Needham and Olynyk Fly With Flags in 2006-07
Published on July 24, 2006 under International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Port Huron Flags News Release
(PORT HURON, MICH) - The Flags have cemented two more offensive player contracts for 2006-07, signing Right Wing Brett Needham and Forward Mike Olynyk.
"These two players will add more toughness on both wings. Mike will provide some experience and Brett, some youthful energy. Both guys will be able to chip in offensively but will mostly be responsible for making room for our creative guys. They are both high character guys that we want in our organization," said Head Coach Stan Drulia.
Needham, a 6-feet-2, 220 pounder, has played professionally in Canada for the last three seasons. Last season, with the Flin Flon Bombers of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League, he netted 11 goals, 20 assists and 125 penalty minutes.
Prior to that, ss a member of the OCN Blizzard, of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League, Needham collected 15 goals, 42 assists and 333 penalty minutes from 2003 to 2005.
Needham credits his decision to come to the work of Coach Drulia. "I was really excited when Stan contacted me and I think this is a great opportunity to play. I personally want to see myself contribute every night," he said.
Since he is new to the league, Needham will be in Port Huron in the near future, to scope out McMorran Arena, as well as to acclimate himself to the Blue Water Area.
Olynyk, at 6 feet, 197 pounds, split time last season between the Quad City Mallards and the now-defunct Missouri River Otters. Over the season, he recorded a goal, 5 assists and almost 100 penalty minutes.
Olynyk has played professionally since 1997, and has experience in several hockey leagues, including Western, Central, and British Columbia.
Needham and Olynyk will add to the solid offensive unit that Drulia is building. They are the tenth and eleventh players to sign with the team.
For more information on the 2006-07 season for the Port Huron Flags, contact the front office at (810) 982-3524 or visit the website at www.porthuronflags.net.
International Hockey League 2 Stories from July 24, 2006
- Needham and Olynyk Fly With Flags in 2006-07 - Port Huron Flags
- Defense takes shape with two more signings - Rockford IceHogs
- Nadeau Returns for Eighth Season in Quad Cities - Quad City Mallards
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