Icehawks Face Two Big Opponents This Week In Four Games

December 8, 2009 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Port Huron Icehawks News Release


PORT HURON, MI - The second place Port Huron Icehawks will battle to move up in the International Hockey League standings this week as they take on two big opponents in separate home and home series.

The Icehawks head to Fort Wayne on Wednesday to fight for sole possession of second place and wrap up their longest road trip of the season. They will host a rematch with the Komets at home on Saturday. First, however, they must sink their talons into the first place Muskegon Lumberjacks. They play the Lumberjacks at home on Friday, then head to Muskegon for another contest on Sunday.

The Icehawks have played their last five games on the road and have gone 2-2-0-1 in that span, including a loss in Muskegon last Friday and a win in Dayton on Sunday.

After Wednesday's game, the Icehawks will return to more comfortable territory with their first games on home ice since a 4-1 win on November 21 versus Dayton. The Icehawks are 7-2-0-0 at home overall this season and are currently riding a three game home winning streak.

This week's games will have a big impact on the standings. The Icehawks and Komets are currently tied for second place with identical records of 12-6-0-1 and 25 points each. Both teams are five points behind the Lumberjacks, who sit in first place with a record of 14-4-0-2.

The Icehawks have yet to solve the Lumberjacks this season. They are 0-4-0-0 against their rival, with one loss at McMorran Arena and three in Muskegon. The Icehawks are 1-1 in the season series with the Komets.

A Look Back: The Icehawks fell 3-0 in Muskegon last Friday, marking the first time they were shut out this season. The team responded in a big way with a 7-4 victory in Dayton on Sunday, their highest scoring game of the season. The Icehawks are now 0-4-0-0 against Muskegon and 4-0-0-0 against Dayton.

Instant Impact: Former Michigan Wolverine Brandon Naurato will play his first game in front of the home crowd this week after enjoying a successful road trip. Through his first four games with the team, Naurato has four points on two goals and two assists.

Special Teams Success: The Icehawks continued to dominate on the penalty kill last week, allowing just one power play goal in eight chances. They have allowed just nine power play goals this season and have been the only team in single-digits in that category since mid-November. Opposing teams have been shut down on 88.6% of power play chances against the Icehawks this season, also the best in the league.

Back on Track: Forward Mickael Bedard and defenseman Daniel Tetrault had their point streaks snapped when the Icehawks were shutout by Muskegon Friday night. They got back on track with two points each in Friday night's game. Bedard now has points in ten of his last eleven games and Tetrault in eight of his last nine. Bedard currently leads all IHL rookies with 16 points (6g, 10a) and Tetrault leads IHL defensemen with 17 points (4g, 13a).

Ticket Packages: The Icehawks are offering two great discount packages for home games during the 2009-10 season. Family Four Packs are available now for all home games, while Deuces Wild Packages are on sale for all weekday games.

Family Four Packs include four tickets, four hot dogs, and four small fountain drinks for just $44. For just $22, the Deuces Wild Package includes two tickets in the Attack Zone and two beers or soft drinks. The Deuces Wild Package must be purchased at the Icehawks office during normal business hours, while the Family Four Pack is available in advance or at the gate.

Single Game Tickets: Single game tickets for all Icehawks home games are on sale now at the McMorran Arena Box Office, any Ticket Master location or by phone. For more information, visit www.porthuronicehawks.com or call 810-966-3800.



International Hockey League 2 Stories from December 8, 2009


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