All three players were integral members of last year's team that pushed their season to game 7 in the International Hockey League Turner Cup Finals. Zehr and Lardner also served as the team's assistant captains.

"These signings are a huge step for us as we rebuild for next season," Drulia said. "We are bringing back our leading scorer, our starting goalie and our power play goal leader. All three of these guys were absolutely vital to our success last season and will be a backbone to build our team around."

Lardner (5-11, 180 lbs) finished the 2007-08 regular season with a career best 81 points (39g, 42a), which ranked him first on the team and tied for fifth in the IHL in points. The veteran left wing also notched 12 points (8g, 4a) in 12 playoff games.

The 28-year old Edmonton, Alberta native earned several league honors last season, including a spot on the IHL First-Team All-Stars. He also played in his 400th professional game on December 19, surpassed 300 points for his pro career on December 26 and was voted team MVP at the Booster Club's annual awards dinner.

He is entering his eighth professional season after six seasons in the Central Hockey League and one in Port Huron.

"We were so close to a championship last year and I am excited to come back to such a great organization and give it another shot," Lardner said. "This team has a great championship mentality and that is something I am proud to be a part of."

Zehr (6-4, 215 lbs) was acquired by the Icehawks in a trade with the Flint Generals prior to the 2007-08 season. The 29-year old Windsor, Ontario native finished the regular season with a career high 66 points (33g, 33a), which ranked him third on the team in points. He led the team in power play goals during the regular season with 15. He also carried his offensive success through the playoffs with eight points (7g, 6a) in 11 playoff games.

Zehr reached several milestones last season. He notched his 100th career goal, surpassed 1,000 penalty minutes in his career and played in his 350th pro contest. He was also voted Unsung Hero of the Year at the Booster Club's annual awards dinner.

The left wing will enter his ninth professional season and his first as a veteran in the IHL. A second round draft pick of the New York Islanders in the 1997 NHL Entry Draft, he played four games with the NHL Boston Bruins in the 1999-00 season, then went on to play with a variety of teams in the East Coast Hockey League before joining the Generals roster in the 2006-07 season.

"I, without a doubt, enjoy working with the best organization I have ever been a part and I am excited about not only repeating last year's success but conquering the quest of hoisting the Turner Cup here in Port Huron," Zehr said. "I look forward to sharing success with this organization and the great fans of Port Huron Icehawks hockey."

Sterling came to the Icehawks in November after beginning the season with the Mississippi RiverKings in the Central Hockey League.

He finished the regular season with a record of 24-13-2-1, a 2.51 goals against average and a .912 save percentage. The 25-year old Lake Orion, MI native also carried the Icehawks through the playoffs with a 7-5 record, a 2.51 goals against average and a .925 save percentage. He tallied the most saves of any playoff goaltender in the league with 394.

The goalie is entering his fourth professional season. Before coming to the Icehawks, he spent three seasons in the Central Hockey League.

"I am excited to come back and attempt to finish what we didn't last year and that is to bring home a Turner Cup Championship," Sterling said.