Popular enforcer James McEwan is returning to the Reign for 2010-11, the team announced Friday.

In his second pro season, the 6-foot, 187-pound forward won over fans and teammates with a willingness to drop gloves with anyone — even some of the league’s toughest heavyweights. He collected two goals and 80 penalty minutes in 27 games before being sidelined for the season with a broken thumb, which he suffered in a fight in February.

In his only full ECHL season, McEwan finished third in the league with 227 penalty minutes for the Phoenix Roadrunners in 2008-09. He also played four games for the AHL’s Worcester Sharks that season, collecting 10 penalty minutes.

More details in tomorrow’s editions of the Sun and Daily Bulletin.