Bucks announce Cullaton retirement

LAREDO, Texas — The Laredo Bucks announced that after twelve seasons, Brent Cullaton is retiring from professional hockey. Cullaton, who Captained the Bucks to two President’s Cup Championships in 2004 and 2006, returned to play for Laredo in February thanks to a trade with Rocky Mountain.

“I had some great memories in Laredo during my playing career”, Cullaton said. “When I look up at the banners in the Laredo Entertainment Center, it makes me proud that we did that.” Cullaton, a three-time CHL All-Star, ends his career near the top of the Bucks record books in several categories. Cullaton finished fifth in Bucks history in goals (71), assists (122), and points (193) in 130 regular season games. The 34 year-old Cullaton scored 16 points (5-11=16) in 20 games in his return to Laredo this season. In his first game back in a Bucks uniform on February 5th, Cullaton picked up an assist in the Bucks 7-1 rout of Corpus Christi at the LEC. “Brent Cullaton will be remembered as a very big part of our success here in Laredo”, Bucks President/General Manager and Head Coach Terry Ruskowski said. “He helped us win two Championships and bring some great memories to the fans here.” Cullaton recorded 802 points (281-521=802) in his 12 professional seasons, notching a career-high 92 points (21-71=92) in 2007-2008, and was named a finalist for CHL-MVP. Cullaton led the Bucks in scoring in the 2004 playoffs, putting up 20 points (4-16=20). He scored points in five of the seven games in the finals, including handing out two assists in Laredo’s game-seven win. Cullaton assisted on Dion Hyman’s overtime game-winning goal to clinch the Bucks first Championship. In the 2006 Playoffs, Cullaton scored at least one point in 15 of the Bucks 16 games, to help lead them to their second President’s Cup Title. Cullaton has been named Head Coach of the Boulder Jr. Bisons of the Western States Hockey League (WSHL) and will make his debut in September. “I wish Cully well in the future,” Ruskowski said. I think he will be a good mentor and coach for the young kids.” “I’m looking forward to helping the kids try and get the same opportunities that I had playing professionally”, Cullaton said. “It’s going to be a challenge, and I look forward to taking that step.” Contact the author at mitch.cooper@prohockeynews.com