Parsons Wins League Most Valuable Player Award March 19, 2002

First RiverKing To Take League Honor

For Immediate Release
Contact: Steve McCall

The rest of the Central Hockey League seems to agree with what observers of the Memphis RiverKings have known for quite some time. Left winger Don Parsons is the Central Hockey League's Most Valuable Player.

Parsons won the Advantage-Rent-A-Car CHL Most Valuable Player Award in balloting conducted among CHL coaches, team personnel and media members. Parsons is the first RiverKing to win the award in the team's 10-year history.

"It's a nice honor to be recognized by other people around the league. Sometimes when I'm playing against those teams it seems like they don't like me that much," Parsons said with a laugh. "But it's good to know you have their respect."

Parsons led the RiverKings with 54 goals and 41 assists for 95 points in 59 games. He finished third in the league scoring race. Parsons led the CHL in goals. Memphis had its best season ever, finishing 46-14-4, winning its second straight divisional title.

"We've had a great season but we still have a big goal ahead and that's to get a ring," Parsons said.

The RiverKings open the President's Cup playoffs Thursday March 21st at 7:05 at the DeSoto Civic Center in a best of five series against the Fort Worth Brahmas.