AHL Rockford IceHogs

Bell Nabs Nicklin

Published on August 2, 2002 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Rockford IceHogs News Release


Rockford, Ill.- The Rockford IceHogs, proud members of the United Hockey League, announced Friday that goaltender Brant Nicklin has agreed to contract terms for the 2002-03 season. As per club policy, details of the pact were not disclosed.

Nicklin, 25, agreed to contract terms two weeks after the IceHogs traded with the Quad City Mallards for his UHL rights. In exchange for Nicklin, the IceHogs gave up the rights to forward Jason Ulmer and forward Brian Bolf. Nicklin is the fifth player to agree to contract terms for the fast approaching season. Center Jeff Antonovich, winger Steve Dumonski, and defensemen Jeff DaCosta and Kenzie Homer have also signed Rockford contracts for the coming season.

Nicklin has constructed a 37-14-2 record in 55 professional appearances over two seasons. He was 4-0-0 vs. the IceHogs in 2001-02, and 18-7-0 overall. He posted a 2.45 goals against average, a .912 save percentage, and two shutouts in 25 appearances with the Mallards. In 20 of the 25 starts, he held the opposition to three goals or less.

Nicklin rarely struggled during the 2001-02 campaign, and he seemed to save his best for when the Mallards were on the road. In 13 road appearances, the durable netminder posted a 9-4-0 record, an amazing 1.93 goals against average, and an equally impressive .927 save percentage. Nicklin collected two out of his four career shutouts as a pro while on the road with the Mallards last year.

"We're bringing him in to be our starter," said Scott Bell, the IceHogs head coach and director of hockey operations. "He's got a great pro record, and I think he'll be even better as our top netminder. He's excited about Rockford, and he wants to be here."

Nicklin, a 6-foot, 190 pound native of Salmon Arm, British Columbia began his professional career in the East Coast Hockey League with the Florida Everblades in 2000-01. After posting a 4-4-2 record in 11 appearances, he was released and signed by the Central Hockey League's Oklahoma City Blazers. In 19 appearances with the Blazers, he compiled a 15-3-0 record. His consistent performances in net also helped lead the Blazers to the 2001 CHL title. Nicklin also garnered league-wide acclaim when he was crowned CHL Goaltender of the Year at the close of the 2000-01 season.

Prior to turning pro, Nicklin skated with the Western Collegiate Hockey Association's University of Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs (1996-2000). He re-wrote the school's record book during his stint, establishing new marks for games played by a goaltender (137) and consecutive starts (76). He also completed his collegiate career as U-M-D's all-time shutout (8) and save percentage leader (.896).

Season ticket packages for the 2002-03 IceHogs are now available, starting at just $98. Contact the IceHogs office at (815) 986-6465 for more details. Season ticket information can also be found at www.icehogs.com. The IceHogs begin the 2002-03 season, their fourth in the UHL, when they host the Fort Wayne Komets at the Rockford MetroCentre on Fri., Oct. 11.

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American Hockey League Stories from August 2, 2002


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