Zach Miskovic Heading Back to Indy
August 2, 2016 - ECHL (ECHL)
Indy Fuel News Release
INDIANAPOLIS - The Indy Fuel, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Chicago Blackhawks and the AHL's Rockford IceHogs, announced Tuesday that defenseman Zach Miskovic has agreed to terms for the 2016-17 ECHL season. The Fuel's 2015-16 captain, Miskovic will return to the Indy blue line while also being named a player assistant coach.
Miskovic, 31, is coming off of a successful 2015-16 campaign that saw him post nine goals, 13 assists and 53 penalty minutes in 63 games for the Fuel. The blueliner set a career-high in goals, while Miskovic's 22 points was his highest offensive output since his rookie season, when he produced 26 points (6g, 20a) in 59 games for the AHL's Hershey Bears in 2009-10. The native of River Forest, Ill. led all Indy defensemen last season with 11 power play points.
"We are extremely excited to have Zach back with us for a second year, he brings a lot to the team both on and off the ice," said Fuel Head Coach and VP of Hockey Operations Bernie John. "On the ice he can play in any situation and is a great calming force for our young guys on the back end. He plays like an AHL player at our level and makes his teammates step up their games. Zach is a great leader in the room and will be an asset to our young players' development both on and off the ice."
Set to begin his seventh professional season, Miskovic has compiled 83 points (22g, 61a) in 287 career AHL games with the Charlotte Checkers, Rockford IceHogs, Iowa Wild, San Antonio Rampage, Chicago Wolves and Hershey Bears, winning the Calder Cup in 2010 with the Bears. The 6-foot-1, 197-pound defenseman finished the 2015-16 season with Checkers on a Professional Tryout Contract (PTO), picking up four assists in seven games.
"Last summer I was excited to come to Indianapolis and my expectations were exceeded - I got to experience the city and played in front of great crowds. For my family, getting back to Indy was our top priority," Miskovic explained. "Indy is a great city. The hockey is great, the fans have been wonderful, and we are really pleased to be able to head back for this season."
A veteran presence in the Fuel dressing room since his arrival last fall, Miskovic was named the second captain in club history on October 13, 2015. On top of his in-game success, the product of St. Lawrence University was named a finalist for the 2015-16 ECHL Community Service Award for his active work around Indianapolis. Prior to coming to the Circle City, Miskovic served as the IceHogs' alternate captain in 2014-15, winning Rockford's IOA/American Specialty AHL Man of the Year Award.
In addition to his on-ice role, Miskovic will be assisting the Fuel coaching staff during the 2016-17 season as a player assistant coach.
"I'll be learning a little bit more about the coaching side from [John and Assistant Coach Jan Jas], helping out where I can on the back end. Obviously Bernie is an experienced defenseman and has a lot of things that he would like to implement, and I'll be there to help those guys in any way I can. I am excited to see more of the coaching aspect and see if that something I am interested in pursuing in the future."
The Fuel now have ten players under contract for 2016-17, consisting of six forwards, two defensemen and two goaltenders. An up-to-date preseason roster can be found .
Ticket Plans for the 2016-17 Indy Fuel season are now on sale! Join the team for year three at Indiana Farmers Coliseum by visiting IndyFuelHockey.com or calling 317-925-FUEL. Full and Half-Season packages are available, as well as 9-Game Plans and Group Ticket options. Stay up to date throughout the offseason by following the Fuel on Twitter and Instagram (@IndyFuel ) and don't forget to 'Like' the Fuel on Facebook .
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