Bucks Sign ‘Making The Cut Finalist’ Kivell

June 24, 2009- LAREDO, TX- The Laredo Bucks announced Wednesday that they have signed rookie defenseman Drew Kivell for the 2009-10 season. Kivell spent the last five seasons playing college hockey for Lakehead University (CIS).

Kivell was a member of the 2005-06 Queen’s Cup winning team that also took CIS silver, as well as being one of the eight finalists on the CBC TV Sports reality show, "Making the Cut."

"Drew is known as a very hard hitter, and that’s what I like quite a bit about him," said Bucks President/General Manager and Head Coach Terry Ruskowski. "I’ve been trying to sign him for five years, and to finally get him here is good news."

The 6’2’’, 225 pound Kivell played in 125 collegiate games for Lakehead, putting up 36 points (3-33=36), while mostly being known as a hard-hitting defenseman.

Kivell, from Lakeside, Ontario, set career highs in goals (2), assists (10) and points (12), while picking up 80 PIM’s last season for the Thunderwolves.

Prior to his college career Kivell spent played five junior seasons in the OHL for the Sudbury Wolves and the Kingston Frontenacs, where he played in 321 games. In his OHL career Kivell scored 50 points (3-47=50), while piling up 580 PIM’s.

Kivell, who is the second Bucks signing of the offseason, played in 27 OHL playoff games.

*HAMILTON SIGNS FOR ’09-10*

The Bucks also announced Wednesday that they have signed defenseman Cody Hamilton for the 2009-10 season. Hamilton was acquired last week in a trade with the Tulsa Oilers.

The 22-year old Hamilton enters his second pro season, after scoring six points (1-5=6) in 39 games for Tulsa last season.

Hamilton, 6’2, 200 pounds, played four seasons of junior hockey in the OPJHL for the Markham Waxers, Oakville Blades, and Cobourg Tigers. In 93 junior games Hamilton put up 73 points (12-61=73).

The Bucks will start their eighth season in the Gateway City in October, and will host the 2010 CHL All-Star game January 13th. Season tickets start at under $6.50 per game. Call 718-BUCK (2825) to order.

For ticket information call 718-BUCK (2825).

*2009-10 Bucks Signed Players (In order of Announced Signing)*

*Matt McKeown-Forward- 6’0, 195lbs-Niagra Falls, ON- DOB: 1/16/85 (1st Year Pro)

08-09 Stats: 22 Games, 3 Goals, 8 Assists, 11 Points

Last Team: Fredonia State University (NCAA)

*Drew Kivell- Defense- 6’2, 225lbs- Lakeside, ON- DOB: 2/4/83 (1st Year Pro)

08-09 Stats: 38 Games, 2 Goals, 10 Assists, 12 Points

Last Team: Lakehead University (CIS)

*Cody Hamilton- Defense- 6’2, 200lbs- Lucknow, ON- DOB: 5/23/97 (2nd Year Pro)

08-09 Stats: 39 Games, 1 Goal, 5 Assists, 6 Points

Last Team: Tulsa Oilers (CHL)

*Team Store Hours*

The Bucks team store is open during regular business hours. Call 523-6577 for more information.

*Get Your Bucks Season Tickets For FREE!*

The Bucks announced a brand new season ticket holder referral program, which could make each fans season tickets FREE for the 2009-10 season. For every new seat that a current season ticket holder refers, they receive a 20-percent credit off of one of their seats. For example, if a current season ticket holder refers five new seats, their seat is FREE! Call 718-BUCK (2825) for more information.

*Reserve Your Seats For Two Years, Get A 10% Discount Each Year*

Bucks Season Ticket Holders can now receive a ten percent discount on their season tickets if they reserve their seats for the 2009-10, and 2010-11 campaigns. With the two-year agreement season ticket holders will receive a 10% discount each year, and can spread their payments out over 24 months.

"With the economy in the shape it’s in these days we want to give our fans a chance to pay less for their tickets", said Bucks President/General Manager and Head Coach Terry Ruskowski. "We have the best fans in minor league hockey, and they deserve this very much".

*New Benefits For Season Ticket Holders*

The Bucks also announced brand new benefits for season ticket holders, such as a FREE ticket to the 2010 CHL All-Star Game, FREE drink & food coupons (and more) included in each season ticket booklet, exclusive discounts at Laredo Bucks Corporate Partner Locations, children of season ticket holders receive a FREE membership into the Kid’s Club, season ticket holders will automatically be entered into season ticket holder raffle each game, as well as FREE admission to training camp scrimmage at pre-season party, and more to come.

"Our season ticket holders are diehards and we want to make sure that they are getting more than their hard-earned money’s worth", Ruskowski said. "And these new benefits are the first step towards that".

In addition to the new season ticket holder benefits, fans will still receive big savings from walk-up ticket prices, convenient payment plans, priority seating for playoffs, discounts at the team merchandise store, name plate on each seat, personal Bucks account executive, and pre and post Season parties.

The Bucks will unveil more new benefits and packages later on in the off-season. For more information call 718-BUCK (2825).

2009-10 BUCKS SEASON TICKETS!

Become a Bucks season ticket holder starting at under $6.50 a game. Call a Bucks ticket representative at 718-BUCK (2825)

BUCKS HOSTING 2010 ALL STAR GAME

In January of 2010 the Bucks will host the CHL All-Star Game! For ticket info call 718-BUCK (2825).

BUCKS IN THE COMMUNITY

To schedule an appearance by a Bucks player, coach, Bucky, or member of the front office staff contact Nicole Kupaks at (956)523-6590, or e-mail her at nkupaks@laredobucks.com.

BECOME A BUCKS CORPORATE PARTNER

Your company can become a vital part of the Laredo Bucks family by reaching our fans with your business message. To create a customized advertising package for your company, contact Donald Thomson at (956) 523-7711, or dthomson@laredobucks.com.

BUCKS RADIO HOME

All 64 of the Bucks regular-season games, plus any additional post-season games can be heard live all-season on Imagen 94.1-FM, as well as online at laredobucks.com. You can also watch all Bucks games online via the CHL Network.

JOIN THE BUCKS BOOSTER CLUB

To join the Laredo Bucks Booster Club contact club President Olga Guerra at 956-724-3429, or 956-763-7478, or e-mail at OJG1180@aol.com.

2004 & 2006 CHL President’s Cup Champions

2003-04 Governors’ Cup Regular Season Champions

Laredo Bucks -- 2002-03 CHL Franchise of the Year