Icehawks sign three ex-Flags

The Port Huron Icehawks announced today the signing of three players who were members of the Flags last season. All three players - Mark Cadotte, Mike Olynky and Joe Markusen - contributed to Port Huron's playoff push last season.

Cadotte (5-foot-8, 185 pounds), is a left-handed center who can also play left wing. He has been playing professional hockey since 1998. A former member of the Detroit and Plymouth Whalers, Cadotte played the 2005-2006 season in Italy and returned to the U.S. last year with the Flags, where he scored 19 goals and 21 assists in 66 games.

"Mark is a 20-plus goal scorer with great speed and penalty kill instincts," Icehawks coach-GM Stan Drulia said. "And after a year of playing back in North America, he is better adjusted for the style of game we play."

Olynyk (6-foot, 197-pounds) plays center and right wing. Last season for Port Huron, he scored 14 goals and had 10 assists.

"Olynyk was a huge surprise last year," Drulia said. "He's gritty and fights for every inch of ice. All his teammates love to play with him, and he does all the little things. He's never afraid of a game situation and almost seems to enjoy the nasty side of the game."

Markusen (6-foot, 185-pounds) is a defenseman who played four seasons at Michigan State. He played for the Kalamazoo Wings and Elmira Jackals last season before joining the Flags for the playoffs. His solid defense allows him to play in every situation and provides depth and backend support for the Icehawks.

"Joe is an extremely cool customer and simply does not get rattled," Drulia said. "He should get 20-plus points and 130 penalty minutes. He is very sound in his own end, has great poise with the puck and loves to step up and catch his opponents with their head down in open ice."

Cadotte, Olynky and Markusen add veteran leadership and invaluable game skills to the Icehawks.