Blue Line to be Enforced Again by Popp
Published on May 29, 2002 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Indianapolis Ice News Release
INDIANAPOLIS, IN-- The Indianapolis Ice announced today the re-signing of defenseman Kevin Popp for the upcoming year. Popp returns for his second season with the club and joins Bernie John as the first two players on the 2002-03 roster.
Popp, 26, was arguably the team's top defensive defenseman last season as he was the only d-man to record a positive plus/minus (+5) and was one of the better players on the team's penalty kill. Known more for his physical brand of play, the 6-2, 220-pound defenseman had his best scoring season as a pro with 13 points (2G, 11A) to go along with a team-leading 299 penalty minutes in 63 games of work.
"He is a huge asset to our team due to his "stay at home" defensive style," said Ice Head Coach Ken McRae. "He plays hard every night and will be counted on to frustrate and play tough against the other teams' top players."
The rugged defenseman was originally the Buffalo Sabres' fifth round choice (119th overall) in the 1995 NHL Draft. He has played five years of pro hockey in the East Coast Hockey League, United Hockey League and CHL where he has accumulated 29 points (8G, 21A) and 1,057 penalty minutes in 257 games.
"Kevin Popp is one of the toughest players in the game," said Ice General Manager Larry Linde. "He provides the perfect compliment to a player like Bernie John. Defense wins championships and he's another key piece of the puzzle."
The Ice will begin its 15th year of hockey in mid October of 2002. Season ticket and advertising packages are now on sale. For more information, contact the Ice office at (317) 925-4423.
Central Hockey League Stories from May 29, 2002
- Veteran Clayton to return for a sixth season - Wichita Thunder
- Blue Line to be Enforced Again by Popp - Indianapolis Ice
- Blacktop Brahmas ready to roll this summer - Fort Worth Brahmas
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