As part of the Fuel's 5th Anniversary celebration, each month we will be highlighting one of the many memorable players who have donned a Fuel sweater. Throughout the 2018-19 season, be sure to share your favorite Fuel players and memories over the past five seasons on social media while tagging #Fuel5!
#FUEL5 ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT PRESENTED BY MARIAN UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS - KEVIN LYNCH
Despite only appearing in 35 games in a Fuel sweater, forward Kevin Lynch quickly became a fan favorite when he arrived in Indianapolis prior to the 2016-17 season. Acquired via trade from the Florida Everblades in exchange for forward Peter Schneider and defenseman Kevin Clare, Lynch brought top-end skill and veteran leadership to the Indy lineup.
Serving as an alternate captain, Lynch tallied 11 goals and 13 assists for the Fuel before signing a PTO with the AHL's Syracuse Crunch in January. The native of Grosse Pointe, Mich. made the most of his call-up, skating in 37 AHL contests through the second half of the 2016-17 campaign, in addition to 19 games in the postseason as the Crunch reached the Calder Cup Finals.
Following the playoff run, Lynch earned a one-year extension with the Crunch for the 2017-18 season, during which he tallied 14 goals and 12 assists over 57 games played. The sixth year professional inked his first NHL contract prior to this season, agreeing to a one-year, two-way deal with the Tampa Bay Lightning. However, Lynch has been sidelined with a lower-body injury sustained during the Lightning's first exhibition game this September.
SEASONS WITH FUEL: 2016-17
Games Played: 35
Goals: 11
Assists: 13
Points: 24
About Marian University Indianapolis: Marian University (marian.edu), founded in Indianapolis in 1937, is the only Catholic liberal arts university in central Indiana. It serves a student body of nearly 3,000 through dedication to excellent teaching and learning in the Franciscan and liberal arts traditions. Marian University is one of Indiana's 31 independent colleges and one of 244 Catholic colleges and universities nationwide.
Since 2001, Marian University has been led by President Daniel J. Elsener, whose vision and leadership are transforming the university. In 2013, Marian University opened the Michael A. Evans Center for Health Sciences, home to its College of Osteopathic Medicine. Marian University has amassed 36 national championships in cycling, captured the NAIA Football National Championship in 2012 and 2015, and won the NAIA Women's Basketball Championship in 2016 and 2017.