Rockford wraps up most successful regular season
April 11, 2005 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Rockford IceHogs News Release
The 2004-05 regular season came to a close on Sunday and the Rockford IceHogs now look forward to a first round Colonial Cup Playoff match-up with the Kalamazoo Wings. The final week was highlighted by the Sixth Annual Muscular Dystrophy Jersey Auction on Saturday, and generous fans helped raise over $50,000 for the local MDA. The playoffs will start with a pair of road games Friday with Game One, followed by Game Two on Saturday in Kalamazoo
Wednesday, April 6: Rockford IceHogs 2 at Quad City Mallards 5
Friday, April 8: Kalamazoo Wings 1 vs. Rockford IceHogs 4
Sunday, April 10: Missouri River Otters 1 vs. Rockford IceHogs 0
Transactions
-Defenseman Joe Pace was signed on Wednesday, April 6.
-Winger Brandon Segal was assigned to Rockford from the Milwaukee Admirals (AHL) on Wednesday, April 6.
-Pace was released on Thursday, April 7.
-Defenseman Scott Hotham was signed to an ATO on Friday, April 8.
-Segal was recalled by the Admirals on Saturday, April 9.
-Winger Eric Labelle was returned to Rockford from the Utah Grizzlies (AHL) on Sunday, April 10.
Bacon Bits:
The IceHogs completed their most successful regular season in franchise history by setting franchise records for wins, road wins, win percentage, points and tied the mark for most wins at home.
Rockford was the only team in the UHL not to allow a short-handed goal on the road.
Hogs fans helped raise over $50,000 with their Sixth Annual Muscular Dystrophy Auction. Defenseman Nathan Lutz's jersey went for $12,000.
The IceHogs drew a franchise record 147,717 fans this season.
Winger Eric Labelle became the first IceHogs player to lead the league in penalty minutes (390).
Forwards Olivier Proulx and Miguel Lafleche and defenseman Steve Pelletier were the only three player to play in all 80 IceHogs games.
Defenseman Nathan Lutz and winger Terry Harrison played in 82 total games this season. They picked up the extra games while skating in the American Hockey League.
The IceHogs led the UHL with loaning eight players to the American Hockey League.
Goalie Michel Robinson finished the season leading the UHL in minutes played with 3,816, which is also a franchise record.
Rockford finished second in the UHL with a 2.54 goals against average.
Hot Hog: Week 26
Winger Bruce Watson: The IceHogs versatile and tough winger had a pair of assists in Week 26 and was an enforcer on the ice with 33 penalty minutes. Watson, one of only four veterans on the Hogs squad was plus-1 for the week as well.
Upcoming Games:
Friday, April 15 at Kalamazoo Wings. The game begins at 6:35 p.m. The IceHogs open the First Round of the Colonial Cup Playoffs in Kalamazoo against the Wings. The series is best-of-seven.
Saturday, April 16 at Kalamazoo Wings. The puck drops at 6:35 p.m. Week One of the Colonial Cup Playoffs wraps up for Rockford and Kalamazoo at Wings Stadium. The Wings have home-ice, but Rockford will look to take control in Game Two on Saturday.
Introducing the IceHogs Broadcasting Network:
Rockford IceHogs fans can catch all IceHogs Colonial Cup Playoff games on Rockford's Voice, 1330 AM, WNTA. Fans can now also watch and listen to the Hogs on the world wide web with the B2 Networks! Log onto the IceHogs website (icehogs.com) and click on the "click here to watch the game live" icon, and for just $6, you can catch all of the IceHogs action on your computer. Also, fans with Insight Cable television can tune into Channel 57 for all the IceHogs hockey action this season. 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.
Final Budweiser HogTalk At The Olympic Tavern Returns This Week:
Budweiser HogTalk returns for the final time this season tonight at the Olympic Tavern! The show, hosted by WXRX's Jim Stone and Double T, runs from 6:30-7:30 p.m. each Monday and features IceHogs Head Coach Steve Martinson. This week, IceHogs forward J.C. Ruid and defenseman Scott Hotham will join Hogs fans at the Olympic Tavern
Season Ticket Renewals:
Season ticket holders can also now renew their season tickets for the 2005-06 season! Season ticket holders can save up to 10% off of their ticket packages by paying in full by Friday, April 15. Fans can renew their tickets at the season ticket holder table at any remaining IceHogs home game, at the IceHogs office (202 West State Street in downtown Rockford) or over the phone at (815) 986-6465.
Playoff Tickets Available:
Individual single game playoff tickets are now on sale at the Rockford MetroCentre Box Office for the IceHogs first round match-up with the Kalamazoo Wings. Game Three will take place on Tuesday, April 19 at 7:05 p.m., while Game Four will be played on Wednesday, April 20 at 7:05 p.m. If a Game Six is necessary, the Hogs will host the contest at the MetroCentre on Saturday, April 23 at 7:05 p.m. Call (815) 986-6465 for tickets.
Week 27 Schedule (1st Round Playoffs)
Friday, April 15 at Kalamazoo, 6:35 p.m. (Game 1)
Saturday, April 16 at Kalamazoo, 6:35 p.m. (Game 2)
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