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Three players return to Icehawks

August 6, 2009 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Port Huron Icehawks News Release


PORT HURON, MI - The Port Huron Icehawks announced they have added skill and experience with the signing of three players from last year's team. Center Nick Lindberg, center Kris Vernarsky and goalie Larry Sterling have all come to terms and will return in the 2009-10 season. Per team policy, details of the deals were not disclosed.

"Bringing back these three players makes us an all-around better team. All three know what it takes to win and will give their all every night," Head Coach and General Manager Stan Drulia said. "Lindberg and Vernarsky are both versatile players who can play in any situation. Sterling is a solid goaltender who has proven he can come up big when we need him to."

Lindberg (5-11, 190 lbs) was a big part of the Icehawks success last season with 81 points (29g, 52a) in 75 games, which ranked him second on the team and tied for seventh in the league in scoring. His points included six power play goals and 18 power play assists. A solid two-way player, he finished the season with a +15 rating.

He also generated national attention after wrapping the puck around his back to beat Kalamazoo goalie Joel Martin during a shootout in April. The highlight-reel clip became a sensation on YouTube and was featured on several national sports shows.

"I'm happy to be returning to Port Huron Icehawks for the upcoming season. It is great to be part of an organization with such great ownership and one that has such supportive fans," Lindberg said. "I'm excited about the upcoming season and am ready to help bring the Turner Cup back to Port Huron."

The veteran center, who will celebrate his 29th birthday this weekend, first came to North America in the 2004-05 season with the Pensacola Pilots in the East Coast Hockey League after playing with numerous teams in his native Sweden. He spent two seasons in the ECHL and two seasons with the Corpus Christi Rayz in the Central Hockey League before signing in Port Huron.

For Lindberg's career stats: http://www.eurohockey.net/players/show_player.cgi?serial=30949.

Vernarsky (6-3, 215 lbs) is back for his third season with the Icehawks and fourth in the city of Port Huron. A consistent play-maker, he amassed 56 points (21g, 35a) and a +17 rating in 75 games last season. He was also a big part of the Icehawks power play unit, with 11 goals and seven assists on the power play.

Currently in his eighth professional season, he has tallied the best numbers of his career while in Port Huron. In the 2007-08 campaign, he netted professional bests in goals (21), assists (44) and points (65). He also led the Icehawks in playoff scoring with 13 points (4g, 9a) in 12 playoff games. The veteran first came to the Port Huron Flags midway through the 2006-07 season.

"We have a great group of guys that come back every season and give us a great chance to win," Vernarsky said. "Port Huron is a great city with great fans. It is also really convenient for myself and my family because I am able to play close to home."

The 27-year old native of Detroit, MI was selected in the second-round of the 2000 NHL Entry Draft by the Toronto Maple Leafs and was acquired by the Boston Bruins in 2002. He went on to play 17 games with the Bruins and score one goal. He also attended training camp with the Detroit Red Wings prior to the 2007-08 season.

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