Ken Fels Fury bound
August 25, 2005 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Muskegon Lumberjacks News Release
MUSKEGON, MI.--- With the inception of their 14th United Hockey League training camp a mere weeks away, the two-time reigning Colonial Cup Champions, the Muskegon Fury, have adopted an aggressive frame of mind as they make inroads to complete their opening roster for the 2005-06 UHL season. One more much-needed piece to the puzzle found a more physical fit in the Muskegon lineup today with the title-achieved and title-driven franchise as the Fury look to maintain their majesty as the UHL's and minor pro hockey's top winning team.
Today, the Fury Club Owner and Team President Tony Lisman, in collaboration with Director of Hockey Operations / Head Coach Todd Nelson, have announced their first new addition to their championship-caliber squad which is bent on becoming the first-ever to claim the distinction of three consecutive coronated crowns. The ninth player to be inked for the upcoming season is rugged, ruffian left wing KEN FELS who has agreed to terms on a one-year contract with the Fury for the 2005-06 season. Adhering to club policy, terms of the contract deal were not disclosed.
When he touches down in Muskegon for his initial endeavor under the Fury banner in early October, FELS, 27, will be on the launching pad for his sixth pro campaign, his second in the UHL. The physically high-voltage forward is coming to "Titletown" with a reputation that has preceded him, making a major, mighty, muscle mark wherever his pro trails have guided him. His signing by the Fury is a signal as to the value and importance being placed on his role in Muskegon's bid for its fourth championship in five years and the fifth overall.
Through his first five years as a pro, the chiseled 6-0, 220lb physical specimen has played the majority of his unique brand of crowd-pleasing hockey in the Central Hockey League (CHL), including the 2004-05 season. Last season, in 56-games with the Amarillo Gorillas, he essayed 8-points on 1-goal, 7-assists, accumulating 110-PIM. In addition, he saw service in all seven of the Gorillas' post-season playoff affairs, recording a single goal and 28-PIM. His intimidat-ing presence in the northwest-located Texas' team's lineup was most instrumental in Amarillo's surge to earn a share of the CHL Southern Conference Southwest Division crown on a 60(31-20-9) record for 71-points.
Fels' new coach, the Fury's T. Nelson exults today's latest signing, pointing to the importance of having a player of Ken Fels persona in his title-defending team's lineup. "We really felt that our team needed to add some significant grit in our lineup for the upcoming season. Ken caught our collective eyes about two years ago when he played for Port Huron. He comes to us with an excellent background and references from coaches who have told us how great he is in the dressing room and how very coachable he is as well. As a role player, he possesses excellent speed and he doesn't back down from anyone. Our fans will really like his style of play. When he steps on the ice, his presence will be known. His reputation precedes him."
Echoing and further elaborating on the sentiments of Coach Nelson is former Fury Colonial Cup II left wing Bruce Ramsay, who, himself, gained notoriety as the most penalized player in UHL history and who later coached Fels when the latter two were members of the Port Huron Beacons. Ramsay amplified. "I played with and later coached Ken. As a former âtough guy,' I can tell you that there are a few hombres around who you would prefer not to tangle with. For myself, Ken is one of those kinds of tough customers. He can and will deliver a knockout punch and it will happen fast. For those on the receiving end, it spells big trouble. What makes Ken even more valuable to your team is the fact that he is an excellent, well-conditioned athlete. He is always in great shape. But don't let his quiet demeanor fool you. He is ready to play every game, every night; he takes care of his teammates and he doesn't back down from anyone."
The Western Canadian, hailing from Bow Island, Alberta, was a teammate of Ramsay back in his rookie season of 2000-01 when he amassed 215-PIM in 63-games while collecting 7-points in 63-games on 2-goals, 5-assists with the CHL Wichita Thunder.
Fels has also seen service in the CHL in 2001-02 with the Lubbock Cotton Kings; 64(1-8-9) 145-PIM and the since-defunct ACHL with both the St. Petersburg and Winston-Salem Parrots in 2002-03.
In Port Huron in 2003-04, he registered 170-PIM in 52-games with 52(4-4-8).
Fels broached his pro career after performing in the Canadian Collegiate hockey ranks with the U. of Brandon in 1999-00. That season, he was 42(4-1-5) with 108-PIM.
His all-time pro career totals read: 289(13-31-44) with 827-PIM.
Today's signing of KEN FELS brings to 10 the number of players currently under contract for the 2005-06 season. Fels becomes the first new edition to the team which captured custody of Colonial Cup IV. Previously, Muskegon announced the player signings of goaltender CLAYTON POOL; defensemen DAVE VAN DRUNEN, CLAY WILSON; center TODD ROBINSON; left wing DAVID WRIGLEY; right wings ROBIN BOUCHARD, RUSTYN DOLYNY, JASON LAWMASTER, BILL ZALBA.
International Hockey League 2 Stories from August 25, 2005
- Head Coach Danton Cole Returns to Mechanics - Motor City Mechanics
- Mechanics get their man - Motor City Mechanics
- 2004-05 Leading Scorer Pettersen Returns - Missouri River Otters
- Ken Fels Fury bound - Muskegon Lumberjacks
- Mechanics to play pre-season game in Troy for Clark Park Hockey - Motor City Mechanics
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