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IHL 2 Rockford IceHogs

Rockford tightens up defense, stays in West race

December 27, 2004 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Rockford IceHogs News Release


The IceHogs split a pair of games during a light schedule for the holiday week. The IceHogs dropped a tough 3-2 game at Fort Wayne but rebounded with a 1-0 win at Kalamazoo on Sunday. Three more IceHogs received brief promotions to the Milwaukee Admirals last week as well for Rockford. The IceHogs have a full week ahead of them with four games in five night beginning Wednesday night at the MetroCentre against Fort Wayne.

Wednesday, December 22: Rockford 2 at Fort Wayne 3

Sunday, December 26: Rockford 1 at Kalamazoo 0

Transactions

-Forwards Jason Ralph and Olivier Proulx, and defenseman Nathan Lutz were loaned to the Milwaukee Admirals (AHL) on Thursday, December 23.

-Defenseman Ryan Bonni was sent back to Rockford from Milwaukee (AHL) on Thursday, December 23.

-Ralph, Proulx and Lutz were returned to Rockford from Milwaukee on Friday, December 24.

-Winger Brent Sullivan was placed on the 14-Day Injured Reserve on Thursday, December 23.

-Winger Joe Pace was signed on Sunday, December 26.

-Goaltender Tim Sinderman was added as an emergency back-up goalie on Sunday, December 26.

Bacon Bits:

The IceHogs win over Kalamazoo Sunday at Wings Stadium was the clubs first regulation win in Kalamazoo since March 10, 2001.

The IceHogs went 95 straight games without recording a shutout. Since goalie Michel Robinson broke that drought on November 26, the puck stopper has three shutouts in the IceHogs last 14 games.

Robinson's three shutouts place him second all-time on the IceHogs career shutout list, one behind the single season and career shutout leader Brant Nicklin.

With the call-ups of Jason Ralph, Nathan Lutz and Olivier Proulx on Thursday, the IceHogs now have had seven players called-up to the American Hockey League this season.

Center Olivier Proulx picked up his fourth game winning goal of the season Sunday at Kalamazoo. All four of the second year skaters game winning tallies have come in the IceHogs last five wins dating back to December 10.

The IceHogs 20-8-4 record is easily the best winning mark after 32 games in franchise history. The IceHogs previous best was 16-12-4 during the 2002-03 season, the last time the club made the playoffs.

Rockford picked up their seventh win in the month of December Sunday, the most wins during the month that has been the least friendly for the IceHogs.

The IceHogs also clinched their third straight winning month, a first time feat for the franchise.

The IceHogs and Wings combined for an IceHogs season low for combined penalty minutes Sunday with 22 PIMS.

Hot Hog: Week 11

Defenseman Nathan Lutz: The IceHogs blue-liner set a career high with his seventh goal of the season on Wednesday night in Fort Wayne. The goal got the IceHogs rolling and helped them temporarily erase a two-goal deficit. Lutz also received a promotion to the American Hockey League on Thursday with the Milwaukee Admirals.

Upcoming Games:

Wednesday, December 29 vs. Fort Wayne Komets:. Game time is 7:05 p.m. The IceHogs and Komets match-up for the final time this season at the Rockford MetroCentre in a game that pits the top two Western Division teams. Fans can Pig Out with the IceHogs and WXRX 104.9 FM with a pulled pork sandwich and a beer for $5.

Friday, December 31 vs. Muskegon Fury: Game time is 7:05 p.m. For the first time ever, the IceHogs will host a New Year's Eve game! The first 1,000 fans to the rink will receive a Rally Towel courtesy of Belvidere Physical Therapy. The IceHogs battle the defending Colonial Cup Champions on the final game of 2004.

Saturday, January 1 at Missouri River Otters: Start time is 7:05 p.m. Rockford returns to the Family Arena in St. Charles, Missouri to take on the River Otters in a New Year's Day game.

Sunday, January 2 vs. Missouri River Otters: Puck drops at 3:05 p.m. In the back-end of a home-and-home series, the IceHogs take on Missouri once again. Sunday is another Family Four Pack Day. That's four tickets, four hot dogs and four soft drinks for only $40. Also bring your skates for this season's second skate with the Hogs.

Rockford's Voice is The Home of the Hogs:

Catch all 80 Regular Season and all Playoff games on the official radio home for the Rockford IceHogs, Rockford's Voice, 1330 AM, WNTA. The broadcast begins with the SBC Pregame Show 20 minutes before the puck drops and make sure to give your opinion during the Seven11 Productions Post Game Call In Show following each home game at (815) 874-8255. Also, fans with Insight Cable television can tune into Channel 57 for all the IceHogs hockey action this season.

Budweiser HogTalk At The Olympic Tavern:

There will be no Budweiser Hog Talk tonight at the Olympic Tavern due to the holidays this week. But you can join the Rockford IceHogs and Budweiser at the Olympic Tavern next Monday from 6:30-7:30 p.m. for HogTalk. The show is hosted by WXRX's Jim Stone and Double T. Fans can meet, chat and ask questions about Hogs hockey to IceHogs Head Coach Steve Martinson and the IceHogs players at the show.

Single Game Tickets Are On Sale:

Fans can purchase single game tickets for any IceHogs regular season game at the MetroCentre Box Office or by calling (815) 968-5222. Tickets start at just $7 and there are great seats available. An arena surcharge will apply to all tickets.

Season Tickets:

Season tickets for the 2004-05 season are still on sale at a prorated price! Season ticket holders receive great benefits like same seat for every game, first right of refusal for playoff tickets and the "Never A Wasted Ticket Policy" so no ticket will go unused. For more information, call the IceHogs office at (815) 986-6465.

We're Back On The Auction Block:

The Rockford IceHogs have fired up their auction on the team's official web-site once again! Items on the block this week include a Jeff DaCosta home jersey, Father-Son Backstage Pass and Dinner for two with IceHogs winger Chris Gobert. For information on the auction, log onto the IceHogs web-site, www.icehogs.com. The auction will close on Wednesday, January 5.

Week 12 Schedule

Wednesday, December 29 vs. Fort Wayne, 7:05 p.m.

Friday, December 31 vs. Muskegon, 7:05 p.m.

Saturday, January 1 at Missouri, 7:05 p.m.

Sunday, January 2 vs. Missouri, 3:05 p.m.

Check out the Rockford IceHogs Statistics

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International Hockey League 2 Stories from December 27, 2004


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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