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 Rockford IceHogs

Martinson era in Rockford begins with Dufour

July 14, 2004 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Rockford IceHogs News Release


Rockford, Ill.- The Rockford IceHogs, proud members of the United Hockey League, announced that they have signed forward Jean Francois Dufour for the upcoming 2004-05 season. The IceHogs Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Steve Martinson made the announcement on Wednesday. Per club policy, terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Dufour is the first player in the IceHogs mix for the fast approaching season. The 2001-02 UHL Rookie of the Year comes to Rockford after spending the 2003-04 season in the Pittsburgh Penguins farm system. Dufour split time between the Wheeling Nailers (ECHL) and Wilkes Barre-Scranton Penguins (AHL) during his third full professional season.

"We’re getting a proven scorer, a guy with a great work ethic and whose a great team guy in the lockerroom," said Martinson. "There were only two players with more points per game then J.F. last season in the coast. The only two guys that had more points per game were first team all stars."

Last season, the 5-11 winger racked up 70 points (22g-48a) in just 54 games with Wheeling, including a seven game stretch in which the lamp lighter tallied 4g-13a-17pts. Dufour also skated in 13 games for the Penguins top farm club, accumulating three assists.

The IceHogs mark Dufour's third UHL team. The Bedford, Quebec native burst onto the UHL scene with the Asheville Smoke in 01-02, and turned in one of the most productive rookie season’s in league history. Dufour nailed down 40g-65a-105pts during his first full pro campaign and set a UHL record on March 31, 2002 when he registered 4g-6a-10pts in one game against the Knoxville Speed. His 40 goals and 105 points rank him second all-time for most goals and points in the UHL among rookie players.

After a successful rookie season, Dufour suited up for the Quad City Mallards in 2002-03. With the IceHogs top rival, Dufour scored 17g-34a-51pts in just 57 games. The Hogs new winger began his professional career after four productive seasons at Ohio State University. With the Buckeyes, Dufour racked up 47g-74a-121pts in 155 games. Dufour then began his pro agenda with the Florida Everblades in March 2001, scoring a goal in his pro debut.

Season Tickets Available: Season tickets for the 2004-05 season are now on sale. Ticket packages start at just $98 and there are great seats available. Be a part of the action all season long! For more information call (815) 986-6465 and ask to speak with a season ticket representative.


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