Skilled Defenseman Assigned to Mallards
Published on November 2, 2004 under International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Quad City Mallards News Release
Moline, IL- Quad City Mallards President and General Manager Howard Cornfield today announced that defenseman Tomas Slovak has been assigned to the team by the American League's Hershey Bears. Hershey is the primary affiliate of the NHL's Colorado Avalanche. Slovak was a second round draft pick (42nd overall) of the NHL's Nashville Predators in 2001.
Slovak brings 63 games of pro experience to the Quad Cities including 43 games played in the American League. The native of Kosice, Slovakia made one appearance in the Hershey line-up this season recording two penalty minutes and no points.
Last season, Slovak played 42 American League games with the Bears as a rookie. The 6-foot-1, 191-pound rearguard recorded 11 points (three goals and eight assists) with the Bears. He also played 20 ECHL games with the Reading Royals. Slovak scored three goals and added seven assists for ten points with Reading.
Slovak enjoyed a very successful junior career with the Western League's Kelowna Rockets. During the 2002-03 season, Slovak lead Kelowna defensemen with 71 points (18 goals and 53 assists). The Rockets won the 2003 Western League regular season and playoff crowns, and Slovak led the WHL in playoff assists (20).
The 21-year old Slovakian represented his country at two World Junior Championships. In 2001, Slovak recorded a goal and an assist in seven games. During the 2003 tournament, he was held scoreless in six appearances while racking up 36 penalty minutes.
"Tomas is one of the Colorado Avalanche's top young prospects," said Cornfield. "He is a highly skilled defenseman who can help our power play."
The Mallards return to the ice on Wednesday in Rockford. Quad City will be looking to avenge a 8-4 loss to the Hogs the last time the teams met. The First Capital Financial Pre-Game Show starts at 6:40 p.m. on WFXN AM 1230 with a 7:05 p.m. faceoff. After the game, stay tuned to the Allstate Insurance Del Newton/ Christy Cox Post-Game Show.
The Mallards return home on Saturday, November 6 to face the Danbury Trashers. It's Magnet Schedule Night presented by U.S. Cellular, Riverbend Home Mortgage and Q 106. It's also soccer night as the Mallards welcome FC Dallas' Bobby Rhine and U.S. Olympic Gold Medalist Carla Overbeck. Game time is set for 7:00 p.m. at The MARK on Saturday. Tickets are available via phone at (563) 326-1111 or at The MARK box office.
International Hockey League 2 Stories from November 2, 2004
- Road wins hard to come by in UHL - IHL 2
- UHL names GINGRAS Goaltender of the Month - Kansas City Outlaws
- Elmira's Jason Sessa and Kansas City's Maxime Gingras earn monthly honors - IHL 2
- Skilled Defenseman Assigned to Mallards - Quad City Mallards
- Game night help wanted at Hogs games - Rockford IceHogs
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