off-set schedule and the ever expanding Central Hockey League have been concerns in setting dates for the past several years. However, the Jackalopes have once again set dates to freeze over the coliseum this fall to kick off their 10th anniversary season on Friday, October 27th and Saturday, October 28th.
The fourth Friday in October will mark the beginning of the 10th year of Jackalopes hockey in the Permian Basin. “The fact that we are in planning stages for the tenth season of hockey in West Texas is a true testament to the loyalty of our fans, front office, ownership and all the players that have poured their heart out to our organization over the last nine seasons,” said General Manager Monty Hoppel. “We have many new ideas as well as exciting promotions that will highlight the 2006-07 season and as always we look forward to the community’s support in packing the Jack Shack.”
Many changes have already occurred in the setup of the Central Hockey League for next season; including a revised divisional lineup, two new franchises (Arizona SunDogs and Rocky Mountain Rage), a brand new playoff format, and the return of a franchise after a year hiatus (New Mexico Scorpions). “The Central Hockey League continues to add new franchises in new cities and come up with great ideas that have constituted high acclaim from all around professional hockey, which makes us very excited about where the league is headed,” said Hoppel.
The Jackalopes have already begun their trek to repeating as Southwest Division Champions with the re-signing of eight players (the most signings of any team in the CHL as of June 27th) off of last season’s hockey club. “The addition of two teams (New Mexico Scorpions and the Arizona SunDogs) to the Division will set the bar high, however it is one that will be very attainable with the players and personnel we already have in place,” said Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Don McKee. “We think that playing against stronger teams in the regular season will help us prepare mentally and physically for the new playoff format that is in place.”
The new expansion within the Central Hockey League for next season has also made it necessary to increase the playoff format to twelve teams (last season was comprised of eight teams). Much of the playoffs will stay the same with a best of 7-7-7-7 layout. The one unique aspect of next season’s playoffs will be that the highest remaining seed that loses out in the first round will automatically advance as the number 4 seed in the second round. “Having an extra round in the playoffs is something we have pushed for many years.” McKee said. “We think that the new format will make the postseason in the Central Hockey League even more exciting for us and all of our fans.” |
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