Port Huron, MI - The Port Huron Icehawks of the International Hockey League announced today at a press conference that they have signed Rob Valicevic, a veteran right wing with significant NHL experience, to a contract for the 2008-09 season. Per team policy, details of the deal were not disclosed.
Valicevic
(6-1, 195 lbs) comes to the Icehawks with 13 years of professional
experience, including parts of six seasons (1998-2004) in the National
Hockey League. A sixth round draft pick of the New York Islanders in the 1991 NHL Entry Draft, he was signed by the Nashville Predators
as a free agent in May of 1998. He went on to play two and half seasons
with the Predators. In November of 1999, he made franchise history and
became the first player to record a hat trick.
The forward next had stints with the Los Angeles Kings, Anaheim Mighty Ducks and the Dallas Stars.
In total, he played in 193 NHL games and racked up 48 points (28g,
20a). The seasoned veteran has also played 197 games in the American
Hockey League.
"We are extremely excited to bring a
player of this caliber to Port Huron," Head Coach and General Manager
Stan Drulia said. "In my opinion he will be the best player in the
league. He will serve as a leader on and off the ice and will be our
team captain."
He added, "The other teams in the league
have made their teams better and we knew we needed to do the same
thing. We've got three first lines right now and we are really excited
about that."
The 37-year old Detroit, MI native enjoyed
his most prolific season of his career with the UHL Flint Generals in
2004-05, with 96 points (36g, 60a) in 78 games. He also played ten
games that season with TPS Turku in Finland. He has remained in Europe
for the last three years and played in both Germany and Austria. Last
season, he played for Klagenfurt AC in Austria and recorded 23 points
(8g, 15a) in just 24 games.
"I am at a point in my life
where all I want to do is win a championship," Valicevic said. "After
talking to Stan, I knew right then and there that this team will win
this year. It is not going to be easy, but I am very happy to be here
and I will give 110% every day."
Valicevic played
collegiate hockey at Lake Superior State University from 1991-1995. He
turned professional in the 1995-96 season with the Springfield Falcons
in the American Hockey League and the ECHL Louisiana IceGators. He next
played three seasons with the IHL Houston Aeros (1996-1999) and helped
the team to a Turner Cup in 1999, before getting his break in the NHL.
In total, he has played in 854 professional games and totaled 555 points (244g, 311a).
