Bouchard first to sign with Fury for '07-08

The Muskegon Fury have announced that perennial all-star right wing Robin Bouchard has assented to terms and signed a one-year contract which will return him to Muskegon for his 11th season under the Fury banner. Bouchard will also serve as the Fury’s player-assistant coach.

Bouchard, 33, will be embarking on his 14th pro season overall. Last season in Italy, he amassed 46 points in 28 games on 18 goals and 28 assists with 60 penalty minutes. During the 2005-2006 season in Muskegon, Bouchard had 59 goals among 116 points. For his entire UHL career, he ranked at or near the top in virtually every major offensive category. His 490 goals, 202 power-play goals and seven game-winning goals all rank No. 1 for the league. His 483 assists, 973 points and 732 games all rank him as third-best in those three categories. He ranks fifth in career PIM with 1,730 as well.

“We are very, very excited to have Robin back with us," said Fury head coach Bruce Ramsay. "He means so much to this franchise both on and off the ice. His popularity here is undeniable and he is a true asset to our entire organization. Over the years, Robin and I have developed an outstanding relationship and we look forward with much anticipation of having him here the full year as our player-assistant coach. He will be a great aide in grooming and developing our good, young players in this upcoming season.

"The best way to probably say it today is that today’s signing of Robin Bouchard represents a major step in assembling our team for the new season in the exciting new IHL. With Robin back in our lineup, it’s another good reason why all of the Fury fans and this great hockey community will really enjoy watching our team this season.”

A year-round resident of the Muskegon area, Bouchard, himself, is both thrilled and determined as he eagerly gets ready for the new Fury season.

“I’m really happy to be back and be part of such an outstanding organization in the new IHL," Bouchard said. "What makes this even more exciting and enjoyable is the great new direction of our league. The IHL is doing it right. This is the model, the best direction for minor pro hockey and was one of the most important factors in my decision to come back to the Fury. I’m looking forward to the new season in a new league; it’s like a new life in the new IHL. As far as being the player/assistant coach is concerned, I’m also really looking forward to working with ‘Rammer.’

"Last season ended too early for us, but with ‘Rammer’ doing his usual great job of player recruitment, we’re going to have another strong season of Fury hockey. It’s fun to know that I will have been a part of the Colonial League, the United League and now the IHL.”