Pesky Proulx returns to IceHogs
Published on August 17, 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 Wednesday, that the United Hockey League club has resigned All-Star center Olivier Proulx for the 2005-06 season. Per club policy, terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
Proulx will be the top returning goal and point scorer from last season for Rockford. Last season's Unsung Hero award recipient tallied 25g-45a-70pts while skating in all 80 games last season for Rockford despite playing the majority of the season with an injury. Proulx was also one of eight players from last season's roster to get loaned to the American Hockey League, as the centerman was called-up by the Milwaukee Admirals for a game in December.
"I'm very excited to have Olivier back," said Martinson. "He's a guy who leads by example on the ice. It's going to be interesting to see how he plays as a healthy player this season. I've never had a player play a whole season with a torn rotator cuff.
"He's a tough guy to play against as well and other players know when he's on the ice. People don't realize how tough he is because he had a no fight rule on him last season after his injury two-three weeks into the season. There's not many players who can play with that type of injury."
Proulx's toughness is exemplified in his penalty minute totals. Last season, the St. Jerome, Quebec native accumulated 182 PIM's and led all UHL skaters with 16 minor penalties in the post season. He was also one of only three players to appear in all of Rockford's 80 regular season and all 13 post season games (Steve Pelletier and Miguel Lafleche are the other two).
The 05-06 season marks Proulx's third in the pro's. He has earned a call-up to the AHL in each of his first two campaigns. He began his career with the Dayton Bombers (ECHL) and spent some time with the Lowell Lock Monsters (AHL) during his rookie season. Proulx tore up the junior circuit, scoring 153-254-407pts in 335 games in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.
Proulx's addition to the roster makes 12 for the upcoming season. Proulx is the sixth returning player from the 04-05 club, joining Vince Malts, Bruce Watson, Ryan Carrigan, Nathan Lutz and Steve Pelletier. The new comers for the Hogs include Robin Big Snake, Preston Mizzi, Jason Notermann, Chad Woollard, Matt Gens and Corey Hessler.
ICEHOGS HONORED BY RIVER DISTRICT ASSOCIATION
Rockford's River District Association awarded the Rockford IceHogs with the "Commitment By A Business" award at the 19th Annual Heart of Rockford Awards dinner last week. The IceHogs, entering their seventh season of play in the Forest City, play their home games at the Rockford MetroCentre in the heart of the River District in Downtown Rockford.
"As an organization we are very excited to receive this award," said IceHogs General Manager Ryan Washatka. "This award exemplifies what the IceHogs are all about and the dedication that we have made to the community over the past six seasons. Hopefully this is something we can continue to build on for many years to come."
The IceHogs have made a commitment as an organization to bring an affordable and exciting form of family entertainment to the city of Rockford and it's surrounding communities. The IceHogs have drawn over 800,000 fans to the River District in their first six seasons in Rockford.
The awards presentation recognized businesses and individuals who have made financial commitments to the River District. There were nine total awards presented at the dinner. For more information about the 19th Annual Heart of Rockford Awards, log onto the River Districts web site, riverdistrict.com.
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 August 17, 2005
- Vandermeer No Mere Addition for Dogs - Richmond RiverDogs
- Pesky Proulx returns to IceHogs - Rockford IceHogs
- The Dogs' Scheduled Walks - Richmond RiverDogs
- 2003 playoff MVP signed by Colorado Avalanche - IHL 2
- Mallards Announce Schedule Changes - Quad City Mallards
- Komets increase roster by four - Fort Wayne Komets
- Wings bring back experience - Kalamazoo Wings
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