Indy picks up veteran defenseman via waivers

INDIANAPOLIS - The Indy Fuel, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Chicago Blackhawks and the AHL's Rockford IceHogs, announced Wednesday that they have claimed veteran defenseman Mike Ratchuk off of waivers from the Jacksonville IceMen. In addition, the Fuel have released defensemen Nick Trecapelli and Frank Schumacher.

Ratchuk, 29, has seen action in three games for the IceMen this season, marking one assist and two penalty minutes. The 5-foot-10, 190-pound rearguard brings over nine years of professional experience to the Fuel blue line, spanning across the AHL, ECHL, CHL and overseas in England and Austria. A second round selection of the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, Ratchuk appeared in 147 AHL games from 2008-2012, tallying 10 goals and 33 assists.

Since then Ratchuk has accumulated 130 points (35g, 95a) in 231 total ECHL games, winning a Kelly Cup in 2012 with the Florida Everblades (alongside current Fuel Assistant Coach Ryan McGinnis), and being named to the league's Second All-Star Team in 2013-14 after posting a career-high 44 points with the Wheeling Nailers.

The native of Buffalo, N.Y. spent the 2016-17 season with the Sheffield Steelers in the EIHL, where he tallied eight goals and 13 assists in 45 games played.

Single-Game tickets are now available for the entire 2017-18 Fuel season at Indiana Farmers Coliseum! Fans can also take advantage of a wide variety of Ticket Plans by calling 317-925-FUEL or visiting IndyFuelHockey.com. Don't miss a second of the action during the 2017-18 season - follow the Fuel on Twitter and Instagram (@IndyFuel) and ‘Like' the Fuel on Facebook.

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