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Generals Weely Notes

November 9, 2009 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Flint Generals News Release


ON THE RECORD: The Generals continue to struggle in this still young 2009-10 hockey season but there is hope. Perhaps the toughest part to swallow for fans and probably the players as well is that many of their losses this season have been within reach. That may also be the silver lining, knowing the team is playing well enough to have a shot in each game. Friday night's shootout thriller against Fort Wayne, the kings of the IHL the past few years, is a testament to the promise of this Generals squad. The Gens followed with tight 1-0 loss Saturday in Dayton that witnessed a stellar performance by Rob Nolan. Sunday's 6-2 lashing of Quad City proved the Gens have an offensive mind; they just need to find consistency.

VETERANS DAY: The Generals will be celebrating Veterans Day this year with Cavalry House and the Dayton Gems at Perani Arena this Wednesday. Calvary House sponsors fundraising events to aid the organization, a 501(c)(3) established to aid U.S. Soldiers and their families as they return home from OIF/OEF. The night will include a ceremonial puck drop, tribute poetry reading, and much more.

CONFLICT ABROAD: Saturday's game in Dayton was the only tour of duty for the Gens this past weekend and they fell short in the 1-0 decision. The offense sputtered but the goaltending of rookie Rob Nolan was spectacular, often making acrobatic saves to hold the Gens within one. This week the hockey men of Flint hit the road for two contests going coast to coast, Friday they will head west to face the Muskegon Lumberjacks then back east on Sunday for a clash with the rival IceHawks. Currently the Gens are 1-4 in enemy territory, but with if the same offensive effort for Sunday shows up this weekend, the team has a great chance to close that road record gap.

DEFENDING HOME BASE: Home ice has not been much of an advantage thus far, but what the Gens showed the fans at Perani Arena both Friday and Sunday is perhaps a glimpse into the future. The 2,229 souls in attendance Friday witnessed a game that could have easily ended with the Generals on top, and often let the Gens hear their appreciation through loud roars and cheers. Sunday's slaughter moved the Gens to 2-5 on home ice, which is not spectacular but if they can pull out two wins this week at Perani, home ice will become much more beneficial.

DEFENSEIVE THREATS: With two points in Sunday's game, Tyler Howells is climbing the defensive leader ladder with 5 points. New comer Steve Silver is making a name for himself already, with two points in his three games thus far in a Generals sweater. Jake Pence is still in the mix with four points and a plus +/- 4 (tied with Silver for team high).

ROOKIE AWARENESS: Three rookies John Mori, Steve Silver and netminder Robby Nolan find their names in the mix of the league leaders. Mori is fourth among rookie point getters and second in shots, while Silver who has appeared in just 3 games has a +4. Nolan has been stellar. Despite being 0-3, his name is tops among goaltenders in the league.

PROBIES: Although Bryan Smolinski is not new to hockey, he is a new face on the Generals roster and through three games he has shown why most of his career has been with NHL teams, making an immediate impact. Steve Silver is the other newbie in Flint, and much like Smolinski, is making his presence known.

THIS WEEK ON THE ICE: With four games this week, two at home and two on the road, the Gens shall be rather busy. The action kicks off Wednesday, Nov. 11 for a Veterans Day matchup with the Dayton Gems. Calvary House is sponsoring the game, with the money raised aiding U.S. Soldiers and their families as they return home. The puck is scheduled to drop at 7:30.

Friday the Gens head to Muskegon for the first time this season. The last time the Gens faced the 'Jacks was back on Oct. 16 at Perani for the season opener, with Flint coming out on top. Since then, the Gens have struggled to say the least, going 2-6-0-1 in their last nine while Muskegon is in the middle of the pack with a 5-3-0-1 record through nine. Opening faceoff is set for 7:00pm.

Saturday they return to Perani for the first game of a home and home with Port Huron. This is the second home and home series between these rivals this season, with the Gens dropping both games to the 'Hawks back in week two. Though their record has not improved much, with a win in Quad City and tight well played games against Fort Wayne and Dayton, the team itself has improved. Puck drops at 7:30 pm.

Sunday the team hits the road again for a matenae game two of their home and home with Port Huron.

TICKET INFORMATION: Tickets for all Generals home games for the 2009-10 season are available at the Perani Arena Ticket Office or through Ticketmaster. For group rates with the Generals call the Generals office at (810) 744-0222 or visit our website at www.flintgenerals.com.



International Hockey League 2 Stories from November 9, 2009


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