Inferno Sign CHL All-Rookie Team Forward

August 9, 2005 - ECHL (ECHL)
Columbia Inferno News Release


COLUMBIA, SC (August 9, 2005) - The Columbia Inferno announce the signing of forward Mike Lukajic for the 2005-06 season. Lukajic joins teammates Steve Burgess and Dallas Flaman as the third players signed by the Inferno this season.

Lukajic, 6'4", 225 lbs. Mississauga, Ontario native spent his rookie season with the Topeka Tarantulas of the Central Hockey League. He led the team in scoring with 53 points (33 goals, 20 assists) in 60 games. Lukajic was Topeka's only representative in the CHL All-Star game and was also named to the All-Rookie team. He led CHL rookies in goals scored with 33.

"We realize his offensive ability in the CHL last season, scoring 33 goals and his knack around the net. We look forward to him bringing that talent to the ECHL and the Columbia Inferno," said Head Coach Ted Dent. "We are excited to have Mike join the Inferno."

In his collegiate career, playing for the State University of New York - Oswego (SUNY - Oswego), he tallied 144 points and 38 penalty minutes in 120 games played. He was also named SUNYAC 2000-01 Rookie of the Year.

"I am looking forward to coaching Mike again this season. He was a pleasure to be around last year," said Assistant Coach Troy Mann. "The fact that he was our leading scorer and member of the all-rookie team I am looking for him to continue his success in the ECHL and look forward to helping him reach his goal of playing in the American Hockey League."

Lukajic will be joining former teammate Dallas Flaman and reunited with the Inferno's new Assistant Coach Troy Mann who was an assistant with the Tarantulas.

"It will be my first time in South Carolina and I am looking forward to living there. I have heard Columbia is an upbeat town," Lukajic said. "I am also looking forward to being reunited with Dallas Flaman and Troy Mann."

The Columbia Inferno opens their fifth season in the ECHL Friday, October 21st against the Greenville Grrrowl at 7:05pm. Season and partial ticket packages are still available. Call the Inferno front office at 803.256.PUCK (7825) for tickets. For a complete schedule of games log onto www.columbiainferno.com.



ECHL Stories from August 9, 2005


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