Icehawks Sign Five To Training Camp Roster

Published on October 4, 2007 under International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Port Huron Icehawks News Release


PORT HURON, Mich. - Stan Drulia, head coach and general manager of the Port Huron Icehawks, announced the team has made five singings with training camp set to begin Monday, October 8. The additions include goalie Kevin Druce, defensemen Chad Swartzentruber and forwards Josh Aspenlind, Ryan McCarthy and Ben Gustavson.

Three other players will attend camp as free agent tryout candidates. They are Tyler Johnson (D), Ryan Koresky (D) and Nick Parillo (F).

"We have a full roster heading into camp with three goalies, 10 defenseman and 14 forwards," Drulia said. "I am confident we will be able to put together a team that is strong from the goaltender on out."

Training camp officially opens Monday at McMorran Arena. The team will skate Monday through Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Training camp workouts are free and open to the public. Following the four days of practice sessions, Drulia will make real-time evaluations in a home-and-home set of preseason games with the Flint Generals. The Icehawks will travel to Flint Fri., Oct. 12 before returning home to host the Generals on Sat., Oct. 13. Both games start at 7:30 p.m.

Drulia expects to trim the roster to 20-21 players by Sunday.

Kevin Druce (5-10, 180 lbs) played three seasons with York University of the Canadian Interuniversity Sports League. The native of Kingston, Ontario also spent three years in the Ontario Hockey League and was named to the OHL All Star team in 2004. In September 2006, he attended training camp with the NHL Boston Bruins. Druce qualifies as a rookie in the IHL because he has played in less than 60 professional games. He will battle for a roster spot during training camp.

Ryan McCarthy (5-10, 185 lbs) played collegiate hockey at Pottsdam of the SUNYAC (State University of New York Athletic Conference), serving as captain for the last three years. He finished his collegiate career with 65 goals and 125 points, tying him for fourth all time goal scorer in Potsdam history and placing him seventh on the university's all time scoring list. He was named SUNYAC player of the year for the 2004-05 season.

Ben Gustavson (5-11, 200 lbs) has played in Port Huron twice before, last season with the Flags and in the 2001-02 season with the Port Huron Border Cats. He turned professional in 2000 after four seasons in the Ontario Hockey League and one year with Dalhousie University. The highest offensive of his pro career came in the 2002-03 season with the Amarillo Gorillas of the CHL when he amassed 12 goals and 30 assists. He tallied 25 points last season while splitting time with the Flags and the Sheffield Steelers.

Josh Aspenlind (5-11, 190 lbs) joins the Icehawks as one of their rookies this season after four years in the WHL, a junior league. He played 71 games last season with the Chilliwack Bruins of the WHL, amassing 22 goals, 35 assists and 109 penalty minutes. He was signed out of the Detroit Red Wings Prospect Camp.

Chad Swartzentruber (6-2, 190 lbs) did not play last year. The 21- year old attended Lake Superior State University.

The five new players join offensive players Jason Bone, Kyle Bozoian, Mark Cadotte, Jamie Carroll, Neil Clark, Brent Hughes, Tab Lardner, Mike Olynyk, Jeremy Tucker, Jeff Zehr and Kris Vernarsky. The defense includes B.J Adams, Will Barlow, Chris Bogas, Andrew Davis, Mark DeSantis, Chris Gerhke and Joe Markusen together with goalies Marty Magers and Ron Vogel.

Forward Neil Clark is currently skating with the AHL Griffins after taking part in Detroit Red Wings Training Camp. He is not expected to be with the Icehawks when camp opens Monday.

The Port Huron Icehawks home opener is October 27 against the Flint Generals at McMorran Arena. Season tickets are now available by calling 1-800-700-8888. Ticket information can be found online at www.porthuronicehawks.com.

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International Hockey League 2 Stories from October 4, 2007


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