AHL Call for Mallards' McKee; Netminder Bound for Peoria

Published on December 26, 2011 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Quad City Mallards News Release


MOLINE, Ill. (December 26, 2011) - Quad City Mallards goaltender David McKee has signed a professional tryout contract with the American Hockey League's Peoria Rivermen, the Mallards announced today.

McKee, 28, has gone 8-7-1 with a 2.91 goals against average and a .903 save percentage in 16 games with the Mallards this season. The Irving, Texas native has won three straight games (1.99, .933) and is unbeaten in regulation (6-0-1, 1.97, .932) in his last seven games. McKee's strong play in recent days has earned him league-wide recognition- he was named Central Hockey League Goaltender of the Week for the period ending December 4.

"David's call-up is very well deserved, especially after his seven-game unbeaten streak," said Mallards coach and general manager David Bell. "Hopefully he has the chance to get into a game while he's up there."

The 6' 1", 187-pound McKee joins the Rivermen in time for Peoria's home game tonight against the Chicago Wolves.

Now in his sixth professional season, McKee signed with the Mallards in July after going 7-6-3 with a 3.72 goals against average and a .891 save percentage in 18 games with the Central Hockey League's Odessa Jackalopes last year.

McKee first played in the CHL two seasons ago when he appeared in five games with the Allen Americans, for whom he went 2-3-0 while turning in a 3.95 goals against average and a .897 save percentage.

McKee spent most of his first three pro seasons in the ECHL, where he tended goal for the Augusta Lynx, Phoenix Roadrunners and Bakersfield Condors. McKee previously saw action in the AHL with the Portland Pirates as a rookie in 2006-07 and with the Iowa Stars the following season.

Before turning pro, McKee enjoyed three outstanding seasons at Cornell during which he was named a Hobey Baker award finalist, collected a host of other honors and posted a hugely impressive set of career collegiate numbers. He went 65-24-13 with a 1.71 goals against average, 18 shutouts and a .926 save percentage in 102 games with the Big Red. His sophomore season- 2004-05- was a banner year. In addition to his selection as a Hobey Baker finalist, McKee also earned All-America East, All-ECAC and All Ivy League First Team honors and was named ECAC and Ivy League Player of the Year and ECAC Goaltender of the Year. McKee set Cornell records for shutouts (10) and save percentage (.947) while going 27-5-3 with a 1.24 goals against average for the campaign.

The Mallards next play at home tomorrow night at 7:05 p.m. against the Rapid City Rush. Fans can purchase $2 soft drinks and $2 beers at i wireless Center concession stands during all Tuesday night home games this season.

Single game tickets for all Mallards regular season home contests- including tomorrow night's game- are now available. Fans can contact the Mallards at (309) 277-1364 or tickets@myqcmallards.com for more information about tickets.

Single game tickets are also available at the i wireless Center box office, at Ticketmaster outlets, through www.ticketmaster.com or through Ticketmaster charge-by-phone toll free. The box office is open weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and on game days from 10:00 a.m. until

the start of the second period. Individual game tickets are available for $12 in the upper level and $17 in the lower level and $25 for the first row along the glass for adults. Tickets for kids 12 and under are available for $5 off adult rates. In addition, tickets are available to military personnel for $2 off the regular adult rate.

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Central Hockey League Stories from December 26, 2011


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