The Decatur Blaze have announced that former defenseman Brock Drews has signed a professional contract with the Steel City Warriors of the Federal Hockey League.

Drews played for the Blaze franchise in 2013-14 when it was located in Bloomington and known as the Bloomington Jr. Blaze.

"I was excited to hear about Brock signing a pro contract as he was following his dreams,” said Blaze coach-GM Zac Pearson. “I was in talks with Brock early last summer about bringing him in as an assistant coach, but Brock respectfully turned down the offer as he had some unfinished business that he wanted to fulfill."

Drews played in 13 games last season in Bloomington, posting three goals in 13 games.

"Playing for the Bloomington Jr. Blaze last season was a great experience,” said Drews. “From day one at the tryout camp until the last time going on the ice with that team, I learned something new to better my ability in some way. Not only did it help me better myself as a hockey player, but it helped me understand the game better. Coach Pearson was there to help shape us into better hockey players and more importantly, into better people. He would help you not only on the ice, but also be there for you in whatever challenges life would throw at you.

“Overall, playing for the Blaze was an amazing experience. Being from Danville, Ill., and having an FHL team here is great and I can now cross one thing off my bucket list.”

Brock is the second former player of Pearson to play professional hockey as defenseman Edgar Ozolins played two seasons for the Danville Dashers of the FHL.