Hershey Sends Pair to Quad Cities

November 30, 2004 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Quad City Mallards News Release


Moline, IL-Quad City Mallards President and General Manager Howard Cornfield today announced that forward Frantisk Skladany and defenseman Mikko Viitanen have been assigned to the Mallards by the American League's Hershey Bears. Both players are under National Hockey League contracts with the Colorado Avalanche.

Skladany, a 6-foot tall, 183-pound forward, made his pro debut last spring after a standout career at Boston University. The 22-year old recorded 34 goals and 60 assists for 94 points during his college career. He was held scoreless in five appearances last spring with Hershey. The Martin, Slovakia native played 15 games this year with Hershey recording two penalty minutes and no points.

Mikko Viitanen, a 22-year old defenseman, recorded one assist in 19 games with Hershey this season. Last year, the 6-foot-3, 220-pound defenseman split his rookie season between Hershey and the ECHL's Reading Royals. In 20 games with the Bears last season, Viitanen recorded a goal and an assist for two points. In 47 games with the Royals, the Rajamaki, Finland native had four points (all on assists) and 21 penalty minutes. Viitanen was also a part of the team's run to the ECHL Eastern Conference Final.

"Skladany is a highly skilled player that we expect to produce some offense," said Cornfield. "Viitanen is a big stay-at-home defenseman. Both are highly rated Colorado prospects."

The Mallards return to action on Friday at Kansas City. Game time is 7:30 p.m. as the teams meet in Kansas City for the first time this season. The First Capital Financial Pre-Game Show starts on Fox Sports Radio AM 1230 at 7:05 p.m. After the game, stay tuned for the Allstate Insurance Del Newton/Christy Cox Post-Game Show.

The Mallards return home on Saturday to host the Flint Generals. All fans in attendance will receive a $20 gift certificate redeemable at Riddle's Jewelers. All fans in attendance are eligible for a $2,000 shopping spree from Riddle's. The game is also a chance for Mallards fans to meet Ken Baker, the author of "They Don't Play Hockey in Heaven". Game time is set for 7:00 p.m. at The MARK of the Quad Cities. Tickets are still available at The MARK box office or via phone at (563) 326-1111.



International Hockey League 2 Stories from November 30, 2004


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