Ryan VandenBussche Signs With the New Mexico Scorpions

[VodkaFish]

RIO RANCHO, NM – The New Mexico Scorpions, proud member of the Central Hockey League (CHL), continue to bolster up with the roster with the signing of NHL veteran Ryan VandenBussche. The long time veteran will also serve as a player/assistant coach during the remainder of 2006-07 season.

VandenBussche is a valuable addition to a one of the youngest squads in the CHL. The 6-foot, 205 pound forward comes to New Mexico after beginning the year in Finland with Jokerit Helsinki.

“Bringing in a player with Ryan’s experience will be a great asset to our younger players,” said Scorpions’ President Dave Ellett. “Ryan will be counted on to assist Ray Edwards and Randy Murphy in the development of our younger core players.”

The signing on VandenBussche gives the Scorpions a player with 310 NHL games under his belt. The forward scored 20 points (10G, 10A) and amassed 702 penalty minutes while playing with the New York Rangers, Chicago Blackhawks and Pittsburgh Penguins.

“I am excited to come to New Mexico and help the Scorpions,” said VandenBussche. “I also look forward to learning about the coaching aspect involved with my role.”

“Ryan will help our club in numerous ways on and off the ice,” said Edwards. “He will provide a unique perspective with his NHL experience off the ice and will add an extra dimension on the ice."

The Scorpions have collected points in their last eight games and have risen to within three points of first place in the Southwest Division. In other roster changes, Konrad Reeder has been moved to the 45-day injured reserve.

[TTUStarsFan]

Ryan VandenBussche just got punished by 21 year old Chris Barth. Quite a night (Lubbock-New Mexico) with 6 fights.

[Vandenbussche]

Originally Posted by TTUStarsFan

Ryan VandenBussche just got punished by 21 year old Chris Barth. Quite a night (Lubbock-New Mexico) with 6 fights.

Can you give a recap of the fight?

[vandymeer13]

VandenBussche is a real slow fighter his first fight in a while he's probably rusty. I know while on the hawks he always sucked in the pre season but always came around.

[Colt Seavers]

Does anyone have know if he's trying to make a NHL comeback, or is it gameover for that idea?

[glenn50]

You seem to be a little biased in your opinion of what took place last night. While I was on the other end of the ice for that particiular fight I sure wouldn't call that a punisher. Many in person felt that Ryan got the best of it. As the paper stated this morning " VandenBussche visited the box five times to spark a Scorpions offense that scored five goal in the initial 32 minutes to take control. He gave the fans a show early in the third period when he engaged Barth in a fight in the 42nd minute, one of six fights on the night." Five fights occured in a 16 minute span of the three period -- very enjoyable!

For Ryan's first game as a Scorpion he did fine and his player/assistant coach role might be to his liking. As a Scorpion season ticket holder I'm glad he's here!

[Mr. Pink]

Did anyone get a clip of this?

[Smashing Machine]

so one recap has him getting punished and losing badly...the other has him winning the fight..

since i didn't see it either I will say I am happy he has hooked on, and I hope his legal troubles are behind him. he packs a wallop, a very exciting fighter to watch.

[PhantomsSTH1977]

I am glad to see him playing in the US again!

[Glovdropov]

Besides being a decent scrapper he's a pretty good/hard skater.....I don't think he'll ever reach NHL but could get signed by someone and play in the AHL.