PigOut
02-11-2009, 01:06 PM
Rockford Newspaper -
http://www.rrstar.com/sports/x1450772546/Rookie-makes-good-early-impression-on-IceHogs
ROOKIE MAKES ROOKIES GOOD EARLY IMPRESSION ON ICEHOGS
By Reed Schreck-RRSTAR.COM
Posted Feb 10, 2009
ROCKFORD — Judd Blackwater had the kind of debut any rookie would take.
In his first AHL game with Rockford, he scored in regulation and then in a shootout to seal a 2-1 victory at Manitoba.
“It felt really good to get one early,” said Blackwater, called up from the ECHL’s Stockton Thunder at the start of the IceHogs’ current seven-game road swing. “It kind of settled me in so I could play my game.”
Now he seems settled into coach Bill Peters’ lineup – even though the player he replaced, Pascal Pelletier, has returned after being summoned by the Chicago Blackhawks.
“He’s done a good job,” Peters said of Blackwater, whom he coached last year at Spokane (ECHL) and had him in this year’s IceHogs training camp. “(The Manitoba game) gave him a little bit of confidence and some respect from the guys in the room, and he’s been solid ever since.”
Blackwater had three goals and was even in plus/minus in his first six Rockford games heading into tonight’s contest at Peoria. He began the season with Fresno, then signed with Stockton as a free agent on Dec. 30 after Fresno folded.
“He’s been great,” Pelletier said of Blackwater. “From what I’ve seen, he’s a really good player. He works hard, can score and can pass.”
He also now can breathe. Making your debut one level from the NHL can affect your emotions.
“It was a little nerve-racking,” he said. “There were a lot of fans there. It was easier because I knew some of the guys before I came here, and they made it easier for me.”
Then he made himself right at home on the Moose ice.
“I was a little surprised,” he said. “I was getting a lot of ice time and playing with great players. They somehow found me and all I had to do was tap it in pretty much.”
Is he unpacked for good in Rockford, or still keeping half his clothes in the suitcase in case he gets sent back to Stockton?
“I don’t think too much about it,” Blackwater said. “I tell myself I’m going out there and play as hard as I can. Hopefully, they’ll keep me around as long as they can.”
http://www.rrstar.com/sports/x1450772546/Rookie-makes-good-early-impression-on-IceHogs
ROOKIE MAKES ROOKIES GOOD EARLY IMPRESSION ON ICEHOGS
By Reed Schreck-RRSTAR.COM
Posted Feb 10, 2009
ROCKFORD — Judd Blackwater had the kind of debut any rookie would take.
In his first AHL game with Rockford, he scored in regulation and then in a shootout to seal a 2-1 victory at Manitoba.
“It felt really good to get one early,” said Blackwater, called up from the ECHL’s Stockton Thunder at the start of the IceHogs’ current seven-game road swing. “It kind of settled me in so I could play my game.”
Now he seems settled into coach Bill Peters’ lineup – even though the player he replaced, Pascal Pelletier, has returned after being summoned by the Chicago Blackhawks.
“He’s done a good job,” Peters said of Blackwater, whom he coached last year at Spokane (ECHL) and had him in this year’s IceHogs training camp. “(The Manitoba game) gave him a little bit of confidence and some respect from the guys in the room, and he’s been solid ever since.”
Blackwater had three goals and was even in plus/minus in his first six Rockford games heading into tonight’s contest at Peoria. He began the season with Fresno, then signed with Stockton as a free agent on Dec. 30 after Fresno folded.
“He’s been great,” Pelletier said of Blackwater. “From what I’ve seen, he’s a really good player. He works hard, can score and can pass.”
He also now can breathe. Making your debut one level from the NHL can affect your emotions.
“It was a little nerve-racking,” he said. “There were a lot of fans there. It was easier because I knew some of the guys before I came here, and they made it easier for me.”
Then he made himself right at home on the Moose ice.
“I was a little surprised,” he said. “I was getting a lot of ice time and playing with great players. They somehow found me and all I had to do was tap it in pretty much.”
Is he unpacked for good in Rockford, or still keeping half his clothes in the suitcase in case he gets sent back to Stockton?
“I don’t think too much about it,” Blackwater said. “I tell myself I’m going out there and play as hard as I can. Hopefully, they’ll keep me around as long as they can.”