INDIANAPOLIS - The Indiana Ice announced today that defenseman Nick Bailen was selected as the USHL's Defensive Player of the Week. It is the first honor of any kind given to an Ice player this season.The veteran defenseman provided a much needed lift to a team without four of its regulars who are away with the U.S. Junior Select Team in Summerside, P.E.I. Bailen assisted on the game-winning goal by Kevin Goumas in Friday's 2-1 win over Waterloo and posted a power play goal and an assist in Saturday's 7-0 thrashing of the Black Hawks. Overall numbers for the weekend included three points (G, 2A) and a (+3) plus/minus.
Bailen, who has committed to RPI in Troy, NY, is currently tied with Nic Dowd for the team lead in points with six (1g, 5a). With his return to Indiana this season after a one-year stint with Bowling Green, he played in his 171st career USHL game on Saturday, which ties him for most games played in Ice history.
The Ice saddles up this week for a three-game trip out west starting with the Sioux City Musketeers on Thursday night at 8:00 pm.
A rematch of last years' Clark Cup Finals awaits the Ice on their return to the Pepsi Coliseum the next weekend with games on Friday (11/13) and Saturday (11/14) against the Fargo Force. Both games are set to face off at 7:05 p.m.
Individual tickets can be purchased for $15 or $9 through all Ticketmaster locations including Karma Records and the Pepsi Coliseum and Conseco Fieldhouse box offices, or by calling 239-5151 or online at ticketmaster.com. Season tickets are on sale and groups of ten or more can purchase discounted tickets by calling the Indiana office at 317.925.4423.
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