Fuel Ink Brittain, Franzon to ECHL Deals
Published on August 3, 2015 under ECHL (ECHL)
Indy Fuel News Release
INDIANAPOLIS - The Indy Fuel, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL's defending Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks and the AHL's Rockford IceHogs, signed veteran forward Josh Brittain and returning defenseman Anders Franzon to ECHL contracts for the 2015-16 season, the team announced Monday. A former third-round pick (71st overall) by the Anaheim Ducks in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, Brittain registered 22 goals, 46 points and 125 penalty minutes in 73 combined ECHL appearances last season for the Kalamazoo Wings, Missouri Mavericks and Ontario Reign while Franzon netted three goals, 17 points and 16 penalty minutes in 61 appearances last year for the Fuel.
"We are extremely excited to have Josh aboard for next season," said Fuel Head Coach and EVP of Hockey Operations Scott Hillman on Monday. "He's a huge, strong body that can play center or wing and he's got big scoring potential...He's coming in with a clear understanding of his role and will be leaned on to be a leader."
A 6'5", 231 lb. left handed shooter from Milton, Ontario, Brittain has 114 AHL appearances to his credit in parts of four seasons from 2010-11 to 2013-14 with the Syracuse Crunch, Norfolk Admirals and Hershey Bears and tallied 16 goals, 30 points and 180 penalty minutes over that span. Entering the 2015-16 season, Brittain has appeared in 187 career ECHL games spanning parts of five seasons from 2010-11 to 2014-15 with the Elmira Jackals, Fort Wayne Komets, Reading Royals, Kalamazoo, Missouri and Ontario logging 57 goals, 115 points, 275 combined penalty minutes and a +27 rating. Prior to his professional career, Brittain accumulated 80 combined goals, 152 total points and 370 penalty minutes in parts of five junior seasons with the OHL's Kingston Frontenacs, Barrie Colts and Plymouth Whalers from 2006-07 to 2009-10 and helped Team Canada claim the Gold Medal at the 2008 IIHF U18 World Junior Championships.
"I'm very happy to be signing with the Fuel and I'm looking forward to a great season with a great Coach behind us," said Brittain on Monday. "From playing at [Indiana Farmers Coliseum] last year, I know the Fuel are an incredible organization with great fans and that the team is ready to win right away." As for his role during the 2015-16 season, Brittain says his experience will be a critical factor. "As a veteran player, I'm looking to provide a winning attitude to inspire a young team," explained Brittain. "I'm always willing to stick up for my teammates and also find the back of the net...I'm very excited for this opportunity in Indy and look forward to an incredible season."
A native of Plattsburgh, New York, Franzon, 26, returns to the Fuel for his third professional season following a four-year collegiate career at the University of Vermont from 2009-10 to 2012-13. In 125 career NCAA appearances for the Catamounts, Franzon scored four goals and 24 points and was named to the 2009-10 Hockey East All-Academic Team. Prior to his time with the Fuel, Franzon played for the CHL's Hillman-coached Missouri Mavericks during the 2013-14 season and amassed ten goals, 31 points and 21 penalty minutes in 66 appearances. A 6'3", 196 lb. right-handed shooting defenseman, Franzon says he's eager to return to the Fuel in 2015-16.
"For me, the most exciting part about returning to Indy is having the opportunity to start right where we left off last year," said Franzon Monday. "A good group of the guys from last year's team are returning and we are excited to get back together...It was a close group by the end of the year and I think that played a big part in our success." Franzon also points to Hillman and the city of Indianapolis as major factors in his decision to re-sign. "Indy is just a great place to live and play in front of such great fans," said Franzon. "This will also be my third season playing for [Coach Hillman]...I've learned a lot from him in two years and look forward to developing even more with him in my third."
Hillman agrees and says Franzon will wear many hats for the Fuel in 2015-16. "Anders brings stability to our blue line and the flexibility to play in all situations," said Hillman. "He's a reliable penalty killer and a smart defender who can also contribute on the power-play...Given his experience with me, he'll also be a key leader in communicating our expectations in the locker room and helping our younger players understand what we expect as a coaching staff in order to be successful night in and night out."
In 2015-16, the Indy Fuel drop the puck on their second season in the ECHL. Full and Half-Season Plans for the Fuel's sophomore campaign at Indiana Farmers Coliseum are on sale now, along with 12-Game Flex Packs, 9-Game Plans and Group Tickets! To reserve your seats, contact the Fuel today at (317) 925-FUEL or visit www.indyfuelhockey.com for more information. Be sure to follow the Fuel on Twitter and Instagram @IndyFuel and don't forget to 'Like' the official "Indy Fuel" fan page on Facebook.
ECHL Stories from August 3, 2015
- Grizzlies to Announce First Three Player Signings Tuesday - Utah Grizzlies
- Elmira Jackals in the Community - Elmira Jackals
- Fuel Ink Brittain, Franzon to ECHL Deals - Indy Fuel
- K-Wings Agree to Terms with Alex Mallet - Kalamazoo Wings
- Royals Sign Forward Robbie Czarnik - Reading Royals
- Mavericks Unveil Pre-Season Schedule; Missouri to Play Two Exhibition Games in Alaska - Kansas City Mavericks
- The Best Way to Meet the Royals - Reading Royals
- Alaska Aces Announce Exhibition Schedule - Alaska Aces
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