Laredo Bucks Sign Former IHL Enforcer Justin Styffe
Justin Styffe (left) takes control during a fight last season with Fort Wayne's Maxime Gravelle (#74). Styffe signed a contract on Tuesday to play for the CHL's Laredo Bucks for the 2009-2010 season. (photo credit: Jim Cheek)
The Bucks announced another signing this morning, continuing their busy off-season. Styffe has been characterized as a tough guy, but looks like he has a bit of a scoring touch too. Statistics for Styffe follow the press release:
LAREDO, TX- The Laredo Bucks of the Central Hockey League announced Tuesday that they have signed forward Justin Styffe for the 2009-10 season. Styffe spent his rookie season last year with the IHL’s Flint Generals.
The 5’10, 180 pound Styffe (pronounce St-EYE-F) finished fifth in the IHL in penalty minutes last season when he piled up 223 PIM’s, as well as put up 15 points (6-9=15) in 60 games with the Generals.
Styffe had seven games where he had double-digit penalty minutes last season. His lone multi-point game in 2008-09 came on March 21st when he picked up a goal and an assist against Kalamazoo.
“Justin Styffe is an absolute tough guy for sure,” said Bucks President/General Manager and Head Coach Terry Ruskowski. “He’s always been the guy to stick up for his teammates on the ice, and he’s not afraid to push anyone around no matter how big they are.”
Prior to his time in Flint Styffe, from Okanagan Falls, British Columbia, spent three seasons playing collegiately for Mount Royal College (ACAC) in Calgary, Alberta.
In his three years at Mount Royal Styffe collected 240 PIM’s, to go along with 26 points (14-12=26) in 61 games.
“Even in college Styffe had a lot of penalty minutes. He’s been consistent with that where ever he has played,” Ruskowski said. “I really like how he plays, he will help us tremendously.”
In 2007-08 Styffe had six points (2-4=6) in 15 games, to go along with 86 PIM’s. Styffe had his most productive college season in 2006-07 when he put up 11 points (5-6=11) with 102 PIM’s, while in his freshman year in 2005-06 he had nine points (4-5=9) with 52 PIM’s.
Styffe played one year of junior hockey in 2004-05 with the AJHL’s Calgary Canucks, where he scored 23 points (12-11=23) with 183 PIM’s in 46 games.
Styffe is the 13th Buck signed this offseason, including the sixth player with at least one year of professional experience.