Hildenbrand Hopeful for Flags' Future
July 17, 2006 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Port Huron Flags News Release
(PORT HURON, MICH) - With the addition of Steve Hildenbrand to the line-up, the Port Huron Flags look to have a very effective front line for the 2006-07 season.
New to the United Hockey League, recently signed Hildenbrand is ready to give his all in Port Huron. "Obviously, every year that you play, you want to win a championship. Hopefully, we have a good season and play hard every night. You can't really predict things, but if a team works hard, good things usually happen," said Hildenbrand.
Hildenbrand comes to the Blue Water Area from the East Coast Hockey League's San Diego Gulls, where he recorded 29 goals and 40 assists in 70 games. At 5'10'', 182 pounds, he still spent 90 minutes in the penalty box last season.
"Steve does everything. He can take advantage of the power play and also kill penalties. He's not afraid to scrap, and is an all-around, legitimate, number one center," said Head Coach Stan Drulia.
Hildenbrand has been in professional hockey since 2000, when he signed with the Ontario Hockey League's Windsor Spitfires. Previously, he had played a year of NCAA D-1 hockey at Miami University in Ohio.
Coming to Port Huron was a bit of a surprise for Hildenbrand. The San Diego Gulls were forced to suspend operations for 2006-07, and the Ontario native was looking to play closer to home.
"I've known BJ Adams for seven years and I heard about the opportunity from him," said Hildenbrand. "I don't know a great deal about Port Huron, but I've got faith in the organization."
The Flags now have nine players bound to contract for the upcoming season; Ryan Gillis, Paul Snell, Shayne Tomlinson, Trevor Edwards, B.J. Adams, Josh Elzinga, Ryan Markham, and Colt King preceded Hildenbrand.
For more information on the 2006-07 season, contact the front office at (810) 982-3524 or visit the website at www.porthuronflags.net.
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International Hockey League 2 Stories from July 17, 2006
- Hildenbrand Hopeful for Flags' Future - Port Huron Flags
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