Port Huron inks former NHL first round pick
Published on September 20, 2005 under International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Port Huron Flags News Release
Port Huron, MI- The Port Huron Flags and Head Coach Paul Willett have added two to their inaugural season roster; Jeff Brown, the 1996 first round draft pick of the New York Rangers and left wing Derrick Atkinson.
Brown, the 6-foot-3, 230 pound Ontario native was selected 22nd overall in the 1996 NHL Entry Draft and is a huge singing for the community owned, nonprofit member club. Having more than ten years of experience in the professional hockey arena, Brown has played in the AHL, OHL, ECHL as well as in Europe. He was also a member of the 1998-1999 Canadian National Team.
Flags' General Manager and former longtime NHL scout Herb Hammond says he was impressed with Brown since he scouted him back in 1996. Hammond describes Brown's style of play as fast and physical, adding that Brown is "an aggressive, hard nosed skater with a lot of speed."
Head Coach Paul Willett sees Brown as an offensive asset as well as a staple defenseman.
"He's been known to be more of a defensive defenseman, but I think we'll be able to count on him offensively too," said Willett. "He brings tons of experience to the team having played at various levels, and he has Blue Water ties. He's the type of skater you feel confident building a defense around."
Willett also signed Derrick Atkinson, a 6 foot 190 pound left winger from Alberta, Canada. Although the twenty-four year-old struggled with injuries during the last few years while skating for The University of New Brunswick, Willett is confident that Atkinson will regain his form and be a big, physical presence for his squad.
With today's singings, the expansion team and newest member club of The United Hockey League has 17 players.
Flags' President Dan Isenberg, who just announced last week season ticket sales of over 1,000 added this about the signing of Jeff Brown: "I'm excited for the Port Huron Flags today because we just added another piece to a future championship puzzle, a former NHL first round draft pick of the New York Rangers. It shows that Port Huron's community owned concept is a factor in getting a talented player like Jeff on board with us."
For tickets or more information on professional hockey's only community owned, non-profit member club, log on to The Flags' website at www.porthuronflags.net or call The Flags Front Office at (810) 982-FLAG (3524). Individual tickets, including those for The Flags' home opener against Danbury on October 21st will go on sale this Wednesday.
The Port Huron Flags' are a nonprofit, community owned organization and proud member of the United Hockey League.
International Hockey League 2 Stories from September 20, 2005
- Hampton Inn hooks on as Hogs host hotel once again - Rockford IceHogs
- Pair of Forwards Added to Mallards Roster - Quad City Mallards
- Jackals Rock & Skate For Katrina Relief - Elmira Jackals
- Frostbite resign Rapoza - Adirondack Frostbite
- Nelson back for second season - Muskegon Lumberjacks
- Mechanics mini ticket plans on sale - Motor City Mechanics
- Port Huron inks former NHL first round pick - Port Huron Flags
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
