IHL 2 Rockford IceHogs

Defense takes shape with two more signings

Published on July 24, 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 Monday that the United Hockey League club has signed defensemen Jared Bourassa and Tom Zabkowicz for the 2006-07 season. Per club policy, terms of the agreements were not disclosed.

With Bourassa and Zabkowicz, the IceHogs have six players under contract for '06-07, all defensemen. The IceHogs defense features four returnees and two fresh faces for the new campaign. Other defensemen inked for the upcoming season include Dan Boeser, Matt Gens, Lee Jacobson and Mike Letizia.

With Bourassa, the IceHogs get an offensive defenseman who is also solid on the defensive side. Last season, the 6-foot d-man led all Idaho Steelheads defensemen in scoring, netting 13 goals and chipping in 24 assists. Bourassa was under contract last season with the Iowa Stars (AHL) as well.

"Because he was under AHL contract he was free to sign with any team in the ECHL," said Martinson. "He looked at all of our call-ups and felt Rockford would give him the best opportunity to advance his career to the AHL."

Bourassa enters his third season in professional hockey in '06-07. He broke into pro hockey with the Oklahoma City Blazers in 2004-05, and had a successful rookie campaign accumulating 16g-19a-35pts. The Radville, Saskatchewan native played the majority of his junior career with the Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL) where he was a team captain.

Zabkowicz becomes the fourth returning player from last season, joining Boeser, Gens and Letizia as familiar faces on the blue-line. The new season will be Zabkowicz's second in the pro ranks, but like Boeser, will be considered a rookie once again because he is still under the league minimum for games played (50 games) under the UHL's rookie guideline.

"I think Tom was a real underrated defenseman last year and he moves the puck well," said Martinson. "With our six defensemen that are signed, we will be extremely mobile and I look for them to be more offensive than last year. I think our defense is extremely well suited for today's high-tempo transitional game."

In 50 games with Rockford last season, Zabkowicz netted a goal and chipped in five assists. The first-year pro had an impressive plus/minus rating of +15 as well, which was fourth best among IceHogs defensemen. Prior to trading in books for a paycheck, Zabkowicz played two seasons with the University of Maine. The second-season defenseman played on the 2003-04 Black Bears squad that finished second in the NCAA Championship.

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!

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International Hockey League 2 Stories from July 24, 2006


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