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IHL 2 Rockford IceHogs

Thirteen Icehogs skaters get a jump start on new season

September 26, 2005 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Rockford IceHogs News Release


Rockford, Ill.- With less than two weeks until the open of the 2005 Rockford IceHogs training camp, 13 of this season's Hogs skaters will get an opportunity to begin their seasons early at American Hockey League training camps. The 13 IceHogs are spread throughout six different AHL camps.

The IceHogs will once again have a working agreement with the Milwaukee Admirals in "˜05-06, the AHL affiliate of the Nashville Predators (NHL), and six Hogs skaters will participate in Admirals camp. Newcomer Chad Woollard, an All-Star last season with the Fort Worth Brahmas (CHL), along with Preston Mizzi, Vince Malts, rookies Yannick Tifu and Chaz Johnson will begin in Milwaukee. The IceHogs have also verbally agreed with defenseman Evgueni Nourislamov, who is in Milwaukee as well.

"This year's team is a direct correlation to the numerous free agent call-ups we had last year," said IceHogs Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Steve Martinson. "Opportunity is attracting many young players who are choosing Rockford over our ECHL rivals. It's a simple formula that has worked for me since I started coaching. Loan the players and they will come."

"As long as I am in Rockford this will be the basis of our program. We are very well represented in numerous AHL camps, and probably have more players in different camps then any team, anywhere."

Three IceHogs skaters also got a jump start on the season with the Chicago Wolves (AHL). Goaltender Michel Robinson, Jason Notermann and Matt Gens are all in camp with the Wolves. Robinson picked up a win in the Wolves exhibition opener on Sunday and Notermann registered a minor penalty in Chicago's 5-4 shootout victory at Peoria.

Defenseman Nathan Lutz is in Manitoba Moose camp this fall. Lutz was named the IceHogs top defenseman each of the past two seasons. Last season's Unsung Hero Award recipient, Olivier Proulx, is attending Houston Aeros training camp, while forward Alex Kim is in Portland, Maine, skating with the Pirates.

Rookie winger Robin Big Snake is the only IceHogs player on the '05-06 roster that participated in a National Hockey League training camp. Big Snake attended Detroit Red Wings rookie camp and then skated in Red Wings training camp before getting assigned to Grand Rapids Griffins camp.

Season Tickets Still On Sale: Season tickets for the 2005-06 season are still on sale at the IceHogs corporate office or by calling (815) 986-6465. Ticket packages begin at just $95. Great seats are available, so don't miss out on the hottest ticket in town!


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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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