Bears and Avalanche announce signings
Published on June 10, 2004 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Hershey Bears News Release
HERSHEY â The HERSHEY BEARS announced today in conjunction with the Colorado Avalanche that three players are now under contract for the 2004-05 season. Forward Jeff Ulmer joins the organization after playing in Europe in 2003-04, while defenseman Brett Clark and left wing Chris Bala signed new contracts for the upcoming season.
Ulmer played 21 games for the New York Rangers in 2000-01, scoring three goals in 21 games that season for the Blueshirts. He most recently played in the AHL for the Binghamton Senators during the 2002-03 season. Ulmer played in Europe in 2003-04, scoring 13 goals in just 34 games for Lukko Rauma in Finland and also nine goals in nine games for the Cardiff Devils in Britain.
Clark returns to HERSHEY for his fourth season with the BEARS. He has been named HERSHEY'S best defenseman in postseason awards three years running, scoring a career-high 11 goals in 2003-04. The Wapella, Saskatchewan native scored his first goal in a Colorado Avalanche uniform February 18th against Edmonton.
Bala re-signs after being acquired from the Minnesota Wild on March 9, 2004. He scored four goals in 13 games with HERSHEY after the trade, including a two-goal effort against the Norfolk Admirals on April 10. He was a teammate of BEARS enforcer Dennis Bonvie in Binghamton during the team's run to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2002-03. Bonvie, the American Hockey League's all-time penalty minute leader, will also return to HERSHEY in 2004-05. "From the end of the season, it was a priority for me to return to HERSHEY this fall," said Bala, who lives in nearby Pottstown. "To play at home in front of friends and family is a big thrill for me".
The BEARS begin their 67th season in the American Hockey League in October, with the 2004-05 schedule due out in late July. Season tickets are on sale now by calling (717) 508-BEAR, with several different packages available.
American Hockey League Stories from June 10, 2004
- P-Bruins alum Raycroft named NHL's Rookie of the Year - Providence Bruins
- Bears and Avalanche announce signings - Hershey Bears
- B-Sens 2004-05 home opener set for October 16 - Binghamton Senators
- Islanders Sign Kevin Colley - Bridgeport Islanders
- Street Fleet soars in first flight - Houston Aeros
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