Rupert twins returning to Indianapolis

INDIANAPOLIS - The Indy Fuel, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Chicago Blackhawks and the AHL's Rockford IceHogs, announced Tuesday that they have signed forwards Ryan and Matt Rupert to ECHL contracts for the 2018-19 season. The twin brothers make their return to the Circle City after starting the season with the Sheffield Steelers of the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL).

The 24-year-olds from Grand Bend, Ontario signed with the Steelers in the offseason, playing four games in the United Kingdom before being released from their contracts and returning to North America. Ryan and Matt finished third and seventh respectively on the Fuel's scoring list last season, combining for 36 goals and 53 assists along with 210 penalty minutes during their first full season in Indianapolis together.

Ryan was named the Fuel's Most Valuable Player in 2017-18 after setting career highs in goals (17), assists (32), points (49) and power play goals (7) in 65 games played. The 5-foot-9, 190-pound forward finished second in the ECHL and set a new franchise record with four shorthanded goals, while his four game-winning tallies finished tied for second among Indy skaters. In addition to his offensive impact, Ryan brought a physical presence to the Fuel lineup, finishing third on the team with 120 penalty minutes.

Entering his fourth professional season, Ryan has recorded 89 points (34g, 55a) and 165 penalty minutes in 118 ECHL games with the Fuel, Wichita Thunder and Orlando Solar Bears. Officially a veteran by ECHL standards, the sixth round selection of the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft (No. 157 Overall) has also seen action in 149 AHL games with the Toronto Marlies and Binghamton Senators, logging 31 goals and 27 assists.

Back for his third season in Indianapolis, Matt finished the 2017-18 campaign with a career high 40 points (19g, 21a), tacking on four power play goals and four game-winning tallies. The reliable 5-foot-9, 188-pound forward has missed only one game since arriving to Indy before the 2016-17 season, and has earned the Fuel's Penalty Killer Award in each of the previous two years. Matt begins the season ranked second in franchise history in both total games played (143) and goals (40), while his 77 points in a Fuel uniform rank third all-time.

The third-year pro has accumulated 96 points (51g, 45a) and 194 penalty minutes in 196 total ECHL contests with Indy and the Orlando Solar Bears. Following a successful stint with the Ontario Hockey League's London Knights from 2011-2015, Matt began his professional career during a two game AHL stint with the Marlies at the end of the 2014-15 season.

With the Ruperts under contract, the Fuel now have 19 players signed for the 2018-19 season; including 13 forwards, five defensemen and one goaltender. Additional players are expected to be assigned to Indy from the AHL's Rockford IceHogs before Fuel training camp starts on Sunday, Sept. 30. To view the team's full preseason roster, click here.

Single-game tickets are now on sale for the Fuel's 5th anniversary season at Indiana Farmers Coliseum! Be there as drops the puck during Opening Weekend on October 12-13! Lock up your seat for every second of the action at Indiana Farmers Coliseum with a Fuel Ticket Plan - grab yours 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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