Former Union College Hockey players Jason Ralph ('01) and Nathan Gillies ('03) have signed United Hockey League contracts for the 2004-2005 season with the Rockford IceHogs and the Elmira Jackals respectively. Ralph will be playing his first season in the UHL following three seasons with the Bakersfield Condors of the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL), while Gillies will look to build on his 39 point effort for the Jackals last season. Gillies also played nine games in the AHL during his 2003-2004 campaign.
Ralph was third on the Condors in scoring last season (26-29-55) after tallying 64 and 25 points respectively during his first two seasons with Bakersfield. “The thing that attracted me to him is that he is a complete player,” said Rockford's Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Steve Martinson. “He is a gritty competitor who can score, hit and he plays sound defense. He's a skilled player yet he's very physical,” continued Martinson.
Last Season Gillies scored 23 goals with 16 assists for 39 points in 63 games. He chipped in with 6 goals and 6 assists during the Jackals playoff run to the Eastern Conference Championship. “Nathan was our Rookie of the Year last season,” stated Jackals Head Coach Todd Brost. “He has an unbelievable work ethic and competes every shift. Nathan brings great leadership, character and grit to the team.”
During his four seasons with the Dutchmen (1997-2001), Ralph tallied 18 goals and notched 22 assists in 122 games. Gillies, who served as team captain during his senior season (2002-2003), played 117 games for the garnet and white, scoring 33 goals and posting 46 assists.