Veteran defenseman Zach Miskovic re-signs for 2018-19

INDIANAPOLIS - The Indy Fuel, proud ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League's Chicago Blackhawks and the American Hockey League's Rockford IceHogs, announced Tuesday that they have re-signed veteran defenseman and Player/Assistant Coach Zach Miskovic for the 2018-19 season. Already the longest-tenured player in franchise history, Miskovic is set to return for his fourth season in Indianapolis.

Miskovic, 33, was the only Fuel player to appear in all 72 games last season, tallying seven goals and 12 assists while setting a career high mark with 75 penalty minutes. The 6-foot-1, 197-pound blueliner surpassed forward Rhett Bly for the top spot on the Fuel's all-time games played list, skating in 185 total contests since joining the club before the 2015-16 season. Miskovic also chipped in a pair of assists during four Kelly Cup Playoff games this spring.

“We're extremely excited to have Zach back for the upcoming season,” Fuel Head Coach and VP of Hockey Operations Bernie John said. “He's a proven leader and an exceptional mentor for the young guys in our locker room who are looking to get to the next level.”

Serving as either team captain or alternate captain during each of his first three seasons in the Circle City, Miskovic has tallied 55 points (18g, 37a) in a Fuel uniform - more than any other defenseman in franchise history. The native of River Forest, Ill. was named Indy's Defenseman of the Year in 2016-17, after compiling two goals and 12 assists in 51 games. In addition to his on-ice accomplishments, Miskovic has earned recognition for his work around the Indianapolis community, earning the Fuel's nomination for the ECHL Community Service Award in both 2015-16 and 2016-17.

“I am thrilled to have the chance to continue playing for such a great organization. Last year was a big stepping stone for us as a team, and I'm looking forward to building on our playoff run while continuing to forge a winning culture here in Indy,” Miskovic explained. “I'm super excited to continue building a relationship with the fans and the community here, while doing what I can to help hockey grow in Central indiana. Above anything else, I am excited to once again have the chance to play in front of our loyal fan base every night.”

Entering his 10th season of professional hockey, Miskovic has accumulated a total of 42 goals and 100 assists in 479 career AHL and ECHL games. The graduate of St. Lawrence University has played parts of seven seasons in the AHL with Charlotte, Rockford, Iowa, San Antonio, Chicago and Hershey, picking up 83 points (22g, 61a) in 287 contests. Miskovic won a Calder Cup with Hershey as a rookie in 2009-10, seeing action in 59 regular season games before dressing in nine contests in the playoffs.

Miskovic's signing leaves the Fuel with seven players under contract for the 2018-19, including five forwards and two defensemen. To view the full roster, click here.

Ticket Plans for the Fuel's fifth anniversary season are now on sale! Lock up your seat for every second of the action in 2018-19 at Indiana Farmers Coliseum by heading to IndyFuelHockey.com or by calling the Fuel front office at 317-925-FUEL. Don't forget to follow the Fuel on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat (IndyFuel) for news, updates, contests and much more throughout the offseason.

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