The IceHogs Are Coming
Published on July 31, 2007 under ECHL (ECHL)
Elmira Jackals News Release
ELMIRA, NY - The Elmira Jackals, proud member of the ECHL's North Division, announced today the signings of forwards Bruce Watson and Kevin Ulanski and defenseman Dan Boeser for the 2007-2008 season. The former Rockford IceHogs teammates are the first three members of the 2006-07 UHL Championship team to follow Head Coach Steve Martinson to Elmira and they increase the number to six players that have officially signed with the ECHL's Jackals.
Bruce Watson missed a majority of the 2006-07 regular season due to injury, but then made an immediate impact upon returning to the Rockford lineup. The 6'3", 240 lbs left wing scored 15 points (9 goals, 6 assists) and recorded 82 penalty minutes in 27 games for the IceHogs. He upped his game in the playoffs with 5 goals and 3 assists in 12 games played as he helped Rockford win the 2007 Colonial Cup. The championship ring is Watson's second of his career, also earning some hardware with the San Diego Gulls as they won the 2002-03 WCHL Championship.
"Bruce is the most intimidating fore-checker that I have ever had," said Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Steve Martinson. "He uses his size and speed to hit like a freight train and instills lots of fear in opposing teams. He also has an excellent shot and he uses his physical presence to create space for himself and his teammates."
The 30-year old from Pembroke, Ontario is entering his 9th season of professional hockey; over his 8-year pro career Watson has appeared in 477 games, recording 245 points (117 goals, 128 assists) and 2,235 penalty minutes. He leaves Rockford as the IceHogs' All-Time leader in PIMs with 652 minutes and was recently voted by the fans to the Rockford Register Star's IceHogs' All-Time Team. Watson has been in the ECHL before, playing for the Wheeling Nailers in the 2001-02 season.
Kevin Ulanski, (pronounced YOU-lan-ski), emerged as a serious offensive threat in his second year as a professional. After beginning his pro career in 2005-06, split between the Long Beach Ice Dogs and the Phoenix Roadrunners of the ECHL, Ulanski exploded for 66 points (26 goals, 40 assists) in 61 games for Rockford in 2006-07, the second-highest scorer for the IceHogs during the regular season. The American Hockey League noticed his production, as he earned a call-up to the Milwaukee Admirals where he played 13 games and had 2 assists. The 5'11" 190 lbs forward was also named to the IceHogs All-Time Team, selected by members of the media and fans.
"Kevin is continuing to develop as a strong leader," said Coach Martinson. "He is very popular in the locker room and he backs it up with his on-ice performance. He has great speed and vision, he sees the ice very well, and he comes to play every night. Kevin's talent gave him a lot of options of where to play hockey and I am very happy that he chose to play for Elmira."
The 25-year old from Madison, Wisconsin was named the B2 Networks Colonial Cup Playoff MVP as he led Rockford in scoring, putting up 21 points (8 goals, 13 assists) in 17 playoff games to earn his first pro championship. Not a stranger to winning trophies, Ulanski was a member of the University of Denver Pioneers back-to-back NCAA National Championship teams in 2003-04 and 2004-05. In 4-years of Division I college hockey at Denver, Ulanski had 110 points (33 goals, 77 assists) in 149 games played.
Dan Boeser, (pronounced BESS-er), becomes the first defenseman to sign with the Jackals for the 2007-08 season. Boeser came forward as leader on the blue line for the Colonial Cup winning IceHogs in 2006-07. He scored 30 points (5 goals, 25 assists) in 64 games during the regular season, doubling his offensive output from his 2005-06 season with Rockford. Boeser then appeared in all 17 playoff games for Rockford, recording 12 points (2 goals, 10 assists), ranking 2nd in the entire UHL in scoring amongst defensemen.
"Dan was our best puck-carrying defenseman in Rockford last year," said Martinson. "He moves the puck extremely well, is an excellent skater and is a crucial component in breaking out of the defensive zone. Dan also quarterbacked our power play at the blue line and he became a very valuable offensive asset."
The 26-year old from Savage, Minnesota has appeared in one game in the AHL, getting called up to the Milwaukee Admirals during his rookie season, 2005-06. The 6'1", 210 lbs defenseman played 4-years of Division I college hockey for the University of Wisconsin of the WCHA. Boeser was the Badgers' highest scoring defenseman during both his sophomore and senior seasons and he finished his NCAA career with 79 points (17 goals, 62 assists) in 153 games played. During the 2003-04 season, his senior year at Wisconsin, Boeser helped the Badgers reach the NCAA Tournament's Regional Final, then he made his professional debut with the Peoria Rivermen of the ECHL.
Amidst another busy off-season, the Jackals are currently preparing for the 2007-2008 season, their inaugural campaign in the ECHL and their 8th season of operations beginning on October 19, 2007 at First Arena against the Wheeling Nailers.
Season tickets for the 2007-2008 Elmira Jackals ECHL season are currently on sale at the First Arena Box Office. For more information please call the First Arena & Elmira Jackals at 607-734-PUCK.
First Arena Rec Rink Information
The ice is HOT at First Arena - Visit our website for a complete list of Public Skating times and Arena Programs at www.firstarena.com - Come in to the COOL place to be!
The First Arena Rec Rink offers public skating, skating lessons, hockey programs, figure skating, birthday parties, adult hockey leagues and much more....
ECHL Stories from July 31, 2007
- Two-Time Steelheads Champs Return to Boise to Defend ECHL Cup - Idaho Steelheads
- Back Line Continues To Take Shape - Alaska Aces
- The IceHogs Are Coming - Elmira Jackals
- Faulkner Returns to Inferno - Columbia Inferno
- Pair of Centermen Join Gladiators - Atlanta Gladiators
- Everblades Release 2007-08 Schedule - Florida Everblades
- Wranglers Agree To Terms With Jozsa - Las Vegas Wranglers
- Nailers Sign Brendan Cook - Wheeling Nailers
- Royals Sign Forward Chris Blight - Reading Royals
- Grizzlies Trainer Hosler Advances To NHL - Utah Grizzlies
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.
