Back and forth chase in West swings back to Rockford
December 20, 2004 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Rockford IceHogs News Release
The IceHogs survived another lengthy road trip during Week 10 of the United Hockey League season and are now back on top of the Western Division. Led by goalie Michel Robinson's franchise record shutout streak, Rockford's defense picked up an offense that has slowed the scoring pace as of late. A light schedule awaits the IceHogs during the upcoming holiday week, with a pair of road games in Fort Wayne and Kalamazoo.
Wednesday, December 15: Rockford 2 at Motor City 3 (so)
Friday, December 17: Rockford 0 at Port Huron 3
Saturday, December 18: Rockford 2 at Fort Wayne 0:
Sunday, December 19: Motor City 1 vs. Rockford 3
Transactions
-Rockford winger Terry Harrison was called-up to Milwaukee (AHL) on Tuesday, December 14.
-Defenseman Ryan Bonni was called up to Milwaukee (AHL) on Thursday, December 16.
-Winger Blake Stewart was re-signed on Friday, December 17.
Bacon Bits:
Goalie Michel Robinson set an IceHogs franchise record with a shutout streak of 133:25. Robinson recorded one shutout during the streak which began at the 19:17 mark of the second period Friday against the Port Huron Beacons and ended Sunday at the 12:38 mark against the Motor City Mechanics.
The old record was held by former Hogs goaltender J.F. Rivard, when he held opponents scoreless for 113:51 during a stretch in October 1999.
The IceHogs continue to accumulate power play opportunities and lead the UHL with 189 man advantages. They haven't however, been able to take advantage of the extra skater and Saturday snapped out of an 0-for-25 slump. The IceHogs are averaging 6.3 power plays per game.
On Sunday, the IceHogs, for the fourth time this season tied a franchise record with 10 power play opportunities in a game. It was also the second time in which they did it against Motor City at the MetroCentre.
Winger Eric Labelle had his 12 game-penalty minute streak snapped on Friday night. During his stretch, the IceHogs tough guy racked up 102 PIM's. Labelle has started a new streak...three games without a PIM!
The IceHogs this season are 15-0-1 when scoring the games first goal.
Rockford also has had success on Saturday's this season, compiling a 9-1-0 record.
The Hogs 7-3-2 (.727) record on the road, is still the top winning percentage in the league away from home.
Rockford's 2-0 win over Fort Wayne on Saturday was the club's first regulation win at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum since November 5, 2000.
Hot Hog: Week 9
Center J.C. Ruid: The IceHogs team captain is continuing his point binge, collecting four points in a week in which goals were at a premium in IceHogs games. Ruid collected his seventh multi-point game Sunday against Motor City and continues to pace the Hogs lamp lighters with 15 so far this season.
Upcoming Games:
Wednesday, December 22 at Fort Wayne Komets:. Game time is 6:35 p.m. The IceHogs return to Fort Wayne in another match-up of the top two teams in the Western Division. The game is the second of three contests in 12 days between the rivals, and third of five overall in Fort Wayne.
Sunday, December 26 at Kalamazoo Wings: Start time is 3:05 p.m. The IceHogs make their first visit of the 2004-045 season to Wings Stadium in a post holiday contest. Rockford and Kalamazoo have hooked up twice already in Rockford and the squads will meet three times in Kalamazoo.
Rockford's Voice is The Home of the Hogs:
Catch all 80 Regular Season and all Playoff games on the official radio home for the Rockford IceHogs, Rockford's Voice, 1330 AM, WNTA. The broadcast begins with the SBC Pregame Show 20 minutes before the puck drops and make sure to give your opinion during the Seven11 Productions Post Game Call In Show following each home game at (815) 874-8255. Also, fans with Insight Cable television can tune into Channel 57 for all the IceHogs hockey action this season.
Budweiser HogTalk At The Olympic Tavern:
Join the Rockford IceHogs and Budweiser at the Olympic Tavern every Monday from 6:30-7:30 p.m. for HogTalk. The show is hosted by WXRX's Jim Stone and Double T. Fans can meet, chat and ask questions about Hogs hockey to IceHogs Head Coach Steve Martinson and the IceHogs players at the show. This week Miguel Lafleche and Vince Malts will be at the Olympic Tavern.
Single Game Tickets Are On Sale:
Fans can purchase single game tickets for any IceHogs regular season game at the MetroCentre Box Office or by calling (815) 968-5222. Tickets start at just $7 and there are great seats available. An arena surcharge will apply to all tickets.
Season Tickets:
Season tickets for the 2004-05 season are still on sale at a prorated price! Season ticket holders receive great benefits like same seat for every game, first right of refusal for playoff tickets and the "Never A Wasted Ticket Policy" so no ticket will go unused. For more information, call the IceHogs office at (815) 986-6465.
We're Back On The Auction Block:
The Rockford IceHogs have fired up their auctio on the team's official web-site once again! Items on the block this include a Jeff DaCosta home jersey, Father-Son Backstage Pass and Dinner for two with IceHogs winger Chris Gobert. For information on the auction, log onto the IceHogs web-site, www.icehogs.com. The auction will close on Wednesday, January 5.
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International Hockey League 2 Stories from December 20, 2004
- Mallards Make First Trip to Kalamazoo - Quad City Mallards
- Fort Wayne's Sean Venedam and Port Huron's Kory Cooper earn weekly honors - IHL 2
- Kalamazoo Wings Week In Review - Kalamazoo Wings
- Back and forth chase in West swings back to Rockford - Rockford IceHogs
- Shootout Weekend! Jackals Stop Skid At Home - Elmira Jackals
- Komets improve to record best 19-8-3 after 30 - Fort Wayne Komets
- Trashers extend winning streak to four games - Danbury Trashers
- Beacon review - Port Huron Flags
- Mechanics Roll With 3-1 Week - Motor City Mechanics
- Fury tops Central Division again - Muskegon Lumberjacks
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