IHL 2 Rockford IceHogs

UHL's Goaltender of the Year returns to Rockford

September 21, 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 Wednesday that the United Hockey League club has resigned 2004-05 UHL Goaltender of the Year Michel Robinson for the upcoming 2005-06 season. Per club policy, terms of the pact were not disclosed.

The "˜05-06 season marks Robinson's third in the pro ranks and second in Rockford. Last season, Robinson set IceHogs club records for wins (33), goals against average (2.47), save percentage (.915), shutouts (7), games played (66) and minutes played in a single season (3,816) en route to winning top goalie honors in the UHL.

"Michel had an outstanding season last year and we feel that he is one of the best young goalies, and has a lot of potential," said "Martinson. With Robinson and Ronnie Vogel, we believe it gives us one of the best combinations in the league. We now have two number-one goalies, and with all the AHL teams nearby, I expect there to be a need for a goalie for one of those teams."

Vogel was signed earlier this summer to help form Rockford's solid goalie combination. Most of the records that Robinson broke last season, including wins and games played, were set by Vogel during the 2003-04 season. Robinson's addition to the roster also pushes the number of returning players from last season to nine.

Robinson was loaned to the Milwaukee Admirals (AHL) three times during the "˜04-05 season, his first career promotion. The 23-year old goalie won his only start for the Admirals, leading Milwaukee to a 4-3 win over the St. John's Maple Leafs.

Last year, after a season ending injury to Jeff Harvey, Robinson established himself as the club's workhorse between the pipes. Harvey was injured on December 11, and Robinson started 46 of the final 53 games. Six of the seven games in which Robinson didn't play, he was on loan to Milwaukee.

The Montreal, Quebec native was named starter in last season's All-Star Classic in Adirondack, a first for an IceHogs goalie. He is the fourth All-Star for Rockford to return for the "˜05-06 season. Another first accomplished last year for Robinson, came on December 29 when he became the first Hogs puck-stopper to score a goal when he netted an empty net goal against the Fort Wayne Komets.

Rockford now has 18 players under contract for the upcoming 2005-06 season with Robinson and Vogel. Skaters in front of the Hogs goalies include forwards Robin Big Snake, Chaz Johnson, Alex Kim, Vince Malts, Preston Mizzi, Jason Notermann, Olivier Proulx, Jason Ralph, Yannick Tifu, Bruce Watson and Chad Woollard, and defensemen Ryan Carrigan, Matt Gens, Corey Hessler, Nathan Lutz and Steve Pelletier.

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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