Johnson, Big Snake back in IceHogs mix
Published on October 4, 2006 under International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Rockford IceHogs News Release
Rockford, Ill.- Rockford IceHogs Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Steve Martinson announced on Wednesday, that the United Hockey League club has signed winger Chaz Johnson to a professional tryout agreement and that forward Robin Big Snake was assigned to the team from IceHogs American Hockey League affiliate, the Milwaukee Admirals.
Both Johnson and Big Snake were a part of the top rookie class in IceHogs history last season. Both were in AHL camps this fall as well, as Big Snake has a two-way contract with the Admirals and Johnson was in Chicago Wolves camp.
"It's a high octane boost to the team receiving both of these players," said Martinson. "We are adding size to an already big team. My expectation is that these guys will be 30-plus goal scorers if they play 76 games with us this season."
Last season, Johnson earned the IceHogs Most Improved Player award and established himself as one of the most exciting players to watch on the team. The big, physical, second-year wingman ranked third on the IceHogs in penalty minutes and scored 23g-22a-45pts in 66 games. Johnson received a pair of AHL call-ups to Milwaukee, and in eight games with the Admirals he potted one goal and accumulated 12 PIM's.
The Montreal native continued his first-year tear in the postseason, as he scored six goals in nine playoff games. Johnson is a hard skater, who is one of the most ferocious checkers in the UHL. In Chicago camp, Johnson scored a goal in the Wolves first exhibition game.
Big Snake brings even more physical presence to the IceHogs already bulky line-up. Big Snake, like Johnson, is intimidating and can put the puck in the net. The Siksika Nation, Alberta native registered 27 goals for the Hogs in 66 games. Big Snake also set a club record and led the UHL with 423 PIM's.
The second-year forward earned an AHL call-up as well last season, as he suited up for a pair of games with the Admirals. Even though he has only played one season, Big Snake is one of the most recognizable players in the UHL.
Both Johnson and Big Snake are expected in IceHogs training camp this week and could skate in the IceHogs inter-squad scrimmage/practice in Beloit tonight at 6 p.m.
Tickets Sale Now: Individual game tickets are now on sale! Fans can call (815) 968-5222 or stop down at the Rockford MetroCentre Box Office starting at 10 a.m. to purchase tickets for the upcoming 2006-07 season. Opening Night is Friday, Oct. 13 at 7:30 p.m. against the Fort Wayne Komets. The first 5,000 fans to the game will receive a 2006-07 Magnet Schedule, courtesy of Benchmark Home Loans and WTVO-TV channel 17.
International Hockey League 2 Stories from October 4, 2006
- Capacity Crowd Expected for Mallards Exhibition Game - Quad City Mallards
- UHL broadcaster joins Phoenix Coyotes - IHL 2
- Johnson, Big Snake back in IceHogs mix - Rockford IceHogs
- Meet the IceHogs at Shooters North - Rockford IceHogs
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