Muskegon signs pair of defensemen

The Muskegon Fury today signed defensemen Jay Hardwick and Russ Moyer.

Hardwick played the last three seasons in the Central Hockey League with the Corpus Christi Rayz after four years at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. Moyer just completed his college career in Canada at Acadia University. He won an Ontario Hockey League championship in 2001 with the Ottawa 67's.

“Jay Hardwick is a solid, stay-at-home-defenseman who will be a very effective player and will continue to keep the Fury’s tradition alive of being a very strong defensive team," Fury head coach Bruce Ramsay said. "In addition, he brings to us the valuable experience of pro leadership which should translate in Jay being good in the locker room and a standout team man. The attributes he brings to Muskegon will make us a better overall team as well.

“As far as Russ Moyer is concerned, he is expected to be one of the best rookies in the IHL for the upcoming season. He, too, is a solid defenseman who possesses good offensive talents and instincts. He has excellent speed and we look for him to create and contribute offensively for us this new season.”

Muskegon now has seven players under contract for 2007-2008.