KILLER BEES SWAP RYCROFT FOR BLUELINER, FUTURES
HIDALGO, TEXAS — The Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees of the Central Hockey League (CHL) today announced that the team has acquired defenseman Felipe Larranaga (feh-LEE-pay lah-rehn-YAH-gah), the rights to defenseman Jim Jackson and future considerations from the Colorado Eagles in exchange for forward Daymen Rycroft.
Larranaga, 29, played in 58 games for the Eagles last season and collected 20 points (4-16-20) and 45 penalty minutes (PIM). Prior to joining the Eagles, the 5-foot-8, 175-pound mobile blueliner played in 166 games for teams in Denmark and Norway and recorded 45 points (6-39-45) and 70 PIM there.
“We’re very excited to have Larranaga join our team,” Killer Bees Head Coach Chris Brooks said. “He is a skilled defenseman that will add a dimension to our defense. He has good hockey instincts and can play in many situations.”
A Fairbanks, Alaska, native, Larranaga spent four seasons (2001-04) playing at the University of Alaska-Fairbanks (NCAA) before turning pro with the ECHL’s Fresno Falcons following his senior season. He also appeared in 26 games for the Alaska Aces (ECHL) during the 2007-08 season.
“I’m looking forward to playing in the Rio Grande Valley,” Larranaga said. “It’s a solid organization that I hope to help win a championship with.”
Jackson, 30, has appeared in 409 pro games in the CHL, AHL, ECHL and Europe. The 6-foot-0, 180-pound defender has racked up 213 points (74-139-213) in seven pro seasons. Last season with the Eagles, he was a plus-29 and recorded 44 points (14-30-44) and 64 PIM in 58 games. Prior to turning pro, Jackson played four seasons at Northern Michigan University. In his collegiate career, the defenseman recorded 86 points (22-64-86) and 193 PIM in 153 games. Jackson has signed to play in Asia’s “High1″ league for the upcoming season.
“In acquiring the rights to Jim Jackson there is a risk and reward, but, Jim is a proven defenseman who can step in at any time and provide a boost,” Brooks said. “We retain his CHL rights if he decides that playing overseas is not for him.”
Rycroft, 31, leaves RGV after his second stint with the team. He originally played with the club from 2004-06. The Beaverlodge, Alberta, native is in the team record book in a number of categories; he is 2nd in goals (63), T-3rd in assists (75), 2nd in points (138), 6th in games (169), T-2nd in power play goals (21), 1st in game-winning goals (11) and T-3rd in shorthanded goals (6).
“I approached Coach Brooks and expressed an interest in moving back to the Colorado area,” Rycroft said. “I stressed to them it was a personal decision and not a hockey decision. It was tough but I was fortunate he fully understood my reasons for the request and for that I’m very grateful. I would like to thank the ownership, coaching staff and the entire fan base for my time in the Valley.”
“It’s tough to lose a player like Daymen but we understand his reasons for wanting to move on,” Brooks explained. “We appreciate his hard work here and wish him well.”
The Killer Bees begin their eighth season of play at State Farm Arena in Hidalgo on October 15, 2010. Season tickets and corporate partnership opportunities are available now; call 956-843-7825 to find out more.
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