Hughes hat trick boosts Icehawks to 8-2 win over Generals

Published on March 28, 2008 under International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Port Huron Icehawks News Release


PORT HURON, Mich. - Brent Hughes notched a natural hat trick on Friday to propel the Port Huron Icehawks to a commanding 8-2 victory over the Flint Generals at McMorran Arena.

The Icehawks found themselves with a 4-2 lead early in the second period and then buried any hopes of a Flint rally with an offensive burst from Hughes. The right wing scored at 16:17 in the second period and again at 2:12 and 5:37 in the third stanza to record the first Icehawks hat trick of the season and the second hat trick of his professional career. The six year professional also notched a hat trick during his rookie season with the Austin Ice Bats.

Hughes was assisted on all three goals by Steve Hildenbrand, who extended his assist streak to four games. Amateur Kerry Bowman, who was signed to a professional tryout on Wednesday, also assisted on two of Hughes' goals to record his first professional points.

Jamie Carroll and Jeff Zehr were also key for Port Huron with three points each. Carroll notched two goals and an assist, while Zehr had a goal and two assists, as well as two fights.

Flint kicked things off early with a Mike Alexiou goal at 1:03 in the first period, but Port Huron found the equalizer several minutes later when Zehr notched his team leading 14th power play goal of the season on assists from Carroll and Rich Hansen at 4:45.

Flint pulled out to a 2-1 lead with a Jordan Fox goal at 7:46 in the first period before the Icehawks exploded with seven unanswered goals. The tallies included a power play tally from Kris Vernarsky and an even strength goal by Carroll in the first period and a goal from Tab Lardner early in the second stanza. After the Hughes hat trick, Carroll scored again midway through the third to bring the final score to 8-2.

The Icehawks outshot Flint 35-32 in the victory. They have now outshot their opponent in their last eight consecutive games.

Port Huron converted on two of four power play opportunities, while Flint was 0-6 on the power play in a physical game that saw four fights.

Larry Sterling improved his record to 21-13-2-0 and stopped 30 shots in the victory, while Eric Marvin and Bill Ruggiero shared the duties in goal for Flint and made a combined 27 saves.

With the victory, the Icehawks improved their record to 36-29-2-2 and tightened their grasp on second place in the International Hockey League standings. With 76 points, they currently lead third place Flint by six points and fourth place Muskegon by seven points.

The Icehawks will look to pull even further ahead of their rivals tomorrow when they host the Generals for a second time. The clash will be the final meeting between the two teams this season.

Port Huron will wear specialty Labatt jerseys that will be auctioned off after the game and the first 1,000 fans will receive a free team poster. Walk-up tickets for kids 14-and-under and seniors 62-and-over are just $5 and can be purchased at the Icehawks office or the McMorran Arena box office. Regular seats are $10, $12 and $15. Ticket information is available at www.porthuronicehawks.com or by calling 810-966-3800.

Game Notes....Two Icehawks reached milestones in tonight's game. Joe Markusen played in his 200th professional game, while Hildenbrand reached his 350th professional contest.

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International Hockey League 2 Stories from March 28, 2008


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