Bes Is Back.......Almost

Sep. 14, 2009- (The views expressed in this blog are the views of Bryan Benway, and may not be the views of the Laredo Bucks organization). Oh Hi Friends. Happy Monday everyone, ARE YOU READY FOR SOME..............BES?! It will be made official on Wednesday, but Jeff Bes is coming back again (no surpise there).

It was announced this afternoon that the Bucks will officially announce the re-signing of Jeff Bes this Wednesday (Sep 16th) at 3pm at, where else, Whataburger. Yes, yes I know, everyone expected this to happen so it's no suprise. Just because it's not a suprise does not mean that it's not big news. Jeff Bes is the best player to ever wear a Laredo Bucks jersey, and he's back again. Meaning that you can pencil in 80 or more points (barring injury of course).

I'll get into more of Bes' accolades on Wednesday after the press conference, but I can tell you that he is back 100% from his season-ending injury from last year, and he's been working out more than Richard Simmons in 'Sweatin' to the Oldies'. His knee is going to be stronger than it was, and Jeff is really determined to get the Bucks back on top again this season. Jeff is obviously the number one player in Laredo, and he's one of the top three best players in the CHL. Period.

Bes put up 60 points in just 39 games last season, and was leading the league in scoring when he got hurt that fateful night in Bossier on January 26th. So he missed 25 games last year and still almost led the Bucks in scoring.

Just in case you were wondering, Bes ended last season with 906 points, and starts this season with 915 points. The powers that be finally updated Jeff's stats from the 1998-99 season when he played overseas, where he had nine points. So Jeff is now 85 points from 1,000 in his career. can he get there this season? We shall see.

Be sure to come to the press conference on Wednesday, you will want to hear what Bes and El Presidente Coach Rosco have to say. I'll have much more on Jeff Bes' re-signing after the event on Wednesday.

Some more good news for Bucks past and present, as rookie goaltender Dan Spence, 08-09 Rookie of the Year Darryl Smith, and former Bucks defenseman Mike Looby were invited to NHL training camp over the weekend.

Spence, who signed with the Bucks two weeks ago, is in Calgary with the Flames, while Smith and Looby are in Atlanta with the Thrashers. This is great news for all three players, and Rosco is grinning from ear to ear.

Spence impressed in Calgary last week in prospects camp, putting together solid practices and a good scrimmage. Spence is 21 and is among six goalies in Flames camp. This is a great opportunity for him, and he will be very well prepared when he arrives in Laredo on October 2nd for training camp. For sure Spence is one of the first interviews that will be posted during training camp, he should have a lot of things to talk about. I really cannot wait to see him play, if he has done this well in Calgary, I wonder how well he can do now in the CHL with the Bucks.. Like Rosco said, it's a great experience for him, and this will help the Bucks tremendously.

Moving onto Smith...he played well at the Thrashers prospects camp last week putting up three points in four games (1-2=3). Smith was on the same line as Atlanta's top pick Evander Kane (who is supposed to be a stud by the way). We are all very proud for Smith here in Laredo, but it only means that this increases the likelyhood that he will not play in Laredo this year. As of right now Smith has not signed a contract to play anywhere after NHL camp, but i'm going to guess that he will end up with the Chicago Wolves in the AHL. I could be wrong, but we will see.

Not to be lost in the shuffle is Looby, who helped the Bucks win the 2006 Championship. Looby will be Smith's teammate in Atlanta during training camp, and I know the two of them will have quite a bit to talk about regarding Laredo, playing for Rosco, etc.

Wouldn't it be nice if the Bucks could bring Looby back this season? What do you think of that? E-mail me at benway@laredobucks.com and i'll share your thoughts next blog.

The season is fast approaching, so if you have not already it's time to get your season tickets! Ticket sales are good this summer, but there is always room for more people in Buck Nation. Remember, call 718-BUCK (2825).

A quick reminder about the CHL Loyalty Rewards program. If you have not signed up already please do, you can't get any points unless you sign up first! Just go to www.chlpoints.com and follow the instructions. FYI, the Bucks have the most people signed up so far for the Loyalty Rewards program. So thanks for that!

That's it for now, I've gotta go prepare to watch my Patriots play the Buffalo Bills tonight on Monday night football! GO PATS!

I know close the blog once again by quoting the great game show host Bob Barker, "help control the pet population, have your pets spayed or neutered."

Until next time,

It will be a hot one in the old town tonight!

GO BUCKS GO!