Lutz to return to Rockford for third season
Published on July 21, 2005 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 Thursday that defenseman Nathan Lutz has re-signed for the upcoming 2005-06 season. Per club policy, terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
Lutz, the IceHogs Top Defenseman Award recipient each of the past two-seasons, and the only returnee last season for the Hogs, becomes the fourth player to return to Rockford from last seasons club which reached the Colonial Cup Semi-Finals. The 05-06 campaign marks Lutz's third overall with the IceHogs.
"Nathan has proven to be one of the top defenseman at the AA level," said Martinson. "He is in the category of a player we are going to loan to the AHL. He felt Rockford was the best place for him to make the jump to the AHL. He's a guy who's a UHL star player that we are willing to loan to the AHL because of his loyalty of returning."
Last season, Lutz racked up several accolades for the IceHogs while being loaned to the AHL on two separate occasions (Milwaukee Admirals and Chicago Wolves), appearing in seven total games at the next level. The Mistatim, Saskatchewan native appeared in 75 games for Rockford last season, giving him a total of 82 regular season contests in 04-05.
Lutz scored a career high 14g-25a-39pts with Rockford and was also a key contributor in the team's playoff run, netting 3g-10a-13pts in 13 games, leading all UHL defenseman. Lutz also set a franchise record, recording a plus/minus rating of +30 during the regular season and +10 in the playoffs.
"I played here for the last two years and it feels like home," said Lutz. "There's a lot of opportunity to go to the AHL in Rockford. But if I'm in Rockford for the whole season, that's fine with me as well.
"There were quite a few teams that were after me, and I was looking at a few other places. Rockford is the best fit for me, from the fans, to the rink and the town. It's gonna be even better here this season then last season."
Lutz was the first IceHogs defenseman to be named a UHL First Team All-Star. The Hogs blue-liner was also named a starter in last season's UHL All-Star game in Adirondack. The upcoming campaign will be Lutz's fourth full season in the pro ranks, and he has received an AHL call-up in each of his first three seasons.
In the IceHogs record book amongst defenseman, Lutz ranks fourth in games played (110), points (57), second in goals (20) and fifth in assists (37) and penalty minutes (186).
With Lutz under contract for the 05-06 season, the IceHogs now have five players set on the roster. Other signees include defensemen Ryan Carrigan and Steve Pelletier and forwards Bruce Watson and Chad Woollard.
Season Tickets Now On Sale: Season tickets for the 2005-06 season are now on sale at the IceHogs corporate office or by calling (815) 986-6465. Ticket packages begin at just $95. A seat deposit of only $100 is required to reserve your full or partial season ticket. Great seats are available, so don't miss out on the hottest ticket in town!
International Hockey League 2 Stories from July 21, 2005
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