Ice Re-Signs All-Star Defenseman
May 24, 2002 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Indianapolis Ice News Release
INDIANAPOLIS, IN-- The Indianapolis Ice announced today that all-star defenseman and team captain Bernie John will return for his fourth season with the club. The 29-year-old defenseman will take on an expanded role this season as he will serve in the dual role of player/assistant coach.
John, who is the top-scoring defenseman in Ice history, is coming off another exceptional season as the all-star blueliner amassed 53 points (16G, 37A) in just 46 games. He was on pace to lead all CHL d-men in scoring for the second consecutive year, but an ankle injury forced him to miss the team's final 18 games of the season. Despite his long absence, he still finished in a tie for fourth among league defensemen in scoring and was tied for second among CHL blueliners in goals.
"In my opinion, he is the best defenseman in the league," said Ice Head Coach Ken McRae. "He's a fixture in this city and his on-ice leadership will be a huge asset to the team."
With 211 points (60G, 151A) in his three years with the Ice, John is the top-scoring defenseman in the CHL since the start of the 1999-00 season. He has played in two all-star games as a member of the Ice and was the top defenseman on the Ice's 2000 Miron Cup Championship Team.
"Bernie John is a franchise player and his signing guarantees that if he plays hockey in North America, it will be in Indianapolis," said Ice General Manager Larry Linde. "As an organization, we are enthused to have an outstanding hockey player as well as a quality individual like Bernie back in the fold." A native of Sudbury, Ontario, John has played nine years professionally making stops in the Colonial Hockey League, United Hockey League, International Hockey League and CHL. He enters his tenth season just 17 points shy of 500 for his pro career as his career laurels include three 70-or-more point seasons and 483 career points (121G, 362A) in just 539 games.
"Bernie is the first of several players from last year's team that I wanted back, " said McRae. "I am looking to add some more familiar faces in addition to some new talent in the weeks to come."
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Central Hockey League Stories from May 24, 2002
- Amarillo to Receive New Owners, Name - CHL
- Ice Re-Signs All-Star Defenseman - Indianapolis Ice
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