Belanger and Yetman ink deals with IceHogs
Published on August 9, 2006 under International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Rockford IceHogs News Release
Rockford, Ill.- Rockford IceHogs Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Steve Martinson announced on Wednesday that the United Hockey League team has signed veteran winger Francis Belanger and center Steve Yetman for the upcoming 2006-07 season. Adhering to club policy, terms of the agreements were not disclosed.
The signing of Belanger gives the IceHogs their first veteran skater on the '06-07 roster and a proven goal scorer at the American Hockey League level. The upcoming campaign is Belanger's ninth as a professional in a career highlighted by a stint in the National Hockey League. During the 2000-01 season, the 6-2, 225-pound winger played in 10 games with the Montreal Canadiens. Belanger was also a Fifth Round pick of the Philadelphia Flyers in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft.
"My expectation is that he'll be a top goal scorer on our team," said Martinson. "He's a true power forward who combines a scoring touch with physical play."
In 438 career pro games, Belanger has netted 137 goals and helped with 152 others. In his eight-year career, the winger has spent 237 games in the AHL. Belanger is no stranger to the UHL either, as Rockford marks his third UHL stop. Over the past three seasons, the Bellefeuille, Quebec native has suited up for the Danbury Trashers and Richmond RiverDogs.
Belanger's top season statistically came in 2004-05 when he split time with Danbury and Richmond. In 76 overall regular season games, the veteran wingman potted 27 goals while assisting on 34 others. In the postseason with Danbury, Belanger added 3g-7a-10pts in 11 games.
Prior to turning pro, Belanger played two full seasons in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. With the Hull Olympiques and Rimouski Oceanic, Belanger totaled 53g-46a-99pts in 116 games. The physical winger also racked up 515 penalty minutes in his 116 game junior career.
Yetman is the fifth returning player for Rockford from last season's Western Division Championship squad. Still considered a rookie last season despite playing in 36 games with the Kansas City Outlaws (UHL) in 2004-05, Yetman was one of a franchise-high six players to record 60 or more points.
The St. Johns, Newfoundland native tallied 19g-41a-60pts during his first full pro season with a plus/minus rating of +17. Yetman's point output was the 13th most among all UHL rookies. The centerman also established himself as one of the sleekest set-up men in the UHL. Yetman's 41 helpers were sixth most in the "U" last season.
"Steve is an outstanding young centerman and has outstanding ice vision," said Martinson. "He is an excellent play maker with very good speed and established himself as one of the top young players in the0 league. Prior to coming to Rockford this fall, Steve will attend Milwaukee Admirals (AHL) training camp."
The upcoming season marks Yetman's third season and second full campaign in the pro ranks. With Kansas City in "Ë04-05, Yetman recorded 11g-18a-29pts in just 36 games with the Outlaws. Midway through his first pro season, an injury forced him back to the junior circuit in the Maritimes. In 98 career games in the MJAHL, Yetman pumped out 152 points and was named team MVP while skating with the Yarmouth Mariners in "Ë04-05 after netting 25g-76a-101pts.
With Belanger and Yetman under contract, the IceHogs have now announced nine players for the upcoming season. Joining Belanger and Yetman up front so far is winger Jesse Bennefield along with defensemen Dan Boeser, Jared Bourassa, Matt Gens, Lee Jacobson, Mike Letizia and Tom Zabkowicz.
Season Tickets Now Available: The Rockford IceHogs wrapped up its most successful campaign in club history in 2005-06 and we want you along for the ride in 2006-07. Season ticket packages are now available for the Hogs' 8th season in Rockford by calling (815) 986-6465. Ticket packages start as low as $95!
International Hockey League 2 Stories from August 9, 2006
- Chicago Hounds Continue to Add Talent to the Roster - Chicago Hounds
- Belanger and Yetman ink deals with IceHogs - Rockford IceHogs
- Lupandin Inks Contract for New Season - Quad City Mallards
- Dolyny signs on for sixth Fury season - Muskegon Lumberjacks
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