Manute Bol Signs with Ice
November 12, 2002 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Indianapolis Ice News Release
INDIANAPOLIS, IN- The Indianapolis Ice announced today that the team has agreed to terms with shot blocking specialist and former NBA star Manute Bol. Exact terms of the deal were not disclosed. Bol is expected to be under contract and in uniform for this Saturday's 7:00 p.m. contest with the Amarillo Gorillas at Conseco Fieldhouse.
Known for his outstanding shot blocking skills in the NBA, Bol will trade in his basketball high tops for a pair of ice skates this Saturday. It is believed that the 7-7, 225-pound behemoth will become the tallest player under contract in the history of professional hockey when he takes the ice this Saturday.
"You can't teach size," said Ice Head Coach Ken McRae. "He can definitely help us in special teams in terms of the power play and penalty kill. By putting him in front of the net on our power play, he can distract their goaltender and create an enormous screen for our players. As for the penalty kill, his blocking skills are well-known and not many hockey players can shoot a low wrister past 91 inches of body lying on the ice.
Bol is one of the most recognizable figures in the world. He was a 1985 second round draft pick of the Washington Bullets and the first foreign player ever drafted in the National Basketball Association. He played eleven seasons in the NBA with four different teams (Washington Bullets, Philadelphia 76ers, Golden State Warriors, and Miami Heat).
The Ice's latest addition blocked more shots per minute than anyone in league history and blocked eight shots in one quarter on two different occasions. During his first season as a pro, Bol set an NBA rookie record with 397 blocked shots.
"How do you defend a 7-7 Dinka Tribesman!," said Ice General Manager Larry Linde. "We feel Manute will be a huge presence in the lockerroom and needless to say we expect big things from him.
Born in Turalie, a remote village in southern Sudan, the Sudanese legend now lives in Hartford, CT with his family. Over the years he has spent most of his life's savings trying to bring peace to his war-torn homeland. Many of Bol's relatives were leaders in the Sudanese People's Liberation Army, the rebel movement. At one point he became an important backer of the rebels, contributing an estimated $3.5 million. Today he focuses his efforts on the Ring True Foundation, a West Hartford-based charity he set up to benefit southern Sudanese children.
Fans can purchase tickets for Saturday's game and all individual games at all Ticketmaster locations including select Marsh Supermarkets, Karma Records, select L.S. Ayers and the Pepsi Coliseum and Conseco Fieldhouse box offices, or by calling 239-5151 or online at ticketmaster.com
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Central Hockey League Stories from November 12, 2002
- 9-0 Bats Can Make History - Austin Ice Bats
- Spreading the Wealth - Corpus Christi IceRays
- Manute Bol Signs with Ice - Indianapolis Ice
- Goaltenders Making Their Mark Early - CHL
- Wildfong Named CHL Player of the Week - Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
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