RiverHawks Re-Sign Drew Baker

[chilly666]

Augusta, GA-The Augusta RiverHawks, a proud member of the Southern Professional Hockey League, announced Friday that Drew Baker will be returning to the CSRA. It will be Baker's fourth season in the SPHL and third with the RiverHawks.

"I am very excited to have Drew come back for his third season in Augusta," said RiverHawks' Head Coach Rob Miller. "I know that Drew will be very valuable in bringing leadership to our defensive core and I look forward to having him man the blue line."

The Dawsonville, GA native had his best season in the SPHL in 2011-12, scoring a career-high eight goals while adding 19 assists for 27 points while playing all 56 games. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound blue liner also racked up 135 penalty minutes while posting a +19 rating, the third best in the SPHL amongst defensemen.

"We have had the opportunity to watch Drew first-hand as he matured into a dependable defensemen," said RiverHawks' President Mark Richards. "He can play a lot of minutes and certainly contribute on our special teams, as well. We anticipate Drew taking a leadership role for our defense this season."

Throughout his time in the SPHL Baker has compiled impressive numbers as a two-way defenseman. Owner of one of the hardest shots in the circuit, Baker has scored 13 goals and generated 32 assists for 45 points in 121 games. Most impressive is his plus-minus totals, never having finished a season with a minus-rating. His +44 rating ranks amongst the best in the SPHL over the past three seasons.