IHL 2 Rockford IceHogs

Watson back in fold for 05-06

Published on July 18, 2005 under International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Rockford IceHogs News Release


Rockford, Ill.- The Rockford IceHogs, proud members of the United Hockey League, announced Monday that they have signed forward Bruce Watson for the upcoming 2005-06 season along with Equipment Manager Chris Plumhoff and Athletic Trainer J.J. Tews, ATC. Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Steve Martinson made the announcement. Sticking to club policy, terms of the agreements were not disclosed.

Watson, the third returning player from last season's IceHogs squad that fell one-game short of the Colonial Cup Finals, joins an elite class by agreeing to come back to the Hogs for another stint. An original IceHogs skater, Watson becomes only the fourth player to suit up for Rockford in three different seasons. The tough winger joins Dan Davies, J.F. Rivard and Jeremy Vokes as players who skated in three different seasons in Rockford.

"Bruce is the kind of guy that the opposing defense doesn't like to play against," said Martinson. "At 6-3, 230 lbs., he loves to put people into the boards and he's a very intimidating player."

Last season, Watson appeared in 68 games for the IceHogs, contributing 5g-10a-15pts and was second on the club with 264 penalty minutes. His PIM totals from last season were the second most in a single season in franchise history, second only to Eric Labelle's franchise record 390 from last year. Watson ranks fifth on the IceHogs all-time PIM list with 279.

The Pembrooke, Ontario native etched his name in IceHogs folklore in 04-05 when he set up teammate Terry Harrison for the series clinching goal in Game Six of the IceHogs first round playoff match-up with the Kalamazoo Wings in overtime. The series win was the first ever for the IceHogs in the playoffs.

Rockford also solidified their training staff Monday with two more familiar faces. Plumhoff returns to the Hogs for his third season as Head Equipment Manager. The Baltimore, Maryland native, and veteran Equipment Manager, becomes the most tenured equipment man in Hogs history. This season will mark Plumhoff's 14 season in professional hockey.

Tews, a Rockford native, returns for his second season as Head Athletic Trainer and fourth overall season with the team. Tews served as an assistant during the 2001-02 and 02-03 seasons with the Hogs.

With Watson, the Hogs now have four players signed for the new campaign. The others on the roster include veteran winger Chad Woollard and defensemen Ryan Carrigan and Steve Pelletier.

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!

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International Hockey League 2 Stories from July 18, 2005


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