Welly signs new deal with IceHogs

Written by Mitchell Dick

Oh captain, my captain.

The leader of the 2017/18 Ravens men’s hockey team is getting a fresh start in the AHL. Brett Welychka has signed a one year contract with the Rockford IceHogs.

“My family, friends and obviously myself were very excited when I signed with the Rockford organization. To be able to get my degree the last three years, develop as a player and earn a contract has made me very thrilled to start up the 2018/19 season,” says Welychka.

The #IceHogs have agreed to terms with forward Brett Welychka on a one-year AHL contract through 2018-19!

Welychka served as captain during his junior season at Carleton University last year and led the team in scoring with 31 points in 28 games

INFO | https://t.co/pKI1BIs1EJ pic.twitter.com/ghO5tGVXie

— Rockford IceHogs (@goicehogs) July 11, 2018

With a fresh start in a new city on the horizon, Welychka says he carries his Ravens experiences with him.

“I will always have everlasting memories both on and off the ice at Carleton, but I’m ready for a new chapter in my life.”

But this isn’t his first go round in the AHL. Welychka finished the 2017/18 season by signing an Amateur Tryout Contract with the Manitoba Moose where he tallied 1 goal and 1 assist in 8 games. Signing with the IceHogs will give him the chance at playing a full season in the AHL front to back.

“My goals for next year are to develop as a player and make an impact for the team. I want to play the best hockey I can and enjoy every minute doing so. I’ll be working hard every day and hopefully putting up some good numbers as well.”

A new contract doesn’t just mean a new team. Off the ice, Welychka says he is looking forward to getting to know the area of Rockford, Illinois – dubbed the “City of Gardens”.

“I actually don’t know much about Rockford yet. I will have to do some research and get to know the city. The nice thing is it’s very close to Chicago and I love that city.”

In his last year with the Ravens, Welychka led the team in scoring with 12 goals and 19 assists.