Super Mario Returns to Town
July 1, 2003 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Indianapolis Ice News Release
INDIANAPOLIS, IN-- The Indianapolis Ice announced today the signing of veteran defenseman Mario Doyon (doh-YAWN). Doyon will serve as a player/assistant coach alongside returning defenseman Bernie John.
Doyon, 34, is a veteran of 871 professional games which includes stints in the National Hockey League, International Hockey League, American Hockey League and seven seasons in the elite leagues of Europe. His 15-year pro career has seen him amass 563 points (177G, 386A) and 1,008 penalty minutes and earn three championship rings.
He was a member of the German (DEL) league champion Krefeld Penguins last season, a team laded with former NHL mainstays and IHL and AHL all-stars. He was second among defensemen in scoring with 23 points (7G, 16A) in 42 games of work.
We are very pleased to get a player of Mario's stature, said Ice Head Coach Ken McRae. Having played with him, I know how he can play and he should be a premier defensemen in this league. To be successful, it all starts from the back out. With Shawn in net and our four defensemen already signed, things are beginning to take shape.
The 6-1, 200-pound blueliner was a 1986 NHL Draft Choice of the Chicago Blackhawks and played 28 games in the show with Chicago and the Quebec Nordiques, where he compiled seven points (3G, 4A) and 16 penalty minutes. During his stint with Quebec, he was teammates during parts of two seasons with Ice Head Coach Ken McRae.
We had a good season last year, but we didn't win the championship, said Ice General Manager Larry Linde. To do that, we need to get better and Mario Doyon makes our team better. It's no secret that defense wins championships and this should be the best crop of defensemen our fans have seen in a long, long time.
Doyon, who resides in Indianapolis during the off season, played for the 1989-90 IHL Champion Ice squad, but didn't receive a ring as he was traded to Quebec towards the end of the year. With 34 points (9G, 25A), he was second among defensemen in scoring on that team, trailing only former Ice player and head coach and current Washington Capitals (NHL) head coach, Bruce Cassidy.
It is awesome to be playing in Indy again and working with Ken, said Doyon. I remember him as a hard-nosed player and someone who came to play every night. I heard he coaches the same way which is a style I like.
Consistency has been the norm for Doyon throughout his career as he has finished first or second among defensemen in scoring on his respective teams every year during his stints in the IHL, AHL and Europe. His average season has been a steady 37-point year with 12 goals and 25 assists to go along with 66 penalty minutes.
I am ready to play my game and help the younger guys with my experience, added Doyon. I have also been a power play guy for many years so I feel I will fit in nicely with Bernie John and the other players and hopefully give our team the best power play in the league.
Ice Training Camp Roster (As of 7/1/03)
Forwards- Jason Baird, Ryan Carter, Marc Collins, Etienne Morin
Defensemen- Ryan Aikia, Mario Doyon, Nate Elliott, Bernie John
Goaltenders- Shawn Silver
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