After back to back appearances in the Southern Conference Finals, the Gorillas have established themselves as a quality team under Coach Joe Ferras. Veteran defenseman Mark DeSantis remains one of the CHL’s top rearguards, and Derek Hahn is a feared goal scorer. The Gorillas have a solid goaltending tandem in Shawn Degagne and Jamie Vandespyker, and leadership comes from center Dave Rattray and defenseman Ryan Shannon. Joey Sewell, who scored 26 goals with Laredo two seasons ago, and former NHL player Paxton Schulte should make quality forward additions. While Amarillo excelled killing penalties last year (87.2%), the power play was an issue. They struggled to a 13.8% success rate in 04-05, and will have to muster up much more this year if they want to be a playoff-bound club in a competitive division.

Coach: Joe Ferras

126-106-20 in CHL)
04-05 Record: 31-20-09

Chris Dashney and the Cotton Kings quickly earned the respect of the division with a workmanlike approach that helped them capture the Southwest title in dramatic fashion on the last day of the regular season. Veterans Paul Fioroni and Jan Melichercik lead the forwards, and goaltender Lance Leslie enjoyed an exceptional campaign in 04-05, posting 28 wins, a goals against average of 2.25 and a .927 save percentage. With an infusion of young and energetic talent, Lubbock hopes to build on last season’s accomplishments and successfully defend their division title. With no single standout offensively (no Cotton King finished in the top 25 in scoring last season), the offense will come by committee while maintaining their solid defensive play.

Coach: Chris Dashney
34-23-03 in CHL
04-05 Record: 34-23-03

After a two-year post-season drought the Jackalopes look to re-emerge as contenders in 04-05. Returning a solid nucleus of players including defenseman Scott Hillman, goaltender Mike Gorman and forwards Mike Rutter, John Kozoriz, Matt Cressman and Sebastien Thinel, the ‘Jacks will need to improve offensively after averaging just 2.63 goals per game last season. Odessa’s biggest off season acquisition comes in the form of towering (6-7, 235 pounds) defenseman Jeff Ewasko, who impressed in training camp. A disciplined club that averaged only 15.75 penalty minutes per game last season, Odessa could greatly benefit from the new rule changes and interference standards being implemented in the CHL this season.

Affiliations: Edmonton, NHL
Coach: Don McKee
190-122-42 in CHL)
04-05 Record: 26-22-12