PORT HURON, Mich. (July 22, 2009) - Billy Burke, a former member of the Queen's Gaels men's hockey team, signed his first professional contract on Monday with the Port Huron Icehawks of the International Hockey League (IHL). As per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Burke, from Aurora, Ont., played four seasons for the Queen's Gaels where he amassed 23 goals and 29 assists in 89 games. Last season was his most productive with the Gaels as he tallied 10 goals and 8 assists to lead the team in both goal scoring and point production. Prior to joining the Gaels, Burke played for the Newmarket Hurricanes of the Ontario Provincial Junior Hockey League.

Head Coach and General Manager Stan Drulia said he is excited to bring in a talented player like Burke as it is expected that he will provide a boost to his team's offense. “We look forward to seeing what [Burke] can do when training camp opens in October.”

For more information on the Port Huron Icehawks, visit their website at www.porthuronicehawks.com.