Zach Miskovic back for third season with Fuel

INDIANAPOLIS - The Indy Fuel, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Chicago Blackhawks and the AHL's Rockford IceHogs, announced Thursday that two-year team captain and veteran defenseman Zach Miskovic has signed for the 2017-18 season. Miskovic will return to his previous position of player assistant coach, supporting the Fuel coaching staff in addition to his role on the ice.

Miskovic, 32, has worn the “C” since arriving in Indianapolis prior to the 2015-16 season, logging 36 points (11g, 25a) and 113 penalty minutes in 114 total games with the Fuel. The 6-foot-1, 197-pound blueliner was named the club's Defenseman of the Year in 2016-17, tallying two goals and 12 assists over 51 games, while setting a career high mark with 60 penalty minutes.

“We're glad to have Zach back with us again heading into 2017-18. We're looking for him to help grow our young players and continue to be a strong leader on and off the ice,” Fuel Head Coach and VP of Hockey Operations Bernie John said. “His play will help the younger guys on our roster learn to play the game the right way in order to get to the next level. We're looking to have a core of players to build with toward the future and Zach is part of that group.”

Prior to coming to the Circle City, Miskovic has seen action in 287 AHL games over his eight-year professional career, compiling 22 goals, 61 assists and 210 penalty minutes during stints with in Charlotte, Rockford, Iowa, San Antonio, Chicago and Hershey. The native of River Forest, Ill. won a Calder Cup with Hershey as a rookie in 2009-10, tallying 26 points (6g, 20a) in 59 regular season games while adding a goal and an assist in the playoffs.

“I'm extremely excited to be back for another season. I love having the chance to live in Indy while having my family in town with me, and we're all looking forward to year three in the Fuel organization,” Miskovic explained. “On the ice, we're ready to build last season's strong finish, and to take that next big step into being a playoff team. It is definitely exciting to be a part of the group Coach John is putting together, and we'll be ready to hit the ground running come October.”

A graduate of St. Lawrence University, Miskovic is as well known for his work away from the rink as he is for his on-ice accomplishments. The veteran has been named Indy's finalist for the ECHL Community Service Award each of the past two seasons, and won Rockford's IOA/American Specialty AHL Man of the Year award in 2014-15.

Miskovic's signing brings the Fuel to a total of 15 players under contract for 2017-18 - consisting of nine forwards and six defensemen. View the entire roster by clicking here.

Opening Night of the 2017-18 Indy Fuel season arrives on October 21, and Ticket Plans 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 —