FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5th, 2010

STRETCH BREAKS TEAM RECORD

Kamloops, BC - The Kamloops Blazers Hockey Club is proud to announce that 20 year old forward, and 5th year Blazer, CJ Stretch has set the Blazers record for most games played with 325 games. Stretch passed Aaron Gionet’s record of 324 games that he played with the Kamloops Blazers from 1998-2003. Stretch tied the team record in Portland on Wednesday.

Stretch has been nothing but durable throughout his WHL career. In his first season as a 16 year old, Stretch missed only 8 games. He has twice played all 72 games in the regular season and in Stretch’s entire 5 year career he has missed only 19 games. The Irvine, California native is also the active leader in WHL games played with 325, which is 9 more games than current Silvertips forward Shane Harper’s 317 games played.

"This is a very noteworthy achievement for CJ. He has been an important part of the Blazers for a long time," says Vice President / General Manager Craig Bonner. "As an organization, we are proud of CJ’s record. He is a quality individual and deserving of this accomplishment."

In his five year career with the Blazers, Stretch has also been a pivotal part of the offence. He is currently 24th on the Blazers all time points list with 228 points. In the last two seasons, Stretch has accumulated 147 points. Stretch is 3rd amongst active WHL point getters behind Joel Broda with 242 and Jason Bast who has 239 points.

"I am happy that I achieved this record with the Kamloops Blazers. It has been such a great time playing for the Blazers and in the Western Hockey League. I am thankful for the opportunity I have been given,” Stretch stated. “I have been fortunate to have stayed so healthy throughout my career. The focal point now is to be ready for the challenges over the last 17 games of the season leading into the playoffs," Stretch concluded.

Stretch will be recognized tomorrow night as the Blazers host the Lethbridge Hurricanes.