Lardner Named Outstanding Defensive Forward

Published on April 2, 2009 under International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Port Huron Icehawks News Release


PORT HURON, MI - Port Huron Icehawks left wing Tab Lardner was named Outstanding Defensive Forward for the 2008-09 season, the International Hockey League announced on Thursday. The award was selected by team coaches, general managers and members of the media.

Lardner leads the Icehawks on and off the ice as team captain. He has 64 points (36g, 28a) and a +15 rating in 70 games this season and is first in the league in game winning goals with nine. Of his 36 goals, ten have come on the power play.

Lardner has recorded two hat tricks this season. The first came on February 4th in a 5-2 win over Kalamazoo and the second came March 15th in a 7-3 win over Muskegon. He is the only member of the Icehawks to record a hat trick in the 2008-09 season.

"Tab is our leader in every situation," Head Coach and General Manager Stan Drulia said. "He comes to play every night, sacrifices his body and plays the game the right way. We are very fortunate to have such a quality person in our organization."

The 29-year old native of Edmonton, Alberta is in his eighth professional season and second with the Icehawks. In the 2007-08 campaign, the veteran led the Icehawks in points with 81 and was named to the IHL First Team All Stars. In two seasons with Port Huron, Lardner remains the franchise's top scorer, posting a total of 145 points in 141 games played. He has scored a franchise-high 75 goals and 14 game winning goals.

Lardner reached several career milestones this season. He played in his 500th professional game on February 18th and scored his 400th professional point on February 27th.

"It is nice to be recognized. My teammates make my job easy," Lardner said. "We've always had a strong defensive team with strong goaltending. We try to take care of our defensive zone first and our offense second."

Lardner will be presented with the award prior to Saturday's game versus the Flint Generals at McMorran Arena. Game time is 7:30 p.m.

The Icehawks travel to Kalamazoo on Friday to face the K-Wings before returning home to take on the Generals on Saturday and the Muskegon Lumberjacks on Sunday. Saturday's game will feature a Labatt Blue Jersey Auction. On Sunday, tickets for kids 14-and-under and seniors 62-and-over are just $5 and hot dogs at McMorran Arena are only $1.

Tickets for the Icehawks three remaining home games are available now at the Icehawks office, McMorran Arena box office, all Ticketmaster locations and www.ticketmaster.com. For more information call 810-966-3800 or visit www.porthuronicehawks.com.

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International Hockey League 2 Stories from April 2, 2009


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