Leading bomber to light lamps in Rockford
September 1, 2004 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Rockford IceHogs News Release
Rockford, Ill.- Rockford IceHogs Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Steve Martinson announced Wednesday that the club has signed center Olivier Proulx for the 2004-05 season. Sticking to club policy, terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
For the second straight day, the IceHogs have landed a high impact, offensive threat. Last season, Proulx's first in the pro ranks, the 5-9 pivot man led the Dayton Bombers (ECHL) in scoring, despite playing the final two weeks of the season with the Lowell Lock Monsters (AHL).
With Dayton, Proulx accumulated 20g-33a-53pts in 67 games. His 53 points were good for 12 in the ECHL among rookie skaters and his five short-handed assists were tops for first year players. Before being called-up by Lowell, Proulx was riding a 10 games point streak with the Bombers. Proulx's addition gives the IceHogs five players with 19 or more goals on this season's roster. Last season, the IceHogs had only three overall.
"He combines finesse with toughness," said Martinson. "Olivier's not a big guy, but he plays big and opponents always know when he's on the ice. We want Rockford to be a place where players can get an opportunity to play in the AHL. Olivier gives us another experienced AHL player.
Proulx isn't a stranger to the scoring column, as the St. Jerome, Quebec native racked up three straight seasons of 90-plus points, including two with more than 100 points, while playing in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). During the 2001-02 season, Proulx nailed down a career high 42g-77a-119pts to lead the Drummondville Voltiguers.
Before turning to the professional game, Proulx played five seasons in the QMJHL. During his final stint in the QMJHL in 2002-03, Proulx split time between Drummond and the Baie Comeau Drakkar, netting 39g-63a-102pts in 71 games. Proulx scored a total of 407 points in 335 games at the junior level.
The IceHogs roster is taking shape, as Proulx is the 13 member of the Hogs sixth edition. Joining Proulx on this year's squad include forwards J.F. Dufour, Chris Godin, Terry Harrison, Miguel LaFleche, Jason Ralph, J.C. Ruid, and Bruce Watson, defenseman Rod Aldoff, Nathan Lutz and Frankie Allen and goaltenders Grady Hunt and Michel Robinson.
Season Tickets Available: Season tickets for the 2004-05 season are now on sale. Ticket packages start at just $98 and there are great seats available. Be a part of the action all season long! For more information call (815) 986-6465 and ask to speak with a season ticket representative.
International Hockey League 2 Stories from September 1, 2004
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