Labelle and Malts put in Hogs mix
Published on September 30, 2004 under International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Rockford IceHogs News Release
Rockford, Ill.- Rockford IceHogs Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Steve Martinson announced Thursday that the United Hockey League club has signed forward Eric Labelle and defenseman Vince Malts for the fast approaching 2004-05 season. Per club policy, terms of the agreements were not disclosed.
Labelle, 6'-2" and Malts, 6'-3", adds more size to an IceHogs roster that now includes 11 players over 6'-0". Labelle spent the past two seasons playing with current IceHogs forward Terry Harrison with the Columbia Inferno (ECHL). Last season, the fourth year pro racked up 7g-16a-23pts while accumulating 264 penalty minutes for the Southern Division Champions. The Hull, Quebec native also had 14 major penalties during his third season in the pro ranks.
"Labelle is a physical player who grinds and he's tough and can play," said Martinson. "Vince is also a gritty player who is actually switching from forward to defense this season. Some teams bring in players that are physical and big, but can't play. I don't even let our guys fight those guys. Guys have to prove they belong on the ice before they can fight my guys."
Malts is entering his sixth season in the pros, and first in the UHL. Malts has spent all of his five year career playing in the ECHL. Last season, Malts suited up for the Bakersfield Condors and appeared in 26 games. The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania native's top season came during the 2002-03 campaign while splitting time with the Charlotte Checkers and Augusta Lynx. In 59 games, Malts had 11g-20a-31pts and 160 PIM's.
Both Labelle and Malts are expected to be in IceHogs camp when training camp opens on Monday morning. The first practice is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. at Riverview Ice House, and the Hogs will open the regular season portion of the 04-05 season on Friday, October 15 at the MetroCentre when the Quad City Mallards come to town at 7:05 p.m.
With Labelle and Malts, the IceHogs have 18 skaters under contract for training camp. Also on the pre-season roster are forwards J.F. Dufour, Russ Guzior, Terry Harrison, Miguel LaFleche, Olivier Proulx, Jason Ralph, J.C. Ruid, Paul Vincent and Bruce Watson, defensemen Rod Aldoff, Frankie Allen, Nathan Lutz, Steve Pelletier and Tim Wedderburn and goalies Grady Hunt and Michel Robinson.
Season Tickets Available Season tickets for the 2004-05 season are now on sale. Ticket packages start at just $98 and there are great seats available. Be a part of the action all season long! For more information call (815) 986-6465 and ask to speak with a season ticket representative.
International Hockey League 2 Stories from September 30, 2004
- Frostbite ink two rookie goaltenders - Adirondack Frostbite
- Mallards Announce Training Camp Schedule - Quad City Mallards
- Labelle and Malts put in Hogs mix - Rockford IceHogs
- Quenneville signs with 'Dogs - Richmond RiverDogs
- New head Mechanic John Tull to lead Motor City hockey franchise - Motor City Mechanics
- UHL champion Fury to open training camp Monday - Muskegon Lumberjacks
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