Blaze Hammer Out D Core, Add Size on Wing
Published on September 17, 2009 under All American Hockey League (AAHL)
Chicago Blaze News Release
Rolling Meadows, Illinois - The Chicago Blazed are proud to announce that they have signed left winger James Brooks and defenseman Mark Hammersmith to contracts for the 2009-2010 season. Both players participated in the Blaze's tryout camp which took place August 27-28 at West Meadows Ice Arena.
Brooks, a left handed shooting forward from Chicago, earned 4 points (1 goal, 3 assists) over 12 games with the Blaze last season, and added 1 goal in a pair of post-season games. At 6 foot, 220 lbs., Head Coach Steve Pronger expects Brooks, "to add muscle and grit to one of the top two lines." Prior to last season with the Blaze, Brooks played in Sweden in both the Swedish junior league and for Hammarby IF of Sweden's Division 2 professional league. While in Sweden, Brooks put up 19 points in 20 games (6,13) along with 96 PIM. Before playing in Sweden, Brooks played for Robert Morris University where he put up 38 points in 25 games and 108 PIM.
Hammersmith will add size, strength and experience to the Blaze blue line. The 6-3,225 lb."Hammer" drew 5 PIM in 6 games for the Blaze last season. Prior to suiting up for Chicago, Hammersmith was with the Pee Dee Cyclones of the Southern Pro Hockey League where he posted a goal and an assist over 13 games. Over 57 games in 4 years at the Junior A level Hammersmith put up 25 points (9, 16) and 88 PIM. Hammersmith who is a local product, grew up in Palatine and played for St.Viator, no doubt will be a fan favorite. About Hammer Pronger states, "Mark has many ties to the local community and to local youth hockey. His solid presence on defense, his size and leadership are critical as we develop our franchise and work towards a championship season."
Come see Brooks, Hammersmith, and the rest of the Blaze players at West Meadows Ice Arena as training camp week starts October 12th.. The puck drops on the season October 23 in Detroit, with the home opener against Detroit at 7:00 P.M. on October 24. Tickets for that and all games are available at the West Meadows box office or at www.chicagoblazehockey.com, for $8.
All American Hockey League Stories from September 17, 2009
- Blaze Hammer Out D Core, Add Size on Wing - Chicago Blaze
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