'D' Gets Stronger With Signing of Aika
Published on June 6, 2002 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Indianapolis Ice News Release
INDIANAPOLIS, IN-- The Indianapolis Ice announced today that the team has re-signed defenseman Ryan Aikia (AIK-e-uh) to a contract for this season. Aikia joins defensemen Bernie John and Kevin Popp as the first three members of the 2002-03 roster.
Aikia, 28, is coming off an injury-plagued season which saw the veteran defenseman miss nine games early in the year, while playing at less than full strength for the remainder of the season. He still finished third among Ice defensemen in goals (5) and also produced 19 points (5G, 14A) and 58 penalty minutes.
"I'm looking for Ryan to rebound from an injury-plagued season last year and become a key factor on the blue line," said Ice Head Coach Ken McRae. "I also look for Ryan and Bernie John to compliment each other well on our power play."
The six-year veteran has always produced at the professional level as he has compiled 179 points (37G, 142A) and 587 penalty minutes in 332 career games. His best year pro was the 1999-2000 season with the Columbus Cottonmouths where he led all CHL defensemen in goals (23) and power play goals (15). He was arguably the "Snakes" top defenseman that year and was an integral part in the team's long playoff run which finally ended when the Ice captured the 2000 Miron Cup Championship with a 3-0 victory in game seven.
"I am looking for a fresh start personally and with a new head coach in Ken," said Aikia. "Indianapolis is a great place to play and the organization has treated me well."
"When healthy, Ryan can be an outstanding offensive defenseman," said Ice General Manager Larry Linde. "Our medical staff assures me he will be as good as new and I expect him to return to his previous levels of production."
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 June 6, 2002
- Scorpions Named CHL Marketing Franchise Of The Year - New Mexico Scorpions
- Annual CHL Spring Conference Concludes - CHL
- 'D' Gets Stronger With Signing of Aika - Indianapolis Ice
- Lubbock Loses Leslie to Laredo - Lubbock Cotton Kings
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.
