NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, CFL stats



Icehawks sign forward with six seasons of NHL experience

August 20, 2008 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Port Huron Icehawks News Release


PORT HURON, MI - The Port Huron Icehawks of the International Hockey League announced today at a press conference that they have signed Rob Valicevic, a veteran right wing with significant NHL experience, to a contract for the 2008-09 season. Per team policy, details of the deal were not disclosed.

Valicevic (6-1, 195 lbs) comes to the Icehawks with 13 years of professional experience, including parts of six seasons (1998-2004) in the National Hockey League. A sixth round draft pick of the New York Islanders in the 1991 NHL Entry Draft, he was signed by the Nashville Predators as a free agent in May of 1998. He went on to play two and half seasons with the Predators. In November of 1999, he made franchise history and became the first player to record a hat trick.

The forward next had stints with the Los Angeles Kings, Anaheim Mighty Ducks and the Dallas Stars. In total, he played in 193 NHL games and racked up 48 points (28g, 20a). The seasoned veteran has also played 197 games in the American Hockey League.

"We are extremely excited to bring a player of this caliber to Port Huron," Head Coach and General Manager Stan Drulia said. "In my opinion he will be the best player in the league. He will serve as a leader on and off the ice and will be our team captain."

He added, "The other teams in the league have made their teams better and we knew we needed to do the same thing. We've got three first lines right now and we are really excited about that."

The 37-year old Detroit, MI native enjoyed his most prolific season of his career with the UHL Flint Generals in 2004-05, with 96 points (36g, 60a) in 78 games. He also played ten games that season with TPS Turku in Finland. He has remained in Europe for the last three years and played in both Germany and Austria. Last season, he played for Klagenfurt AC in Austria and recorded 23 points (8g, 15a) in just 24 games.

"I am at a point in my life where all I want to do is win a championship," Valicevic said. "After talking to Stan, I knew right then and there that this team will win this year. It is not going to be easy, but I am very happy to be here and I will give 110% every day."

Valicevic played collegiate hockey at Lake Superior State University from 1991-1995. He turned professional in the 1995-96 season with the Springfield Falcons in the American Hockey League and the ECHL Louisiana IceGators. He next played three seasons with the IHL Houston Aeros (1996-1999) and helped the team to a Turner Cup in 1999, before getting his break in the NHL.

In total, he has played in 854 professional games and totaled 555 points (244g, 311a).

The addition of Valicevic brings the Icehawks training camp roster to 13 players with nine forwards, three defenseman and one goalie. Training camp begins October 6 at McMorran Arena. The line-up currently includes returning players Tab Lardner (F), Jeff Zehr (F), Larry Sterling (G), Jamie Lovell (D), Kris Vernarsky (F), Jamie Carroll (F), and Jeremy Tucker (F), as well as newcomers Jeff Bateman (F), Jason Chafe (F), Paul Yavonic (F), Ian Turner (D), and Daniel Tetrault (D).

The Icehawks open the International Hockey League season with a Turner Cup Finals rematch versus the Fort Wayne Komets at home on Friday, October 17. Season ticket packages are available at the Icehawks office, 325 Huron Avenue, Port Huron. For more information, please call the Icehawks office at 810-966-3800 or visit www.porthuronicehawks.com.

• Discuss this story on the International Hockey League 2 message board...

International Hockey League 2 Stories from August 20, 2008


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central