PrairieThunder set for exhibition opener
Published on October 9, 2009 under International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Bloomington PrairieThunder News Release
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. - Bloomington PrairieThunder coach Jarrod Skalde is using the team's two exhibition games as a time for evaluation and a measuring stick for what needs to be done ahead of its International Hockey League season-opener next week in Muskegon.
The PrairieThunder meets Quad City in the first of back-to-back exhibition games Saturday at 7 p.m. at the Decatur Civic Center. The teams meet again Sunday in a 2 p.m. contest at the Quad City Sports Center in Davenport, Iowa.
"We'd obviously like to win the games, but more importantly we'll use the games as a measuring stick to see where we are at and evaluate guys in game situations," said Skalde. "We had some intense competition in training camp all week and the exhibition games could determine some roster spots.
"This gives us an opportunity to see how guys respond in game conditions and we can start to put together some line combinations. This also gives some guys a chance to get ready for the season opener."
Paulo Colaiacovo and rookie Ryan Gibb will split time in goal Saturday with Andrew Martin and returning rookie Ryan Ludzik between the pipes on Sunday.
Also in the 20-man lineup Saturday will be returning forwards Jan Jas, Brett Holmberg and Adam Tomkow along with newcomers Robin Gomez, Craig Macdonald, Joey Olson, Derek Parker and rookies Trevor Geiger and Stephen Cooke.
Returnee Bill Bagron, Ryan Finnerty and rookie Matt McIlvane will be at center. Defensemen include returnees Jason Lepine and Russ Smith, along with Brian Boulay and rookies Joe Long, Cole Ruwe and Armando Scarlato.
Admission for the game in Decatur will be $10 for adults, which includes a voucher for a free youth (12 and under) ticket, and $5 for additional youth. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Decatur Youth Hockey Association.
Tickets can be purchased at the Decatur Civic Center. Also, there will be a specialty jersey auction and autograph session following the game.
Bloomington opens the regular season Oct. 17 in Muskegon with its home opener Oct. 24 against Dayton at U.S. Cellular Coliseum.
International Hockey League 2 Stories from October 9, 2009
- Shootout Goals Give Icehawks Preseason Win Over Flint - Port Huron Icehawks
- PrairieThunder set for exhibition opener - Bloomington PrairieThunder
- Mallards Battle Bloomington in Preseason Action This Weekend - Quad City Mallards
- Mallards Madness" Tour to Prime Fans for Opening Night - Quad City Mallards
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