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Show put on by CHL All-Stars

North squad loses, but Rage benefits

By Pat Rooney , Special to the Rocky

Published January 17, 2008 at 12:45 a.m.

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It was not the brand of hockey that would make purists leap jubilantly out of their seats.

Yet, as a showcase, the Central Hockey League's All-Star Game did just fine for itself.

A crowd about three-quarters of capacity at the Broomfield Event Center, announced at 4,640, observed a typically listless, exhibition-type action that nonetheless provided a meaningful spotlight for the host team, the second-year Rocky Mountain Rage, and its fine new facility.

It barely mattered the home Northern Conference squad, led by players from the Rage and the Loveland-based Colorado Eagles, lost 11-6 against the best from the Southern Conference.

"Mostly, we're just going out there and have a good time, but you're trying to have fun and put on a show for the fans," Rage forward Scott Wray said. "It was nice to have people in the building. It was a good opportunity to showcase the building and showcase our facility."

With defense played at a minimum and jarring hits nonexistent, fans were treated to plenty of slick passing and a seemingly endless array of odd-man rushes.

Though the local favorites could not lead the North to victory, the Rage and Eagles players nonetheless provided excellent cheering fodder for their fans.

Rage forward Brent Cullaton, the CHL's leader in assists, posted a goal and two assists on his home ice, as did Rage teammate Wray. Eagles forward Greg Pankewicz scored one goal and had one assist for the North, and Eagles defenseman Aaron Schneekloth was credited with one assist.

"The Avalanche have definitely dominated this state a long time, then we came in five years ago, and it's just about entertaining the fans and the people of Colorado," said Pankewicz, whose Eagles resume the regular season against the Rage at the Broomfield Event Center on Saturday.

"The Rage came in here, and they are a first-class organization with their building and what they are trying to do and accomplish," Pankewicz said. "They got their first year out of the way . . . and it's time they step up and really promote the CHL, and they have put some character people in place to make that happen."