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Moose to Honor Israel Idonije Tuesday night vs. Aeros

March 18, 2007 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Manitoba Moose News Release


The Manitoba Moose are pleased to announce the organization will honour Brandon, MB native Israel Idonije of the National Football League's Chicago Bears prior to the game between the Moose and Houston Aeros at the MTS Centre on Tuesday, March 20th at 7:30 p.m. Idonije competed this past February in Super Bowl XLI in Miami against the Indianapolis Colts where the Colts beat the Bears 29-17 to capture the Vince Lombardi Trophy.

Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Idonije relocated with his family to Brandon, MB when he was five years old. The 6-6, 270-pounder didn't play football until his senior year in high school. Idonije went on to star at the University of Manitoba with the Bisons. As a senior in 2002, he was selected as the team MVP after registering 31 tackles and nine sacks. He was also named Manitoba's Athlete of the Year and the top lineman in Canadian University Football that year.

He joined the Chicago Bears prior to the 2003 season after signing as an undrafted free agent with the Cleveland Browns. Idonije is not only the first Manitoban to play in the Super Bowl but the first to make it into the NFL. He has played in 26 games with the Bears over three seasons recording 37 tackles, two quarterback sacks, and seven special teams tackles.

Since his Super Bowl appearance, Idonije has been awarded the Order of the Buffalo Hunt from the Province of Manitoba and was named a an Honorary Citizen of the City of Winnipeg.

Tuesday night, Idonije will be part of a pre-game ceremony and will be available to sign autographs for fans during the game.



American Hockey League Stories from March 18, 2007


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