Sports stats



Generals trade Kerr to Kalamazoo

March 15, 2005 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Flint Generals News Release


FLINT, MI - The Flint Generals of the United Hockey League announce that veteran right-winger and the team's all time leader scorer, Kevin Kerr, has been traded to the Kalamazoo Wings. In return, the Generals receive forward, Tom Ditzer, effective immediately.

Tom Ditzer (age 23, 6-4, 226) comes to the Generals in his rookie season appearing in 47 games with the Wings with 4 goals, 8 assists for 12 points and 36 penalty minutes.

"Tom Ditzer will help the Flint Generals," said Vice President & Head Coach, Robbie S. Nichols. "He has great size and can contribute offensively. He is a rookie which is very good for us. He will get a chance to make an immediate impact. The trade will serve the short-term and long term plans for this organization. This is another good trade for the Generals and we are happy to have Ditzer with us."

Kerr, 37 had been in his eighth season as a member of the Generals. The native of North Bay, ONT had three tours of duty with the Generals (1993-1998, 2000-2001 & 2003-2005) He is the franchise leader in career points amassing 356 goals and 318 assists for 674 points in appearing in 417 games. Kerr is second all-time with 1,421 penalty minutes.

Kerr served as Player/Assistant Coach with the Generals from 1995-1998 as the team made three consecutive appearances in the Colonial Cup Finals. Kerr was a member of the 1996 Flint Generals Colonial Cup Championship Team.

Kevin Kerr set the all-time record for most career goals by a professional (excluding the N.H.L.) by scoring his 664th career goal on Friday, January 7, 2005 in a 5-2 victory over the Fort Wayne Komets.

Throughout his 18-year career, Kerr has appeared in 1087 games, collecting 670 goals, 636 assists for 1306 points and 3,711 penalty minutes.

Nichols has additional comments on this trade and the contributions of Kevin Kerr. "Trading to improve your hockey club is a very easy thing to do. It isn't a popular decision, especially when the players that you trade may be fan favorites or have established strong careers in their respective cities, but unfortunately, this is a part of the business," said Nichols.

"Kevin Kerr has been a remarkable player for his 18-year career and was probably one of the most dynamic players the Flint Generals Hockey Club had seen for years," continued Nichols. His impact on this franchise and that of the United Hockey League is unchallenged. Kerr has had some memorable moments in a Generals jersey. He has come up with gutsy playoff performances and huge playoff goals. It has been a remarkable journey for Kevin in Flint but the time has come to move on, which is best for the Flint Generals and Kevin Kerr."

"We know that trades, at times, come as shock and disappointment to the players and fans alike," continues Nichols. "But several years from now, when Kevin decides to retire, everyone will look back at the career of Kevin Kerr and his time with the Generals, including Kevin, himself. Everyone will smile and reflect on the great memories he has given us. All players do understand that this is part of the business of pro hockey."

"The Flint Generals would like to thank Kevin on all that he has done for the organization," continues Nichols. "He has been an impact player and one of the mainstays in this league who bring respect and professionalism to the United Hockey League. We wish he and his family all the best and for continued success for Kevin in Kalamazoo."

The Generals are on a four-game Western road trip this weekend that will take them to Kansas City for two games (March 18th and March 21st) and to Missouri (March 19th and March 20th). The Generals return home to host the Motor City Mechanics on Wednesday, March 23, 2005 at Perani's Arena at 7:05 p.m.

Tickets are on sale at any TicketMaster location. Ticket prices are $13.00. $11.00 & $9.00 with student and senior citizens discounted $2.00 off regular prices. For purchases, please call (810) 744-0580. For more details, contact the Flint Generals at (810) 742-9422.

• Discuss this story on the International Hockey League 2 message board...

International Hockey League 2 Stories from March 15, 2005


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.

OurSports Central