Chicago Hounds Weekly Notes

Published on November 6, 2006 under International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Chicago Hounds News Release


Back to Back Losses: After starting the season with five road games, the Chicago Hounds finally took the ice for their first home game of their inaugural season against the Bloomington Prairie Thunder. After an early goal by Bloomington's Jankus, the Chicago Hounds' first goal at the brand new Sears Centre was scored at 11:16 in the first period. The tying goal was scored by Hounds' Mike Broslma on a power play. Broslma's goal, on assist by Greg Koehler and Bob Rapoza, was the first goal scored in Hounds franchise history.

A second Bloomington goal by Tarabrin, assist by Gaustad and Booras, at 12:20 put the Hounds down by one goal at the end of the first period. The score held through the second period. At 14:44 in the last period, Bloomington's Brunnelle, assist by Thompson, scored the Prarie Thunder's third goal.

At 19:02 in the third period, fans saw the fighting spirit of the Hounds as Maris Ziedins, on a Steve Cygan, Chris Busby assist, scored a second goal for the Hounds. Fans recognized the Hounds efforts to come from behind by cheering and barking in support of their new home team. However, the Prairie Thunder took the first game at the Sears Centre.

"It was exciting to see the team take the ice and play in front of the home crowd," said coach Greg Puhalski, "the fans were supportive, the players fought hard, and we are looking forward to a great season."

Thundered Thursday 4-3: Down by two with less than a minute to go, Head Coach Greg Puhalski pulled net-minder Marty Magers for an extra attacker on what was already a man advantage. Forward Mike Zbriger redirected a shot by Todd Grant that put the Hounds within one goal at 19:03. However, it was too little, too late as Chicago wasn't able to render another shot and the game ended with the Prairie Thunder victorious on Thursday Night.

In the first period, forward Mike Broslma crashed the net and made the game 1-1 at 5:39. The second periods saw the Hounds come out swinging but were unable to get anything past Bloomington goalie, Jeff Reynaert who was splendid, stopping 38 of 41 shots. After Maris Ziedins took an interference penalty, Bloomington defenseman Jason Lawmaster fired a rebound past Magers to give the Thunder their second lead of the night. Bloomington never looked back despite the effort from Chicago. The Hounds were 1-4 on the power-play while Magers stopped 33 of 37 shots.

Zbriger Traded: Greg Puhalski announced on Friday that he sent leading scorer Mike Zbriger to the Flint Generals. Zbriger, the Montreal, Quebec native played 4 games for Chicago and had 5 points (5 G 0 A).

Better Late than Never: Despite the problems that took place on Friday night at the Sears Centre, fans were treated to a great game the following evening. Over 1,000 fans from the previous night redeemed vouchers to see their Hounds take on Inter-state rivals, the Bloomington Prairie Thunder. The game went off without a problem and the ice was in fair condition for the entire game.

Brolsma Doing Good Work: Coach Puhalski is looking for offense and he is finding it in Mike Brolsma. The Appleton, Wisconsin native scored in back to back games this weekend and is feeling better with each game. "I am getting more comfortable with each game as the team is trying to find its rhythm. I hope I can continue to contribute and help my teammates."

A Mager Goaltender:

# GOALIES GP MIN W L SOL SO GA GAA SV SV%

31 Magers, Marty 6 353:58 2 4 0 1 17 2.88 196 .920

35 Houle, Chris 0 0:00 0 0 0 0 0 .00 0 .000

Mager played in every Hounds game thus far and has been stellar in each performance. Despite the losing Chicago holds, Magers save percentage is one of the best in the league at .920.

Upnext...Quad City. The Hounds will take on the Mallards at the Sears Centre Friday night. The Western Conference rivals have yet to play each other this season. This meeting will be the first of five meetings at home for the Hounds. They will also meet five more times at the Mark of the Quad in Moline. The Mallards are the only team in the league with only one victory thus far.

Kalamazoo, Here Come the Hounds: The defending champions of the UHL will get their first look at the Hounds when Chicago marches into the K-wings Stadium on Saturday night, November 11th. In their first 7 games, the Champs are 5-2 with 10 points and sit third in the tough Eastern Conference. Coach Greg Puhalski thinks this will be a good test for his team, "This game will be a measuring stick to see where we are as a team. Kalamazoo has a good squad and we are eager to face them Saturday night."

Season Ticket Information: Season ticket, sponsorship packages, and single game tickets are now available -- for more information on the Chicago Hounds and their inaugural season, please call 847.882.2255 or visit

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International Hockey League 2 Stories from November 6, 2006


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