ECHL Indy Fuel

Indy Agrees to Terms with Colantone, Rupert

Published on August 16, 2016 under ECHL (ECHL)
Indy Fuel News Release


INDIANAPOLIS - The Indy Fuel, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Chicago Blackhawks and the AHL's Rockford IceHogs, announced Tuesday that forwards Michael Colantone and Matt Rupert have agreed to terms on ECHL contracts for the 2016-17 season. Both players are coming off of their rookie seasons in the league; Colantone joined Indy for the second half of the 2014-15 campaign, while Rupert skated for the Orlando Solar Bears.

Colantone, 24, finished fifth in Fuel rookie scoring last season with 17 points (9g, 8a) in 40 games after arriving in late December. The 5-foot-11, 205-pound forward made his professional debut on Dec. 27 after spending the first half of the season with the University of Massachusetts-Lowell. In 73 career NCAA games with the River Hawks, Colantone recorded 13 goals and 13 assists, helping the club win Hockey East Regular Season and Playoff titles in 2013.

"We are glad to have Mike back with us this year. He is coming off of a good rookie season and we look forward to see if he can build off that," said Fuel Head Coach and VP of Hockey Operations Bernie John. "He has good upside on his offensive game to add to our scoring efforts, and he knows exactly what system we want to play."

A native of Brooklyn, N.Y., Colantone spent parts of three seasons in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) prior to college, racking up 109 points (46g, 63a) in 118 games between the Prince George Spruce Kings and Victoria Grizzlies.

The 22-year-old Rupert picked up 19 points (11g, 8a) and 45 penalty minutes in 53 contests with the Solar Bears in 2015-16, while under a two-way contract with the AHL's Toronto Marlies. The 5-foot-9, 185-pound left wing saw his first pro action at the end of the 2014-15 campaign when he skated in two games for the Marlies.

Before turning pro, Rupert played parts of five seasons with the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). In addition to finishing his major junior career with 223 points (105g, 128a) in 240 contests, the London native helped his hometown team to back-to-back OHL championships in 2012 and 2013. In 12 total Memorial Cup games, Rupert posted one goal and four assists.

"We're excited to have Matt join the Fuel this season. He plays a hard game and has a knack for the net," John explained. "He played for one the best if not best Major Junior organizations in North America in London, enjoying an excellent junior career with solid numbers and a winning tradition. He's not afraid to get his nose dirty and drive other teams crazy."

The Fuel now have 14 players under contract for 2016-17, consisting of 10 forwards, two defensemen and two goaltenders. An up-to-date preseason roster can be found .

Ticket Plans for the 2016-17 Indy Fuel season are now on sale! Join the team for year three at Indiana Farmers Coliseum by visiting IndyFuelHockey.com or calling 317-925-FUEL. Full and Half-Season packages are available, as well as 9-Game Plans and Group Ticket options. Stay up to date throughout the offseason by following the Fuel on Twitter and Instagram (@IndyFuel ) and don't forget to 'Like' the Fuel on Facebook .

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