LUPUL RETURNING TO MUDBUGS

Former Yellowjacket Dale Lupul will be returning to the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs of the Central Hockey League for the 2008-09 season.  It will be Lupul's fourth season of professional hockey following his four-year career with the Yellowjackets. Lupul made his pro hockey debut with the Mudbugs at the end of the 2004-05 season.  Last season, his second stint with the Mudbugs, he appeared in 56 games, scoring five goals and 27 points.  In between seasons with Bossier-Shreveport, Lupul also played with the Elmira Jackals and Quad City Mallards of the United Hockey League.  In his first full season with Bossier-Shreveport (2005-06), Lupul recorded a career-high 29 points and was a CHL All-Star. Lupul is third on the Yellowjackets' all-time scoring list among defensemen, with 100 points in 104 games between 2001-05.  He was a two-time 2nd Team All-American (2004, 2005), a three-time All-NCHA pick (2003, 2004, 2005) and a four-time All-WIAC selection and was a member of the 'Jackets 2002 national championship squad. "Dale always knew that he wanted to play pro hockey at some level and I'm glad that he is able to continue his career into a fourth season," said Yellowjacket head coach Dan Stauber.  "It's great for Dale and great for the program knowing that we had a hand in developing a player that is carving out a nice career in hockey."