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Icehawks Prepare For 2010 Turner Cup Playoffs

April 21, 2010 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Port Huron Icehawks News Release


PORT HURON, MI - The Port Huron Icehawks of the International Hockey League are gearing up to take on the Fort Wayne Komets in the first round of the 2010 Turner Cup Playoffs after ending the 2009-10 season in third place.

The Icehawks' first round series with the two-time defending champion Komets begins Thursday at Allen County War Memorial Coliseum. Due to an unconventional schedule, Port Huron will host game two on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. before both teams hit the road for game three in Fort Wayne Sunday. Game four is scheduled for Wednesday, April 28 at 7:00 p.m. at McMorran Arena.

Fort Wayne won the season series with Port Huron, winning six of eleven matchups, including the last three in a row. The Komets and Icehawks are the league's top two penalty-killing teams, and Port Huron also had the highest power play conversion percent this season.

A free pre-game tailgate party will precede Port Huron's first home game from 5:30 p.m. until game time. Free food, beverages and entertainment will be provided in front of McMorran Arena, and face painting, hair wraps and a bounce house for children will also be available.

The Icehawks closed out the 2009-10 regular season with a pair of home wins against the Bloomington PrairieThunder last weekend. The wins eliminated the PrairieThunder from playoff contention, allowing the rival Flint Generals to move up into the fourth and final playoff spot. Port Huron won five of their last six games, and six of eight overall in April.

It's An Honor: Icehawks' rookie Mickael Bedard received his 2009-10 IHL Rookie of the Year award before Sunday's season finale against the PrairieThunder. Bedard was also named Rookie of the Month in April, his eleventh IHL award of the season.

Larry Sterling was named IHL Goaltender of the Month for April, his third monthly honor of the 2009-10 season. Sterling earned his first official shutout of the season in April, as well as setting a new franchise record with 45 saves in a regulation game.

Newcomer Raffaele D'Orso turned in an outstanding performance in his first professional start, stopping 39 of 40 shots to end Bloomington's season Sunday. For his effort he was named IHL Rookie of the Week for the final week of the season.

Playoff Roster: After no players were taken in this week's waiver draft, the Port Huron Icehawks playoff roster is set. With Cody Hamilton injured, defenseman Brian Deeth from the Pensacola Ice Flyers of the SPHL has been signed for the playoff run. Injured forwards Jason Selleke, Cory Stillman and Tab Lardner have all been waived, though Selleke will join the Icehawks coaching staff for the playoffs.

Iron Men: Port Huron had three iron men appear in every game of the 2009-10 season. Mickael Bedard, Nick Lindberg and Jamie Lovell played in each of the Icehawks' 76 games. Forward Kerry Bowman missed just one game, sitting out Saturday's matchup with Bloomington. The Icehawks had three rookies push through the "rookie wall" as Bedard, Mike Gershon and Brandon Naurato all appeared in more than 60 games this season.

Maverick, Not Goose: Icehawks fans will have a chance Saturday to have a picture taken with Maverick, a live augur hawk, courtesy of Wadhams Road Animal Clinic.

Gear Up: The Icehawks will hold a special sale at The Pro Shop during their first-round playoff games. All apparel will be 20% off during Saturday's first home game. The first 1000 fans at Saturday's game will also receive a special rally towel courtesy of University of Michigan-Flint.

Sudsy Special: For the first time this season, McMorran Arena will offer $2 domestic drafts during Wednesday night's second home game.

Best Seats In The House: McMillin's Furniture and the Port Huron Icehawks will hold a raffle during Saturday's game to give fans a chance to win the La-Z-Boy recliners winners of the "Best Seats of the Game" promotion have enjoyed this season. Entrants must be present to win.

Now For Sale: 2010 Turner Cup Playoffs and 2010-11 season tickets are available now. Visit the box office at McMorran Arena at 701 McMorran Blvd. in downtown Port Huron or call the Icehawks office at 810-966-3800 for more information. Playoff tickets are also available at any Ticketmaster location or www.ticketmaster.com.



International Hockey League 2 Stories from April 21, 2010


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