Flags Mix Up Roster with Multiple Changes
Published on January 25, 2007 under International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Port Huron Flags News Release
(PORT HURON, MICH.) - Just past the midway point of the season, and on a five-game losing streak, the Port Huron Flags made several roster changes, in an effort to get the momentum back on track.
Center Kris Vernarsky was acquired in a trade with the Chicago Hounds. Defenseman Josh Elzinga, a native of Illinois, was sent to the Hounds for Vernarsky, who was a second round draft pick of the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2000. In 2002, he was traded to the Boston Bruins and made his NHL debut in 2003, scoring his first major league goal within a month. Originally from Detroit, Mich., Vernarsky is 6-feet-3, 210 pounds of offensive skill that will be highly valuable to the Flags forward line.
Additionally, goaltender Brad Smith was signed by the Flags, to spread out the puck-stopping responsibilities for the team. Another Detroit native, Smith started the season in the Central Hockey League, with the New Mexico Scorpions, where he made 256 saves in ten games.
"We're bringing in Brad as a third goalie until everyone is healthy," said Head Coach Stan Drulia. "We've heard good things about him and we're going to see how he plays right away."
Smith, who will wear number one as a Flag, gets his first start in tomorrow's road contest against the Flint Generals. Vernarsky, donning jersey number 14, is also expected to play this weekend. Additionally, left wing T.J. Sakaluk was waived this week.
The Port Huron Flags are a community owned, nonprofit member club of the United Hockey League. For more information on the 2006-07 season, contact the front office at (810) 982-3524 or visit the website at www.porthuronflags.net.
International Hockey League 2 Stories from January 25, 2007
- Flags Mix Up Roster with Multiple Changes - Port Huron Flags
- IceHogs Suppress Jackals Outburst 7-4 - Elmira Jackals
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.
