Martin Bellus First Fuel Player Signed for 2016-17
June 21, 2016 - ECHL (ECHL)
Indy Fuel News Release
INDIANAPOLIS - The Indy Fuel, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Chicago Blackhawks and the AHL's Rockford IceHogs, announced Tuesday that they have signed forward Martin Belluš to a 2016-17 ECHL contract.
Belluš, 24, is set to make his North American debut after splitting the last three years between the top leagues in Slovakia and Kazakhstan. The 6-foot-3, 190-pound winger from Slovakia registered 19 points (8g, 11a) in 51 games with SHK 37 Piestany last season, while leading the entire Slovakia Extraliga with 168 penalty minutes. Belluš won a Kazakh championship in 2014-15 with Ertis Pavlodar, scoring two goals and five assists in 14 postseason contests. The five-year professional grew up playing juniors in his hometown of Spisska Nova Ves, which was also home to 2015-16 Fuel forward Adam Lapsansky.
"We are looking forward to having him come in to play," Fuel Head Coach and VP of Hockey Operations Bernie John said. "We are looking to add size and skill this season and we feel Martin brings that. He uses his size to his ability and will play hard in the corners."
"I am happy to be part of the Fuel organization," Belluš said. "I know that this is a great opportunity in my hockey career."
Belluš marks the first player signed by the Fuel for the 2016-17 season, which officially began on June 16. All ECHL teams have until June 30 to submit qualifying offers to players (maximum of eight).
Ticket Plans for the 2016-17 Indy Fuel season are now on sale! Join the team for year three at Indiana Farmers Coliseum by visiting IndyFuelHockey.com or calling 317-925-FUEL. Full and Half-Season packages are available, as well as 9-Game Plans and Group Ticket options. Stay up to date throughout the offseason by following the Fuel on Twitter and Instagram (@IndyFuel) and don't forget to 'Like' the Fuel on Facebook.
ECHL Stories from June 21, 2016
- Wheeling Draws Fifth Largest Attendance Increase in ECHL - Wheeling Nailers
- Martin Bellus First Fuel Player Signed for 2016-17 - Indy Fuel
- Carbery Named Head Coach of Saginaw Spirit - South Carolina Stingrays
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