Rockford adds size and experience with Tibbetts
Published on November 3, 2005 under International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Rockford IceHogs News Release
Rockford, Ill.- Rockford IceHogs Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Steve Martinson announced Thursday that the United Hockey League club has signed veteran winger Billy Tibbetts to a contract. Sticking with club policy, terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
Tibbetts has 82 games of National Hockey League experience and most recently played in the show during the 2002-03 season with the New York Rangers. In 82 NHL contests, Tibbetts has 2g-8a-10pts and 269 PIM's. Tibbetts skated in 62 games with the Pittsburgh Penguins spanning the 2000-01 and '01-02 seasons.
The Boston, Mass. native will have his second go-round with Martinson. Tibbetts skated for the Hogs bench boss in San Diego during the 2003-04 campaign. Tibbetts skated in 35 games last season in the ECHL with the San Diego Gulls, Las Vegas Wranglers and Idaho Steelheads, netting 8g-20a-28pts and 320 penalty minutes.
"Billy has tremendous speed and strength," said Martinson. "He's certainly going to be an impact player for us this season. He turned down a few deals from Europe to play here and try to get back to the NHL."
The 6-2 winger made an immediate impact during his rookie season in 1995-96 with the Johnstown Chiefs (ECHL), accumulating 37g-31a-68pts and 300PIM's. With the loss of winger Bruce Watson to an injury for the next six weeks, Tibbetts will bring more toughness to the lineup for the Hogs.
Tibbetts isn't expected to be in the Hogs lineup on Saturday when the team travels to St. Charles, Mo. to take on the Missouri River Otters. The veteran winger is, however, expected to suit up for the IceHogs contest against the Flint Generals on Friday, Nov. 11 at the Rockford MetroCentre.
ICEHOGS' BACON BITS TO PREMIERE ON SUNDAY
Half-hour show to air Sunday at 9:00 p.m. on FOX39
Rockford, Ill.- The Rockford IceHogs will be featured in a monthly magazine style television show on WQRF-TV FOX 39 beginning this Sunday, November 6. Bacon Bits will run from 9:00-9:30 p.m. and will be hosted by WTVO-TV Channel 17 Sports Anchors Scott Leber and Vince Conway.
The half-hour show will air one Sunday a month, and FOX 39 will air six total Bacon Bits episodes through April. Bacon Bits will focus on the IceHogs and different happenings on and off the ice. This week's edition of Bacon Bits will feature a segment on MedicineMan, Inc, the IceHogs marketing company who designs the Hogs marketing themes, brochures and popular poster giveaways.
Other segments include an in-depth look at the new visor rule in the UHL, the team's Miller Lite Meet The Team Party at Shooter's North and how the MetroCentre staff installs the ice for a professional hockey game. Bacon Bits will feature interviews with players, coaches and staff members.
Bacon Bits will also give IceHogs fans an exclusive behind the scenes look at the 2005-06 season. The IceHogs are currently 7-0-0, their best start in club history, and are coming off their most successful season on the ice in 2004-05 as the UHL Member Club of the Year..
For questions about Bacon Bits on FOX 39, please contact IceHogs Director of Broadcasting and Media Relations Mike Peck at (815) 986-6465.
Next Home Game: Friday, November 11 vs. Flint Generals. Game time is 7:05 p.m. Rockford returns home to face off against the Generals. The first 2,000 fans to the game will receive an IceHogs "Support Our Troops" wristband in honor of Veterans Day. Call (815) 968-5222 for tickets.
International Hockey League 2 Stories from November 3, 2005
- Rockford adds size and experience with Tibbetts - Rockford IceHogs
- Vipers partner with Grand Home Furnishings for season long coat and blanket drive - Roanoke Valley Vipers
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.
