Mallards Lose Five in Expansion Draft
Published on July 9, 2004 under International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Quad City Mallards News Release
Moline, IL-The United Hockey League announced the results of the 2004 Expansion Draft on Friday. The Danbury Trashers, Motor City Mechanics and Kansas City drafted a total of 27 players for their opening seasons. The Mallards lost five players including Tom Menicci, the team's highest scoring defenseman during the 2004-05 season. Jason Goulet, Dylan Mills, Mike Thompson and Brad Essex were also claimed in the draft.
Menicci's rights landed with the Flint Generals after Danbury traded their second round pick to the Generals for Jim Duhart. With the second round selection, the Generals added Menicci. The former Mallard recorded 63 points on 22 goals and 41 assists last season. Menicci was left unprotected by the Mallards due to his plans to retire.
Goulet, Mills, Thompson and Essex were claimed by the UHL's newest franchise in Kansas City. Goulet, a six-foot, 185-pound center, recorded 43 points (10 goals and 33 assists) in 69 games last season with the Mallards. Goulet and his wife are expecting their fourth child. He was left unprotected due to his plans to retire to begin his post-hockey career.
Dylan Mills racked up 34 points (nine goals and 25 assists) last season on the Quad City blueline. Mills was a Mallard for three years recording 87 points (21 goals and 66 assists) in 214 games.
Mike Thompson was a late season addition to the Mallards line-up during the 2003-04 season. Thompson scored six goals and added 10 assists for 16 points in 19 games with the Mallards after being acquired from the Port Huron Beacons in February.
Essex had three goals and six assists for nine points in 29 games with the Mallards last season. Essex also rang up 54 penalty minutes after joining the Mallards in January. Following the season, Essex accepted a position with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and is not expected to return to pro hockey.
The Mallards begin their tenth anniversary season this fall at The MARK of the Quad Cities. Season tickets are available via the Mallards ticket office at (309) 764-7825. For the latest Mallards news and ticket information, visit www.qcmallards.com.
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