Rockford, Ill.- The Rockford IceHogs, proud members of the United
Hockey League, announced that they have acquired the rights for
defenseman Gary Ricciardi from the Muskegon Fury, for a first round
draft pick in the 2004 North American Amateur Draft.

General Manger Ryan Washatka and Head Coach and Director of Hockey
Operations Mark Bernard made the announcement on Monday.

Ricciardi comes to Rockford after a solid season with the Fury in
2002-03. The physical defenseman accumulated 159 penalty minutes with
Muskegon, while chipping in two goals and three assists, and leading
the squad with a plus/minus rating of +11.

The blue-liner is entering his fourth professional season and third
overall in the UHL. Ricciardi began his professional career with the
Fort Wayne Komets in 2000-01.

"I feel in acquiring Gary Ricciardi we have picked up a player with
one of the biggest hearts in the league," said Bernard. "He is a very
emotional player that will do whatever it takes to win. He is another
steady defenseman that will help take care of our zone and will be a
big asset in the dressing room."

The defenseman also has a couple of ties with current IceHogs.
Ricciardi played collegiately with IceHogs d-man Kenzie Homer at
Ferris State and also played for Bernard when he was the assistant
for the Roanoke Express (ECHL) in 2001-02.

Ricciardi is the second Fury defenseman picked up by the IceHogs
during the off-season. The Hogs also inked former Fury defenseman
John Glavota for the upcoming 2003-04 season.

In return for Ricciardi, Rockford sends Muskegon their first round
draft pick in the 2004 North American Amateur Draft that will take
place in March.

Rockford IceHogs Press Release