Boeser, Letizia on board for IceHogs once again
July 17, 2006 - 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 Monday that the United Hockey League club has re-signed defensemen Dan Boeser and Mike Letizia for the upcoming 2006-07 season. Per club policy terms of the agreements were not disclosed.
Despite playing with the IceHogs last season, both players will still be considered rookies for the new campaign. Boeser played in 41 games last season (40 with Rockford and one with the AHL's Milwaukee Admirals), while Letizia skated in all nine of the IceHogs playoff games.
Boeser joined the IceHogs in January and finished second on the club with a plus/minus rating of +23. The only skater ahead of Boeser in plus/minus was defenseman Matt Gens who was signed last week by the Hogs. In 40 games with Rockford in '05-06, Boeser had 5g-13a-18pts. The smooth-skating blue-liner also appeared in all nine of the IceHogs postseason games, chipping in an assist for the club that reached the Colonial Cup Semifinals.
After a successful four-year career at the University of Wisconsin, Boeser made his pro debut with the Peoria Rivermen, then of the ECHL. The Savage, Minn. native appeared in one regular season and one postseason contest with Peoria and then stepped away from hockey during the 2004-05 season. Boeser, however, made a successful return to the ice last season and established himself as one of the IceHogs top d-men.
"Boeser is a bonus because he is still considered a developmental player," said Martinson. "Dan has shown the ability that he can be one of the top two-way defenseman in the league. I believe that Letizia can be one of the top young defenseman in the league. Last year he did a great job for us in the postseason."
Letizia joins the IceHogs for his first full season in the pro ranks after four campaigns with the Plymouth Whalers of the Ontario Hockey League. After the Whalers bowed out of the postseason last spring, Letizia hooked on with the Hogs and skated in all nine postseason affairs.
In nine contests, Letizia made an impact for Rockford, notching a goal and two assists while accumulating a plus/minus rating of +4. As for his final season in juniors, the Chicago native potted a career-high 13 goals and helped out with a career best 22 assists.
Boeser and Letizia join Gens on the IceHogs roster for the fast approaching 2006-07 season. The three young defenseman will be a part of the IceHogs' eighth season in the Forest City when training camp kicks off on Monday, Oct. 2.
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!
• Discuss this story on the International Hockey League 2 message board...
International Hockey League 2 Stories from July 17, 2006
- Hildenbrand Hopeful for Flags' Future - Port Huron Flags
- Boeser, Letizia on board for IceHogs once again - Rockford IceHogs
- Jami Yoder Returns for Second Season in Quad Cities - Quad City Mallards
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.
