IceHogs honored as UHL's Member Club of the Year
May 3, 2005 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Rockford IceHogs News Release
Rockford, Ill.- The United Hockey League concluded the 2004-05 regular season awards on Tuesday, and the league awarded the Rockford IceHogs the Member Club of the Year. The award is voted on by the UHL's Board of Governors and the honor is the first for the IceHogs franchise, owned by Dr. Kris Tumilowicz.
Rockford is currently enjoying their most successful season in the club's six-year history. Led by Head Coach Steve Martinson, hired last June, the IceHogs set franchise records for wins, points, road wins, and home wins in a single season. The IceHogs qualified for the post season for only the third time in franchise history, and the club advanced past the first round for the first time ever. The IceHogs also had a 4% increase in attendance this season.
"Our entire organization has worked extremely hard this season to take the IceHogs to the next level on and off the ice," said IceHogs General Manager Ryan Washatka. "It is very gratifying to receive this recognition from our peers around the UHL for our accomplishments.
"There are a lot of people that contribute to making IceHogs hockey a success and I am excited to be able to share with them this prestigious honor."
At the Pepsi All-Star Classic in January, the IceHogs were represented with six skaters, including five starters. The IceHogs had never had a player in the starting line-up for an All-Star Game, and this season goaltender Michel Robinson, defenseman Nathan Lutz and forwards J.F. Dufour, Olivier Proulx and J.C. Ruid were all in the starting line-up. Rookie d-man Steve Pelletier was also named to the All-Star squad.
Playing at the AA level, the IceHogs had eight players loaned to the American Hockey League, North America's top professional league during the 2004-05 season. The IceHogs loaned more players than any other team in the UHL. Of the eight players loaned to the AHL, five received multiple call-ups, including Robinson, Lutz, defenseman Ryan Bonni, and forwards Jason Ralph and Eric Labelle. Defenseman Tim Wedderburn was loaned to the Chicago Wolves in November and signed an AHL contract for the remainder of the season. Proulx and winger Terry Harrison also received promotions.
Fans will have an opportunity to get a behind the scenes look at the IceHogs 2004-05 season on the road with "Road Hogs: The Other Side of The Season." The Hogs took their marketing campaign, Smash Hit Hockey, a step further this season with a full length, featured film, produced by seven11 Productions. The documentary is due out in August 2005 and will be available on DVD.
In the community, the IceHogs and their generous fans helped raise over $50,000 for the local Muscular Dystrophy Association Jersey Auction on April 8. The auction benefits the local MDA Chapter of the Rock River Valley and was highlighted by Lutz's jersey bid for $12,000. The Hogs and their fans have helped raise over $300,000 in the clubs' six years in hosting the auction.
The IceHogs have been recognized by the other member clubs and media members for their outstanding achievements during the regular season. Robinson was awarded Top Goaltender along with joining Lutz as a First Team All-Star. Pelletier was named to the UHL's All-Rookie Team as well. In the front office, Washatka was named the UHL's General Manager of the Year while Mike Peck was awarded the UHL's Broadcaster of the Year.
Next Home Games: Wednesday, May 4 vs. Fort Wayne Komets. Game time is 7:05 p.m. Game Three of the best-of-seven semi-final series commences at the Rockford MetroCentre. The series is tied one game apiece. Season Ticket Holders should use Playoff Ticket #4 for the game. Game Four is also set for Friday, May 6 at 7:05 p.m. Come and catch the series most important game! Season Ticket Holder should use Playoff Ticket #5 for the contest. For tickets call (815) 968-5222.
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International Hockey League 2 Stories from May 3, 2005
- IceHogs honored as UHL's Member Club of the Year - Rockford IceHogs
- Rockford IceHogs named UHL Member Club of the Year - IHL 2
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