Bloomington, IL - Center Brent Clarke and rookie right winger Anthony Pototschnik have signed contracts to play for the Bloomington PrairieThunder during the 2008-09 International Hockey League season, the team announced Thursday.
Clarke becomes the fourth member of last year's team to come aboard the PrairieThunder for new coach Jarrod Skalde. Other players from last year's team, who are under contract for this season, are Don Parsons, Jon Booras and Brett Holmberg.
During his rookie season with the PrairieThunder a year ago, the 22-year-old Clarke saw action in 73 of the team's 76 games. He scored six goals and had six assists for 12 points and 45 minutes in penalties.
"Brent came to our camp last year with a training camp agreement and made the squad," said Skalde. "He continued to improve as the season progressed and we're looking for even more improvement this year."
The 5-foot-9, 175-pound Clarke is a native of Bolton, Ontario.
Pototschnik played at Ryerson University last year. The 21-year-old saw action in 28 games, scoring 12 goals with 11 assists for 23 points.
The 6-3, 200-pound native of Mississauga, Ontario played six games for the Quad City Mallards of the United Hockey League in the 2006-07 campaign.
