Hogs bulk up with Lizon, add backstop Cuthbert
Published on September 7, 2006 under International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Rockford IceHogs News Release
Rockford, Ill.- Rockford IceHogs Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Steve Martinson announced on Thursday that the United Hockey League club has signed rookie winger Erick Lizon and rookie goaltender Brenden Cuthbert to contracts for the upcoming 2006-07 season. Per club policy, terms of the agreements were not disclosed.
Cuthbert makes his return to Rockford after completing the 2005-06 campaign with the IceHogs. After being released by the Missouri River Otters, the IceHogs claimed Cuthbert who went 2-0-1 in three appearances with a 1.83 goals against average and a .947 save percentage. In his second start with the IceHogs, Cuthbert shutout the Muskegon Fury, who were the second highest scoring club last season.
"Brenden came in here late last season and did a great job," said Martinson. "He made everything look easy. He's going to get a chance to prove that he can be a top goalie at this level."
Overall, Cuthbert appeared in 33 games last season between the IceHogs and River Otters. The 6-2, 195-pound goalie will still be considered a rookie this season after playing 1,716 minutes. The minimum number of minutes played to not be considered a rookie is 3,600. With a struggling Otters club in '05-06, Cuthbert went 6-17-1 with a 3.86 GAA and a .887 save percentage.
Prior to turning pro, Cuthbert stopped pucks in the Western Hockey League and Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League. With the Weyburn Red Wings (SJHL) during the 2004-05 season, Cuthbert led them to the Royal Bank Championship and was named tournament MVP after posting a record of 5-0-1 in the tournament with a 1.85 goals against average and a .939 save percentage.
The IceHogs front line was also bulked up on Thursday with the signing of Lizon. The upcoming campaign with Rockford will be the 6-4, 215-pound winger's first in the pro ranks. The winger skated the past two seasons with the Victoriaville Tigres (QMJHL).
With Victoriaville, Lizon established himself as one of the toughest players in the QMJHL. To go along with the Kitchener, Ontario native's 127 penalty minutes, Lizon also accumulated 11g-12a-23pts for the Tigres.
"Erick's a big, strong, physical player and his 11 goals show that he is a tough guy that can play" said Martinson. "He's also a good team guy that likes to hit."
At the conclusion of his season with Victoriaville last year, Lizon skated with the Manchester Monarchs of the American Hockey League. Lizon did not suit up and play with the Monarchs however. The winger will attend Milwaukee Admirals (AHL) training camp prior to coming to Rockford in October.
With Lizon and Cuthbert locked up, the IceHogs now have 14 players signed for the upcoming season. Joining the rookies are forwards Francis Belanger, Jesse Bennefield, Nicolas Corbeil, Preston Mizzi, Rob Voltera and Steve Yetman and defensemen Jared Bourassa, Dan Boeser, Matt Gens, Lee Jacobson, Mike Letizia and Tom Zabkowicz.
Season Tickets Now Available: The Rockford IceHogs wrapped up its most successful campaign in club history in 2005-06 and we want you along for the ride in 2006-07. Season ticket packages are now available for the Hogs' 8th season in Rockford by calling (815) 986-6465. Ticket packages start as low as $95!
International Hockey League 2 Stories from September 7, 2006
- Hogs bulk up with Lizon, add backstop Cuthbert - Rockford IceHogs
- Fels signs in for Fury - Muskegon Lumberjacks
- Chicago Hounds Announce Exhibition Schedule - Chicago Hounds
- Generals sign two players for 2006-07 season - Flint Generals
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