Laredo Bucks Re-sign Finals Hero Igor Agarunov
2006 Presidents' Cup Finals hero Igor Agarunov signed with the Laredo Bucks for the 2009-2010 season.
The Laredo Bucks re-signed their first player from last season’s team, even though he was their 12th players to add this year. Igor Agarunov, who was a CHL Finals hero in 2006, agreed to a contract for the upcoming season. Solid through the regular season, Agarunov seems to turn it up a few notches in post-season play. He should be a good veteran presence on a strong Bucks’ team this year. Here’s the press release:
LAREDO, TX- The Laredo Bucks of the Central Hockey League announced Friday that they have re-signed forward Igor Agarunov for the 2009-10 season, his sixth with the team.
The Grand Forks, British Columbia Native has played in 292 regular season games with the Bucks putting up a total of 130 points (63-67=130), with a +72 rating.
“Iggy is one of the best guys that I have ever coached, bar none,” said Bucks President/General Manager and Head Coach Terry Ruskowski. “He will do anything for the team, and sometimes I don’t even have to ask him. That’s the kind of player I love to have on my team.”
“I’m excitied to start the season again, we have a lot to prove this year,” Agarunov said. “We are all hungry to try and win another championship.”
The 6’1, 200-pound Agarunov (pronounced Ag-a-ROON-off) had another solid year in 2008-09, as he put up 35 points (19-16=35) in 64 games. Last season Agarunov set career highs in goals (19), power-play goals (5), short-handed goals (2), as well as tied career highs in game-winning goals (3), and plus/minus (+17). In last season’s playoffs Agarunov had one assist in six games against Odessa.
“Iggy had a very good season last year, and he did that while splitting time between forward and defense,” said Ruskowski.
Agarunov will forever be etched in Bucks fans minds for his heroics in the clinching game of the 2006 President’s Cup Finals against Bossier-Shreveport.
Agarunov was the hero of the Bucks 4-3 come from behind win in Game Five of the Finals, which clinched the Bucks second championship. Agarunov scored two goals, including the game winner with 2:05 left in regulation to complete the 4-3 come from behind President’s Cup capturing victory.
Agarunov had another solid regular season in 2007-08, scoring nine goals, with 13 assists for 22 points, to go along with a +22 rating.
Statistically Agarunov had the best playoff run of his career during the 2008 postseason, shattering his previous career playoff numbers.
Agarunov scored five goals, with six assists, for 11 points during the 2008 playoffs, including four multi-point games.
The 2006-07 campaign proved to be Agarunov’s most productive regular season with Laredo, as he scored a career-high 38 points (15-23=38).
In 2005-06 Agarunov scored 12 points (6-6=12) in 55 games, while in his rookie season of 2004-05 he put up 23 points (9-12=23) in 51 contests.
As part of his four-year junior career Agarunov helped the Kootenay Ice win the Prestigious 2002 Memorial Cup. Agarunov had five points in 22 playoff games for the Ice that season.
Agarunov is the 12th Buck signed this offseason, including the first player re-signed from last season’s team.