On This Day in IceHogs History - June 29: Oak Hewer Named IceHogs Team Ambassador
On this day in 2010, we made IceHogs alum Oak Hewer a team ambassador. Oak is the Hockey Coordinator with the Rockford Parks District and works with the Jr. IceHogs Youth Hockey program.
From June 29, 2010
Rockford, Ill.- Rockford IceHogs Team President Mark Bernard announced on Tuesday that Oak Hewer has been named IceHogs Team Ambassador.
Hewer is a former IceHogs winger, skating for the team during its United Hockey League era spanning the 2001-02 and 2002-03 seasons. The Ottawa, Ontario native now calls Rockford home with his family.
“The kind of character that Oak displays with his personal life and in the community is exactly what we are looking for in an IceHogs Team Ambassador,” said Bernard. “We are thrilled to have Oak involved with the IceHogs once again and know how much the hockey community, especially the kids, will benefit from Oaks’ efforts.”
During his stint in Rockford with the IceHogs, Hewer was a leader in the community through hospital visits and school appearances. As IceHogs Team Ambassador, Hewer will be back in the community representing the team at various functions.
“I’m very excited and honored to be back involved with the Rockford IceHogs who are now the direct affiliate of the Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks,” said Hewer. “I’m really looking forward to getting involved with the IceHogs in everything they do with the Rockford community and making a difference. It’ll be great to be around the hockey again, but it will be even more special to have greater involvement with my adopted community.”
Some of the duties Hewer will assume include assisting at various youth hockey practices in the area, charitable fundraisers, serve as IceHogs spokesmen at select speaking engagements, and representing the team at other events throughout the state-line area.
The 30-year old former winger played 125 career games with the IceHogs, netting 22 goals and 36 assists. A concussion cut Hewer’s career short and forced the winger to retire during the 2004-05 season after 251 career professional games. Hewer was drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the seventh round (#194 overall) of the 1997 NHL Entry Draft.