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Merlini Named To All-Rookie Team

April 15, 2009 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Port Huron Icehawks News Release


PORT HURON, MI - Port Huron Icehawks defenseman Derek Merlini was named to the International Hockey League All-Rookie Team for the 2008-09 season, the league announced today. The All-Rookie Team was selected by head coaches, general managers and members of the media.

Merlini registered 30 points (9g, 21a) in 73 games this season. He completed the 2008-09 campaign with a +29 rating, which ranked him first among rookies and tied for second in the league in plus/minus. He was named IHL Rookie of the Week in Weeks 13 and 22.

The 23-year old native of Clinton Township, Michigan is in his second professional season. Last season, he had five points (2g, 3a) and a +5 rating in 43 games with Port Huron.

Also named to the All-Rookie Team were Kalamazoo defenseman Rob Jarvis, Kalamazoo forwards Rick Cleaver and Tommy Lange, Fort Wayne forward Rick Varone and Bloomington goaltender Ryan Ludzik.

The Icehawks will open Round One of the Turner Cup Playoffs with two games at McMorran Arena this weekend. They kick off the series with the Muskegon Lumberjacks on Friday at 7:30 p.m. and host the Lumberjacks again on Saturday for Game Two. During Game One, the first 1,000 fans will receive free rally towels courtesy of TCF Bank. Game Two will feature free Thundersticks for the first 1,000 fans, courtesy of University of Michigan Flint's Port Huron office.

To celebrate the start of the post-season, the Icehawks will hold a free tailgate party in front of McMorran Arena on Friday from 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. The festivities include free food and beverages from Pepsi, Gordon Food Services and Chef Shell's Catering and a bounce house and youth games sponsored by Barnard Rental. There will also be face painting, music and other entertainment. Food will be first come, first serve.

Single game tickets for games one and two 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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