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Mallards Sign Foursome

September 10, 2009 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Quad City Mallards News Release


MOLINE, Ill. (September 10, 2009) - The Quad City Mallards, proud International Hockey League (IHL) affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers, today announced the signings of forwards Derek Bachynski and Mike Zbriger and defensemen Matt Burke and Kyryll Katrych. Per Mallards team policy no contract terms were announced.

Bachynski, 26, returns to North America after spending a productive rookie season in the Dutch Eredivisie with Groningen last year. The Belle River, Ontario-born right wing scored 25 goals and piled up 55 points in 40 games in 2008-09. The 5' 10, 165-pound Bachynski played college hockey at Wayne State, totaling 27 goals and 64 points in 114 career games as a Warrior. He capped off his time at WSU by setting collegiate career highs with nine goals and 21 points in just 20 games as a senior in 2007-08.

"Darrell had a great second half at Wayne State in his senior season. He was a dominant player at right wing," said Mallards Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Frank Anzalone. "He also played very well last year in Holland. He seems to have a nose for the net, good hands and a very good shot."

Zbriger, a 27 year-old centerman, is entering his fourth professional season. The St. Lawrence University product split last season between the Central Hockey League's Corpus Christi Icerays and Wichita Thunder, notching 19 goals and 51 points in 62 games. Zbriger hit the 30-goal plateau and also rang up 64 points in 2007-08 while playing in Germany for the Weiden Blue Devils. The 5' 10", 178-pound Montreal native spent his first pro campaign in the United Hockey League skating for three different teams. Zbriger collected 29 goals and 57 points while suiting up for the Chicago Hounds, Flint Generals and Bloomington PrairieThunder in 2006-07.

"Mike had a solid career at St. Lawrence and that has carried over to pro hockey- he has been a solid player everywhere he's been," said Anzalone. "He's offensively talented. He has very good hands and very good vision and is a good set up man. He should help us on the power play."

Burke, 24, joins the Mallards after spending a season-plus with the Phoenix Roadrunners of the ECHL. Last year the Milton, Massachusetts, native recorded four goals and 12 points in 67 games. Among Burke's Roadrunner teammates last season was goaltender Kyle Jones, whose signing with the Mallards was announced earlier this week. Burke turned pro with the Roadrunners in the spring of 2008 after completing his college career at Holy Cross. The 6' 0", 190-pound Burke played eight games for Phoenix immediately after finishing his senior season.

During four seasons as a Crusader Burke scored 15 goals and registered 65 points. In 2005-06 Burke set a career high with 22 points while helping Holy Cross to an Atlantic Hockey conference title, an NCAA tournament berth and an upset opening round tournament win over highly ranked Minnesota.

"Matt played extremely well in the second half last year in Phoenix once he had his feet wet," said Anzalone. "He comes highly recommended by both his college coach and his coach in Phoenix. He's a real gamer who should do very well on the back end for us."

Katrych, a 25-year old Ukrainian, had six goals and 26 points in 33 games with the Battle Creek Revolution of the All American Hockey League last season. The 2008-09 campaign was Katrych's first in North America. The 5' 10", 161-pound blue liner played in his homeland for Sokol Kiev before making the trip across the Atlantic. Katrych represented his country as a 19-year old at the 2004 World Junior Championship.

"Kyryll comes highly recommended by a solid hockey agent who watched him numerous times in Battle Creek and thinks he's a real sleeper who can play at the AA level," said Anzalone. "Kyryll has international experience and a desire to play at this level."

Bachynski, Burke, Katrych and Zbriger join Jones, Obi Aduba, Jean Desrochers, Jason Goulet, Sebastien Laplante, Chris Lipsett, Michael Lombardi, Shane Lovdahl, Mike Maier, Darren McMillan and Jacques Perreault- whose signings were previously announced- to bring to 15 the number of players now signed with the Mallards for the coming campaign.

After opening their first IHL season on the road against the Flint Generals on October 17, the Mallards will return to the i wireless Center for their home opener on Saturday, October 24 against the defending Turner Cup champion Fort Wayne Komets. The home opener will also serve as the culmination of "Hocktoberfest," a celebration of all things hockey in the Quad Cities. For information on the most fan friendly season ticket plans in professional hockey, fans can contact the Mallards at 319-277-1364.



International Hockey League 2 Stories from September 10, 2009


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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