Zoogly
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| Wed Jul 12, 2006 2:26 pm Tulsa World 7/10/06 |
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CHL: Kaebel, Oilers on hunt for talent
By GLENN HIBDON World Sports Writer
7/10/2006
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Coach puts priority on team's power play, penalty kill situations for this fall.
Hoping to improve special teams play for the 2006-07 Central Hockey League season, Tulsa Oilers coach Butch Kaebel is continuing his search for talent -- both young and old.
Kaebel has already signed six players from last season with nine rookies under contract. Tulsa traded defenseman Mario Joly to Wichita June 28 for goalie David St. Germain, 6-foot-5 defenseman Andrew Nahirniak and center Bryan Lachapelle. Another trade is also in the works as the Oilers prepare for their home opener Oct. 28.
"From a recruiting standpoint, our power play and penalty kill has to be better. We're recruiting in those two areas," Kaebel said. "We've also got to recruit some veterans we can trust on and off the ice, some guys who can help bring our young players along."
The Oilers missed the playoffs a year ago after finishing last in the Northwest Division.
Henry Kuster is the lone veteran from last year currently under contract. Kaebel credited Kuster with helping Jim Dahl develop into the CHL's Rookie of the Year. Kaebel said he's talking to Dahl about returning if he can't land a job in the American League.
Other familiar names under contract
include goalie Marco Emond, defensemen Marek Dora and Darren Shakotko and forwards Jaroslav Cesky and Mike Lukajic. Kaebel said he's talking to Doug Watkins, Michael Young, Mike Possin and Sean Roed from the 2005-06 team and there is a good chance that 2004-05 goalie Bill Ruggiero will return.
"I talk to him every day and things are getting closer," Kaebel said. "I expect him to sign with us, and I know he wants to come back. People know what he can do and I know what he can do. He didn't have a very productive year last year because he didn't play much at all after Christmas."
Ruggiero spent last season with Motor City of the United League, backing up former Oiler Rod Branch. Ruggiero started four games early in the year, then made just 13 total appearances.
If Kaebel and Ruggiero can work out details, the big netminder will join forces with a bevy of newcomers. Kaebel is high on defenseman Matt Medley, a power-play specialist. |
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