Watson and Betts inked as training camp kicks off
Published on October 2, 2006 under International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Rockford IceHogs News Release
Rockford, Ill.- The Rockford IceHogs opened its eighth training camp on Monday and Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Steve Martinson announced that the United Hockey League club has signed physical forwards Bruce Watson and Kaleb Betts. Sticking to club policy, terms of the agreements were not disclosed.
Watson returns to Rockford for a fourth season, including his third straight. Last season, Watson recorded 16 goals, his second most in his eight-year pro career. The Pembrooke, Ontario native was also assessed 291 penalty minutes last year and was awarded the IceHogs "Glass Rattler Award" for his physical play on the ice.
"Bruce is coming off an outstanding season," said Martinson. "At 6-3, 235 pounds, Bruce combines size and speed to punish opposing defenses. Add 16 goals and the fact that Bruce has not lost a fight in a Rockford uniform make him a very valuable player."
An "Original IceHog", Watson ranks first on the Hogs all-time PIM's chart with 570 in 129 games. Watson was also a big contributor for Rockford in the postseason last spring, scoring three goals and adding a pair of assists in nine postseason games. The tough winger will always be a part of IceHogs folklore, as he assisted on Rockford's game-winning goal during the first round of the 2005 Colonial Cup Playoffs against the Kalamazoo Wings in overtime, giving the IceHogs its first ever postseason series win.
Betts, a rookie this season, is a Nashville Predators prospect as he was the Predators eighth round selection in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft. The 5-10 forward spent the past three seasons playing Division I college hockey at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. Betts was in Milwaukee Admirals (AHL) training camp prior to coming to Rockford.
"Kaleb had a lot of big hits in Milwaukee's training camp," said Martinson. "He's a very strong, physical player who's style of play is more suited for the pro game rather than college."
In college, Betts totaled 20g-36a-56pts in three seasons with the University of Nebraska-Omaha. Last season, in 32 contests, Betts registered 6g-12a-18pts. The upcoming campaign will be the Maple River, British Columbia native's first in the pro ranks.
In other IceHogs news, Martinson announced that forwards Steve Yetman and Nicolas Corbeil were assigned to Rockford from Admirals camp. The IceHogs are expecting a full roster in training camp for tomorrow's second day of practice with Yetman and Corbeil.
Tickets Sale Now: Individual game tickets are now on sale! Fans can call (815) 968-5222 or stop down at the Rockford MetroCentre Box Office starting at 10 a.m. to purchase tickets for the upcoming 2006-07 season. Opening Night is Friday, Oct. 13 at 7:30 p.m. against the Fort Wayne Komets.
International Hockey League 2 Stories from October 2, 2006
- Watson and Betts inked as training camp kicks off - Rockford IceHogs
- Komets open 2006-07 training camp - Fort Wayne Komets
- K-Wings Trade for Experienced Defenseman - Kalamazoo Wings
- Generals on march with Community Dinner Tour - Flint Generals
- Cadotte and Snowball Skate in to Port Huron - Port Huron Flags
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