Hunt, IceHogs top Mallards in exhibition opener
October 10, 2004 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Rockford IceHogs News Release
Moline, Ill,- Saturday night marked the beginning of the Steve Martinson era, and the Rockford IceHogs topped the Quad City Mallards 6-3 at the MARK of the Quad Cities in Moline, Illinois in a preseason game. Rookie goaltender Grady Hunt played all 60 minutes turning away 32 Mallards shots and forward Olivier Proulx chipped in two goal and two assists.
The Hogs jumped out to the early 1-0 lead when defenseman Rod Aldoff beat Quad City goalie Jeff Reynaert at 7:13 of the first period. The Mallards responded with a short-handed goal from Mike Kompon at 8:40 to tie the contest. The Hogs however, would retaliate with a short-handed goal of their own from defenseman Vince Malts at 12:38 to put the Hogs up 2-1 at the break.
Proulx then netted his first goal to stretch the Rockford lead to 3-1 at 11:15 of the first period while the Hogs skated on the power play. But Quad City closed the gap back to one-goal when Jonathan Gagnon beat Hunt just before the second intermission at 19:28.
Rockford didn't waste any time extending their lead in the third period as Malts lit the lamp for his second goal of the night 3:28 into the final frame. The Hogs then went back on the power play and winger Jason Ralph capitalized at 8:39 picking up his own rebound and firing it by Mallards puck stopper Martin Magers to extend the lead to 5-2. Proulx would provide the final IceHogs goal at 11:37, another power play marker to make the score 6-2.
The Mallards would add a final tally at 16:13 of the third when Marty Standish flipped in the Mallards third goal of the night. It wasn't enough however, as the Hogs and Hunt turned in the preseason victory, 6-3. Wingers Terry Harrison and Chris Gobert contributed three assists a piece as well to help lead the Hogs.
The IceHogs and Mallards will clash in one final preseason, exhibition contest on Tuesday, October 12. Game time is 7:00 p.m. and will be played at the MARK of the Quad Cities once again.
Opening Night!: The IceHogs will open their regular season portion of the 20040-05 schedule on Friday, October 15 against the rival Quad City Mallards. Game time is set for 7:05 p.m. and the first 4,000 fans to the MetroCentre will receive a Rally Towel courtesy of Bud Light. For tickets call (815) 968-5222.
International Hockey League 2 Stories from October 10, 2004
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- Fury undefeated in pre-season - Muskegon Lumberjacks
- Houston Assigns Gherson to Mallards - Quad City Mallards
- Hunt, IceHogs top Mallards in exhibition opener - Rockford IceHogs
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