Youth to be served between the pipes
Published on August 23, 2004 under International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Rockford IceHogs News Release
Rockford, Ill.- The Rockford IceHogs, proud members of the United Hockey League, announced that they have signed goaltenders Michel Robinson and Grady Hunt for the upcoming season. IceHogs Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Steve Martinson made the announcement on Monday. Sticking to club policy, terms of the agreements were not disclosed.
Robinson is entering his second season in the professional ranks. Last season, the 6-1, 205 pound puck stopper suited up for the Greenville Grrrowl (ECHL) appearing in 44 games. With the Grrrowl, Robinson had a save percentage of .907 and had a record of 7-29-4 while Greenville ranked 29 out of 31 teams in shots given up per game.
Prior to turning pro, Robinson, 21, spent the previous three seasons in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. His top season in junior's came during the 2002-03 campaign when Robinson stopped pucks for the Shawninigan Cataractes and compiled a record of 14-13-4 with a goals against average (GAA) of 2.88.
"We think that these two will be one of the best, young, one-two goaltender tandems in minor league hockey," said Martinson. Michel was one of the few bright spots last season on one of the worst defensive teams in the coast. We think he has the potential to be a future star in this league."
Hunt begins his first season of professional hockey after completing his collegiate career at Bemidji State University (NCAA). Last season, the 24 year old turned in a .571 win percentage (12-9-0) for the Beavers and had a GAA of 2.47. Hunt served as the Beavers top goaltender during his four-year stint in the college ranks.
"Grady comes very highly recommended out of Bemidji State," said Martinson. "He's another young player we feel has a bright future in front of him. A lot of Division I coaches feel that Grady has the potential to become an AHL caliber goaltender."
The Vernon, British Columbia native had a career GAA of 2.89 with Bemidji State and turned in a career high 13 wins during the 2002-03 season. Hunt also stacked up five career shutouts during his four-year tenure at the college level.
With Robinson and Hunt signed, the IceHogs now have 10 skaters under contract for the 2004-05 season. Playing in front of the IceHogs young goalies include forwards J.F. Dufour, Chris Godin, Terry Harrison, Miguel LaFleche, Jason Ralph, and Bruce Watson, and defenseman Nathan Lutz and Frankie Allen.
Season Tickets Available: Season tickets for the 2004-05 season are now on sale. Ticket packages start at just $98 and there are great seats available. Be a part of the action all season long! For more information call (815) 986-6465 and ask to speak with a season ticket representative.
International Hockey League 2 Stories from August 23, 2004
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