AHL Rockford IceHogs

IceHogs Fortify Team with Oak

August 6, 2002 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Rockford IceHogs News Release


Rockford, Ill.-The Rockford IceHogs, proud members of the United Hockey League, announced Tuesday that forward Oak Hewer has agreed to contract terms for the 2002-03 season. As per club policy, details of the pact were not disclosed.

Hewer, 22, is the sixth player to sign on the dotted line for the fast approaching season. Center Jeff Antonovich, winger Steve Dumonski, goaltender Brant Nicklin, and defensemen Jeff DaCosta and Kenzie Homer have also agreed to terms with the IceHogs.

Hewer, a native of Ottawa, Ontario, established new career marks in games played (72), goals (14), assists (27), points (41) and penalty minutes (97) last season. His blue collar work ethic was noticed by his teammates, and they showed just how much they respected his willingness to lay it on the line every night by honoring him with the IceHogs 2001-02 Unsung Hero award. Hewer played with grit and determination throughout the year, and he relished his role as an all situations player.

"He's everything we want in an IceHogs player," said Scott Bell, the IceHogs head coach and director of hockey operations. "He was fantastic for us last year, and we plan to lean on him even more this season. He's active in the community, he's in the weight room everyday, and he's committed to Rockford and to getting better as a hockey player."

Hewer's 2001-02 season included a pair of three point efforts. The 6-foot-4, 215 pound winger registered two goals and one assist vs. the Asheville Smoke on Feb. 3, 2002. An encore to his February performance occurred on Mar. 3, 2002 when he recorded two goals and three points vs. the Knoxville Speed. Hewer's 2001-02 season also included a five-game scoring streak that lasted from Feb. 22 to Mar. 3, 2002.

"I'm excited about the new season, and I can't wait to lace up my skates," said Hewer, who appears to have added 15 pounds of muscle to an already solid frame. "I really think we have something special here in Rockford, and I know Scott (Bell) is building a team that our fans will be proud of."

Hewer spent the first chapter of his professional career in the East Coast Hockey League with the Pensacola Ice Pilots, the Charlotte Checkers and the Birmingham Bulls. He totaled two goals, 14 assists and 16 points while appearing in 42 games during the 2000-01 season. His first full professional season included stops in Charlotte and Pensacola. After wrapping up his junior career with the Ontario Hockey League's North Bay Centennials in 1999-00, Hewer made his pro debut with Birmingham. The former seventh round selection of the National Hockey League's Tampa Bay Lightning accrued two goals, three assists and five points in 31 games with the Bulls.

Season ticket packages for the 2002-03 IceHogs are now available, starting at just $98. Contact the IceHogs office at (815) 986-6465 for more details. Season ticket information can also be found at www.icehogs.com. The IceHogs begin the 2002-03 season when they host the Fort Wayne Komets at the Rockford MetroCentre on Fri., Oct. 11.

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