Port Huron adds Davis, Gehrke to blueline

The Port Huron Icehawks added defensemen Andrew Davis and Chris Gehrke this week.

Davis (6-foot-2, 210 pounds) is known for very physical defensive play. He compiled 166 penalty minutes last season in addition to eight goals and 20 assists while he split time with the Odessa Jackalopes and Memphis Riverkings of the Central Hockey League.

“This guy is can flat out play in any situation,” Icehawks coach-GM Stan Drulia said. “He competes on every shift with a nasty edge.”

Davis’ physical style of play has garnered the attention of the American Hockey League as he will be attending training camp this season with the Worcester Sharks.

Gehrke (5-foot-11, 205 pounds) has only played in 52 professional games, qualifying him as a rookie under International Hockey League rules. To qualify as a veteran, a player must amass 3600 minutes as a pro. The Icehawks obtained his rights by drafting him in the second round of the dispersal draft in June.

Gehrke played collegiate hockey at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Last year with the Chicago Hounds, he had 22 fighting majors and 206 penalty minutes.

“Chris is extremely physical, competes every shift and does not back down,” Drulia said. “He brings his lunch pail, blue-collar mentality on the ice and competes every shift and is not afraid to mix it up. Our fans may remember the fight he had last season with (former Flag) Colt King.”

Drulia stated that with these two additions, the Icehawks should be solid on the blue line.

“These two guys will keep the offensive players of the other teams on their heals,” Drulia explained. “Our defensive zone is not going to be a nice place for opposing players this season.”

The Icehawks now have 13 players on its roster for the upcoming 2007-2008 campaign. Davis and Gehrke will join defensemen Mark DeSantis, B.J. Adams and Chris Bogas. The team has also inked goaltenders Marty Magers, Ron Vogel and Ray Jean.

Now that the defense is strong, Drulia plans on addressing the team’s offensive needs.

“We are working our way out,” Drulia said. “Our goaltending is solid, our defense is solid and offense is our next step.”