Defenseman Chris Williams re-signs with Fuel

NDIANAPOLIS - The Indy Fuel, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Chicago Blackhawks and the AHL's Rockford IceHogs, announced Tuesday that they have signed defenseman Chris Williams to a 2017-18 ECHL contract. The club's 2016-17 Game Changer Award winner is the first player under contract for the upcoming season.

Williams, 26, appeared in 53 games last season for the Fuel, leading all team rookie defensemen with 11 points (4g, 7a) and a +4 rating. In addition to his offensive numbers, the 6-foot-2, 220-pound blueliner led Indy with 128 penalty minutes, with his 12 major penalties ranking fourth among ECHL first-years. Williams tallied his first professional goal on Nov. 18, 2016, a 6-1 Fuel victory over the Wheeling Nailers at Indiana Farmers Coliseum.

“We're extremely excited to have Chris back in the fold for next season. We were uncertain of our expectations of him when he arrived last season, but he worked hard to become a great teammate and was a valuable piece for our team all season long,” said Bernie John, Fuel Head Coach and VP of Hockey Operations. “We wanted to make sure he was back with us for 2017-18. He adds a nice element of toughness to the lineup, and his skills are very good.”

Williams made his pro debut late in the 2015-16 season, picking up two assists in 12 contests for the Norfolk Admirals after concluding his collegiate career at the University of Alaska-Anchorage. While with the Seawolves, the native of Pottstown, Penn. recorded one goal and 11 assists in 128 career NCAA games, along with 113 penalty minutes.

Ticket Plans for the 2017-18 Indy Fuel season are now on sale! Join the team for year four at Indiana Farmers Coliseum and receive priority access to seats for the 2018 CCM/ECHL All Star Classic! Learn more by visiting IndyFuelHockey.com or calling 317-925-FUEL. Keep tabs on the team during the offseason by following the Fuel on Twitter and Instagram (@IndyFuel) and don't forget to ‘Like' the Fuel on Facebook.

— INDYFUELHOCKEY.COM —