Icehawks and Red Wings team up

The Port Huron Icehawks will now function as a AA affiliate to the Detroit Red Wings. The affiliation will aid the development of players and will give the Red Wings access to the Icehawks’ roster.

Thus far, two members of the Icehawks, center Kris Vernarsky and forward Neil Clark, have been invited to partake in the Red Wings’ training camp.

“The Port Huron area has a great hockey tradition and we look forward to expanding on that tradition,” Jim Nill, assistant general manager of the Red Wings, said. “Our coaches will evaluate players during training camp and the entire Red Wings organization will do its best to nurture the talent we find.”

Vernarsky has been playing professional hockey since 2002. He was selected in the second round of the 2000 NHL Entry Draft by the Toronto Maple Leafs and played with the Boston Bruins, where he scored one goal in 17 games. Last year, the Warren native played with the Port Huron Flags and scored 22 points in 34 games.

Clark played at Iona College for the 2002-03 season before transferring to Manhattanville College, where he played from 2003-06. Last year, he was a member of the CHL's Laredo Bucks and played in the championship series against the Colorado Eagles. In 21 playoff games, he scored six goals and 12 points.

“This is great for our players and organization,” Port Huron coach-GM Stan Drulia said. “The Red Wings have allowed some of our players the opportunity to show case their skills at the games highest level. We look forward to the upcoming season and hope our players one day can play in the NHL.”