IHL 2 Rockford IceHogs

Tibbetts thrown to the Wolves

December 6, 2005 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Rockford IceHogs News Release


Rockford, Ill.- Rockford IceHogs Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Steve Martinson announced Tuesday that veteran winger Billy Tibbetts has been loaned to the Chicago Wolves of the American Hockey League. Tibbetts' promotion is effective immediately and he is expected to be in the Wolves lineup on Friday night when they host the Peoria Rivermen and will be with Chicago indefinitely.

Tibbetts has played in 13 games for Rockford and has accumulated 5g-6a-11pts. All of Tibbetts' points have come during the past eight contests after a seven-month layoff from professional hockey. The Boston native earned the UHL's Player of the Week honors during Week 7 of the UHL season after netting 4g-3a-7pts in four games.

"Once he got into shape he's done an outstanding job," said Martinson. "He's been nothing but a positive addition to our team. He's going to get an excellent opportunity with the Wolves and he has earned it.

"Billy has shown our young players the proper work ethic on the ice and in the gym to better prepare themselves if they are serious about moving up to the next level."

Tibbetts has provided both offense and physical play while in the Hogs lineup that has made him one of the fan favorites. His all around play throughout his career has earned Tibbetts 82 games in the National Hockey League (with Pittsburgh, New York Rangers and Philadelphia) and 111 total games in the AHL.

Rockford has now loaned seven players to the AHL this season for a total of 15 call-ups. Currently, defenseman Nathan Lutz and center Preston Mizzi are on loan with the Milwaukee Admirals (AHL) and defenseman Matt Gens was returned to the IceHogs from Milwaukee on Monday.

Next Home Games: Friday, Dec. 9 vs. Port Huron Flags. Game time is 7:05 p.m. The Hogs return home to face the expansion Flags for the first time. The first 1,000 fans 21-and-older will receive an IceHogs Jersey Koozie from Miller Lite and 13WREX.

Saturday, Dec.10 vs. Muskegon Fury. The puck drops at 7:05 p.m. The two-time defending champs come to Rockford for the first time this season. The first 1,500 fans will receive an IceHogs Tumbler Mug from McDonald's. Also, don't forget a Teddy Bear! The game is the Hogs Annual Teddy Bear Toss and after Rockford scores their first goal, fans can throw the bears onto the ice. All the stuffed bears will be collected and donated to local hospitals and charities for children.




International Hockey League 2 Stories from December 6, 2005


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