IHL 2 Rockford IceHogs

Watson, Doyle power Hogs over Mallards

Published on March 14, 2007 under International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Rockford IceHogs News Release


Moline, Ill.- Last week the Rockford IceHogs couldn't buy a goal On Wednesday night they were coming in bunches against the Quad City Mallards, specifically from wingers Bruce Watson and Mike Doyle who each netted hat-tricks in Rockford 8-1 win at the MARK of the Quad Cities. The win was Rockford's 40th of the season, marking the third straight season in which the Hogs have reached the 40-win plateau.

In four games last week, Rockford managed only three goals in regulation. The Hogs matched that total in the first period alone on Wednesday, but not before the Mallards tallied first. Winger Matt Radoslovich dumped the puck into the Rockford zone and the loose puck deflected in front as Hogs goalie Frederic Cloutier went to play it behind the IceHogs goal. Rockford winger Bryce Cockburn then had the puck bounce off of his leg and into the open net at 2:18. Winger Blake Stewart was given credit for his seventh tally of the season.

The IceHogs then exploded for three unanswered goals to grab a 3-1 lead at the first break. Watson netted his first goal of the season while the Hogs were on a power play, blasting the marker past Jason Tapp. Then while skating 4-on-4 winger Jason Ralph was set up nicely by Preston Mizzi for his seventh lamp lighter of the season at 9:35. Later in the period Doyle sent Rockford to the break with his first marker of the night while the Hogs were on a power play at 18:01 redirecting a shot past Tapp.

The second period got a whole lot worse for the Mallards as Rockford potted five markers. Watson continued the Hogs flurry of goals at 4:42 of the second frame before completing his hat-trick on the power play at 5:19, his third goal of the season making it 5-1 and chasing Tapp from the game.

Mallards goalie Brad Smith was then greeted with a 5-on-3 power-play goal from Hogs d-man Nathan Lutz at 7:54, his 10th tally of the season. Doyle knocked in two more goals to push the IceHogs lead to 8-1 heading to the intermission. Doyle's second of the night came at 13:12 as Smith make the initial save, but failed to cover the rebound. The Hogs centerman completed his hat-trick at 17:47 on the power play, Rockford's club-record fifth power-play goal of the game.

Jake Moreland replaced Cloutier in the third period between the pipes and stopped 20 Mallards shots. Cloutier earned his 33rd win of the campaign, tying a club-record for most wins in a season. Rockford finished the game 5-for-7 on the power play and held Quad City to 0-for-6.

Next Homestand: Friday, March 16 vs. Kalamazoo Wings. Game time is 7:30 p.m. A pre-St. Patrick's Day bash at the MetroCentre as the Hogs welcome the defending Colonial Cup champs. The first 1,000 fans to the game will pick-up an IceHogs Stadium Cup from Bud Light and Bob FM.

Sunday, March 18 vs. Flint Generals. The puck drops at 3:05 p.m. Rockford and Flint meet for the final time this season. Sunday is a Dollar Days with the IceHogs, sponsored by 97ZOK. Also, don't forget your skates as the Hogs are hosting a post-game skate with the IceHogs players brought to you by CoCo Key Water Resort.

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International Hockey League 2 Stories from March 14, 2007


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