14 Jan 2014

MALLARDS WEEKLY UPDATE: JANUARY 13, 2014

By Brian Lavelle

THIS WEEK
Friday, January 17, 7:05 p.m.
iWireless Center, Moline
Quad City Mallards vs. Wichita Thunder

 

LAST WEEKEND
Wednesday, January 8

Brampton 5 Quad City 4 (OT)

 

Friday, January 10

Wichita 3 Quad City 2 (SO)


Saturday, January 11
Arizona 1 Quad City 0


Quad City
16-8-7 (39 points)
6th place
Coach: Terry Ruskowski

Wichita
12-17-4 (28 points)
9th place
Coach: Kevin McClelland


QUACK TRACKS
Last Week
The Mallards went 0-1-2 last week, matching their longest winless streak of the season.  The Mallards did earn single points for last Wednesday's overtime loss to the Brampton Beast and last Friday's shootout defeat at the hands of the Wichita Thunder.  Quad City rallied from 2-0 down in both of those games.

 

Tight
The Mallards are one point behind the fifth place Tulsa Oilers (who have played eight more games than Quad City) and one point ahead of the seventh place Beast (on whom the Mallards have five games in hand).


Playing the Percentages
The Mallards, who have played fewer games (31) than any other CHL club, have the league's fourth best winning percentage (.629).

Ups and Downs
While the Mallards went without a win last week, they have gone 6-2-2 over their last ten games.

 

Shot Down

The Mallards are 2-7 in games that last longer than 60 minutes.  With last Friday's loss to Wichita, the Mallards dropped to 1-5 in shootouts.  Last Wednesday's sudden death setback at the hands of Brampton left the Mallards 1-2 in games decided in overtime.


Tight, Take II

Each of the Mallards' last three games and seven of their last eight tilts have been decided by one goal.

 

Balance

While the Mallards rank in the top half of the league in goal scoring- fifth at 3.5 per game- no Mallard ranks in the top 20 in the CHL in point scoring.  Eight Mallards have 20 or more points- no other CHL club can boast more who have reached the 20-point plateau.

 

Trouble at Home

The Mallards have gone without a victory (0-2-2) in their last four home games- their longest home winless streak of the season.

 

On the Road
The Mallards have won five straight road games for the first time since they strung together five consecutive away victories between November 23 and December 13, 2011.  The Mallards last won more than five in a row on the road when they ripped off seven straight wins away from home between December 31, 2010 and February 11, 2011.

Blanked

The Mallards last Saturday were shutout for the second time this season.  The Mallards were first blanked on November 15 when they fell 3-0 to the Cutthroats in Denver.  Last Saturday's tilt was also the second 1-0 game in which the Mallards have taken part this season.  The Mallards defeated St. Charles by that score December 21.

 

Stingy
The Mallards, who have given up two non-shootout goals or fewer in three of their last four outings and in five of their last seven games, rank second in the CHL in fewest goals allowed per game (2.9).

 

Goaltender of the Week
While Thomas Heemskerk, who was named CHL Goaltender of the Week last Tuesday, saw his four-game winning streak snapped with last Friday's shootout loss to Wichita, Heemskerk remains unbeaten in regulation in his last five games (4-0-1, 1.57, .944, 2 SO) and has suffered just one regulation loss all season (9-1-4).

 

Streaks Stopped
Gergo Nagy's team season best seven game point scoring streak (2-6-8) was halted last Saturday as was linemate Matt Boyd's five game point streak (2-4-6).  Nagy has produced 20 points (five goals and 15 assists) in his last 18 games.

Leaders
Nagy (+14) and Benjamin Dieude-Fauvel (+14) are tied for tenth in plus/minus ranking...Mike Hellyer is tied for second in game winning goals (5)...Among rookies, Thomas Frazee is tied for third in points (23) and tied for fourth in goals (8) and assists (15)...Heemskerk ranks second in goals against average (2.45) and save percentage (.920)...Ty Rimmer ranks sixth in goals against average (2.86) and ninth in save percentage (.906).

Milestones
Jim McKenzie has recorded 98 career assists...Darren McMillan has played 497 career games and collected 97 career CHL assists...Vladimir Nikiforov has played 297 career games.

Special Teams
The Mallards rank last in the CHL in power play efficiency (11.1 percent).  The Mallards have failed to score on their last 12 power plays, converted just one of their last 25, cashed in only 2 of their last 41 and scored on just three of their last 65.  The Mallards, who rank sixth in penalty killing (82.1 percent), gave up four goals on their opponents' ten power plays over three games last week.  The Mallards are tied for second in the CHL in shorthanded goals (6).

 

Head to Head

The Thunder last Friday won the first of three games they will play against the Mallards this season.  The season series concludes when the Mallards visit Wichita February 22.  All-time the Mallards have gone 5-11-1 against the Thunder overall and 2-6-0 on the road.

 

Ins and Outs
Forward McKenzie (Wednesday) and defenseman Nicholas Rioux (Monday) both signed professional tryout agreements with the American Hockey League's Iowa Wild last week.

 

NEXT HOME GAME
Friday, January 31, 7:05 p.m.- Mallards vs. Tulsa Oilers
$1 Dog/$1 Beer Friday Presented by 97X
January 31 is another $1 Dog/$1 Beer Night presented by 97X. $1 hot dogs and $1 beers are available at iWireless Center concession stands during each of the Mallards' 11 Friday night home games this season.

 

ON THE AIR
Fox Sports Radio 1230 is the radio home of Mallards Hockey Presented by Genesis Power Sports Performance.  Mallards games broadcast on AM 1230 also stream live online at www.wfxn.net.  A limited number of Mallards games will not air on Fox Sports Radio 1230 due to conflicts with University of Illinois basketball and football and Green Bay Packer football.  Free audio webcasts of games that do not air on AM 1230 are available at myqcmallards.com.  CHL-TV pay-per-view video webcasts of all Mallards games are also available at myqcmallards.com.  For a full Mallards broadcast/webcast schedule, go to

 

TICKETS
Single Game Tickets
Single game tickets for all Mallards regular season contests are now available.  Fans can contact the Mallards at (309) 277-1364 orinfo@myqcmallards.com for more information about tickets.  Single game tickets are also available at the i wireless Center box office, at Ticketmaster outlets, through www.ticketmaster.com or through Ticketmaster charge-by-phone toll free.  The box office is open weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and on game days from 10:00 a.m. until the start of the second period.

 

Group Tickets
Groups of at least ten can receive savings off the walk-up price and a host of other great group benefits.  Mallards group tickets are a great fit for youth organizations, friends, co-workers, family groups, religious groups, school functions and business events.  For more group ticket information, fans can contact the Mallards at (309) 277-1364 or info@myqcmallards.com.

-### Quad City Mallards ### -
13 Jan 2014

5,834 WATCH MALLARDS BATTLE ARIZONA

By Brian Lavelle
MOLINE, Ill. (January 11, 2014) - The largest crowd to attend to a Quad City Mallards home game this season- 5,834 - thronged to the iWireless Center tonight to see the Mallards suffer a hard fought 1-0 loss at the hands of  the Arizona Sundogs.

The Mallards this evening surpassed the previous attendance high for this season set when 5,325 fans came out to the Flock's season opener against the Rapid City Rush on October 19. 

Tonight saw the first 1,000 fans ages 12 and under through the doors of the iWireless Center receive free Mallards youth replica jerseys courtesy of Scott County Family Y and the Two Rivers YMCA.  A live auction of the special edition affiliate jerseys worn by the Mallards tonight to benefit Genesis Health Services Foundation's Flu-Free QC program follows this evening's contest.

The Mallards drew a total of 9,544 fans over the last two nights to their first two-game home weekend of 2014.  3,710 were on hand last night for the Mallards' 3-2 shootout loss to the Wichita Thunder.

STREAKING ENGELAGE, SUNDOGS BLANK MALLARDS 1-0

MOLINE, Ill. (January 11, 2014) - Andrew Engelage made 27 saves on the way to posting his third consecutive shutout and extending his shutout streak to 206 minutes and 25 seconds and Ian Schultz scored a third period power play goal as the Arizona Sundogs blanked the host Quad City Mallards 1-0 Saturday night.

The win was the Sundogs' (14-18-1, 29 points) fourth in row, while the narrow defeat left the Mallards (16-8-7, 39 points) without a victory in their last three games (0-1-2).

Schultz broke the scoreless deadlock by tipping in Garret Clarke's shot with 6:41 left in the third.  The Mallards were unable to beat Engelage even after pulling goaltender Ty Rimmer (27 saves) for an extra with just over a minute remaining.

The Mallards return to action next Friday against the Thunder in Wichita.  The Mallards next play at home on Friday, January 31 at 7:05 p.m. against the Tulsa Oilers.  January 31 is another $1 Dog/$1 Beer Night presented by 97X.  $1 hot dogs and beers will be available at iWireless Center concession stands during each of the Mallards' 11 Friday night home games this season.

Tickets for the January 31 game and all Mallards regular season home games can be purchased at the iWireless Center ticket office, Ticketmaster outlets, through ticketmaster.com or through Ticketmaster charge-by-phone toll free at 1-800-745-3000.  The ticket office is open weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and on game days from 10:00 a.m. until the start of the second period.

The Mallards return to action next Friday against the Thunder in Wichita.  The Mallards next play at home on Friday, January 31 at 7:05 p.m. against the Tulsa Oilers.  January 31 is another $1 Dog/$1 Beer Night presented by 97X.  $1 hot dogs and beers will be available at iWireless Center concession stands during each of the Mallards' 11 Friday night home games this season.

Tickets for the January 31 game and all Mallards regular season home games can be purchased at the iWireless Center ticket office, Ticketmaster outlets, through ticketmaster.com or through Ticketmaster charge-by-phone toll free at 1-800-745-3000.  The ticket office is open weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and on game days from 10:00 a.m. until the start of the second period.

13 Jan 2014

Mallards, Genesis Team to Raise $18,600 for Genesis Flu-Free QC Program

By Brian Lavelle
MOLINE, Ill. (January 11, 2014) - The Quad City Mallards tonight partnered with the Genesis Health Services Foundation to raise $18,600 for the Genesis Flu-Free QC program through a game-worn jersey auction after the Mallards' game against the Arizona Sundogs at the i wireless Center.

The special edition affiliate jerseys worn by the Mallards- who are in their first season as an affiliate of the National Hockey League's Minnesota Wild and the American Hockey League's Iowa Wild- in their 1-0 loss to the Sundogs tonight went up for bid in a live auction immediately following the contest, which was watched by a season high crowd of 5,834.  The jersey of defenseman Mike Monfredo drew a high bid of $1,600.

Over the last 19 years, Mallards jersey auctions have raised well over $700,000 to benefit Genesis Health System charities.  Tonight's auction is the first of two the Mallards will hold this season to benefit the Genesis Health System charities.  Another set of one-of-a-kind game worn jerseys will go up for bid on Saturday night, March 8 after another match-up between the Mallards and Sundogs.

The Mallards return to action next Friday against the Thunder in Wichita.  The Mallards next play at home on Friday, January 31 at 7:05 p.m. against the Tulsa Oilers.  January 31 is another $1 Dog/$1 Beer Night presented by 97X.  $1 hot dogs and beers will be available at iWireless Center concession stands during each of the Mallards' 11 Friday night home games this season.

Tickets for the January 31 game and all Mallards regular season home games can be purchased at the iWireless Center ticket office, Ticketmaster outlets, through ticketmaster.com or through Ticketmaster charge-by-phone toll free at 1-800-745-3000.  The ticket office is open weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and on game days from 10:00 a.m. until the start of the second period.

About Genesis Health System

Genesis Health System, its affiliates and partners offer a full continuum of health care services.  Genesis Health System's affiliates include : acute and tertiary hospital care at Genesis Medical Center, Davenport and DeWitt, Iowa and Genesis Medical Center, Silvis and Aledo in Illinois; home health and hospice services through Genesis VNA and Hospice; Genesis Workplace Services, including occupational health, employee assistance and wellness services for employers and their employees; the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House; senior living facilities offering rehabilitation and long-term care; Genesis Health Group, with more than 170 primary care physicians and specialists; a Family Practice Residency program; Genesis Psychology Associates; three Convenient Care clinics; and Genesis Home Medical Equipment.  Partners include the Genesis Medical Park, Crow Valley, Genesis Imaging Centers and Spring Street Surgical Center, Davenport. Genesis Health System serves a 10-county area of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois.  Genesis also manages Jackson County Regional Health Center in Maquoketa, Iowa. For more information, visit www.genesishealth.com.

08 Jan 2014

MALLARDS' HEEMSKERK NAMED OAKLEY CENTRAL HOCKEY LEAGUE GOALTENDER OF THE WEEK

By Brian Lavelle
MOLINE, Ill. (January 7, 2014) - Quad City Mallards goaltender Thomas Heemskerk has been named Oakley Central Hockey League Goaltender of the Week, the Mallards announced today in conjunction with the CHL.

Heemskerk, 23, last week turned aside 60 of the 62 shots he faced while securing a pair of road wins and recording his second shutout of the season.  The Chilliwack, British Columbia native last Monday made 31 saves to backstop the Mallards to a 3-2 win over the Brampton Beast.  Last Saturday, Heemskerk stopped 29 shots in a 5-0 blanking of the St. Charles Chill.  The shutout was Heemskerk's second in his last four games, his second in his last two starts against St. Charles and the second of his career.

The 6' 0", 210-pound Heemskerk is currently riding a four game winning streak during which he has registered a 1.50 goals against average and a .947 save percentage along with two shutouts.

On the season, Heemskerk ranks second in the CHL in goals against average (2.50), is tied for second in shutouts (2), ranks fourth in save percentage (.919) and ranks seventh in wins (9).  He has suffered just a single regulation loss all season, going 9-1-3 over 14 games.  Heemskerk has also been called up to the American Hockey League's Iowa Wild twice this season. 

Heemskerk is the second Mallard goaltender to earn league wide honors in as many weeks.  Fellow netminder Ty Rimmer last week was named CHL Rookie of the Month for December.

Heemskerk joined the Mallards after going 14-17-3 with a 3.10 goals against average and a .906 save percentage in 38 games with the ECHL's San Francisco Bulls last season. Heemskirk also played in a pair of games for the Worcester Sharks of the AHL last year.Heemskerk gave up just two goals while making 27 saves to post a 1.79 goals against average and a .931 save percentage during that AHL stint.

Heemskerk began his professional career in 2011-12 with the ECHL's Stockton Thunder, for whom he turned in a record of 13-12-0 along with a 3.27 goals against average and a .893 save percentage in 25 games. He also saw AHL action for Worcester as a rookie, taking the ice in four games and registering a 2.14 goals against average and a .921 save percentage.

Heemskerk turned pro after four years in the major junior Western Hockey League. In his final WHL campaign, he finished second in the league in minutes (3,841), third in saves (2041) and fifth in wins (36) while recording a 2.94 goals against average, a .908 save percentage and a pair of shutouts in 65 games with the Moose Jaw Warriors.

The 2010-11 season was the second straight campaign during which Heemskerk landed among the league leaders. In 2009-10, while tending goal for the Everett Silvertips, he topped the Western League in save percentage (.927), finished third in goals against average (2.34) and was tied for seventh in shutouts (4) while going 24-12-4 in 42 games. Heemskerk's efforts helped the Silvertips earn a share of the United States Division title. Heemskerk joined Everett midway through the 2008-09 season after spending his first year and a half in the WHL with the Kootenay Ice.

The Mallards return to action on home ice tomorrow night at 7:05 p.m. against the Brampton Beast.  That game is the Mallards' first Winning Wednesday presented by T.G.I. Friday's.  If the Mallards win a Wednesday night home game all in attendance win free tickets for the next Wednesday game.  In addition, $2 beer and hot dogs will be available during Wednesday night tilts.  After each Wednesday night game, fans can join the Mallards for a postgame party at T.G.I. Friday's next to the iWireless Center.

Tickets for tomorrow night's game and all Mallards regular season home games can be purchased at the iWireless Center ticket office, Ticketmaster outlets, through ticketmaster.com or through Ticketmaster charge-by-phone toll free at 1-800-745-3000.  The ticket office is open weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and on game days from 10:00 a.m. until the start of the second period.

08 Jan 2014

MALLARDS, GENESIS TEAM UP FOR GAME WORN JERSEY AUCTION SATURDAY NIGHT

By Brian Lavelle

Auction Benefits Genesis Health Services Foundation's Flu-Free QC Program

Free Mallards Youth Replica Jerseys for First 1,000 Fans 12 and Under

Courtesy of Scott County Family Y and Two Rivers YMCA


MOLINE, Ill. (January 7, 2014) - The Quad City Mallards will wear special edition affiliate jerseys when they take on the Arizona Sundogs Saturday night at 7:05 p.m. at the i wireless Center and those jerseys will go up for bid in a live auction immediately following the game to benefit the Genesis Health Services Foundation's Flu-Free QC program. 

The Mallards, who are in their first season as an affiliate of the National Hockey League's Minnesota Wild and the American Hockey League's Iowa Wild, Saturday night will don cream-colored affiliate jerseys bearing "Quad City Mallards" across the chest in Mallard green script and the team's secondary duck logo on the shoulders.

"The money raised at this annual auction is used to provide essential health care services to our neighbors throughout the QCA.  On behalf of that grateful community, I thank the Mallards for their on-going commitment to the health and well-being of their fans and friends," said Ken Croken, vice president of corporate communications and marketing, Genesis Health System.

Last season, the Mallards teamed with Genesis for a pair of jersey auctions that raised better than $46,000 for both the Genesis Flu-Free QC campaign and for Genesis Outpatient Rehabilitation.  Over the past 19 years, Mallards jersey auctions have raised over $700,000 to benefit Genesis Health System Charities.

"The generosity and community-mindedness of Mallards fans is something that has impressed me hugely since I arrived here a year ago," said Mallards president Bob McNamara.  "Their willingness to do so much for a cause like the Genesis Health Services Foundation that does such valuable work and provides so many important services for this community is something we are deeply thankful for."

Saturday's event is the first of the Mallards' two Genesis jersey auctions this season.  Another one-of-a-kind set of game worn jerseys be auctioned off following the Mallards' Saturday, March 8 game against Arizona.

This Saturday evening will also see the first 1,000 fans ages 12 and under through the doors at the iWireless Center receive free Mallards youth replica jerseys courtesy of Scott County Family Y and Two Rivers YMCA.

Tickets for Saturday night's game can be purchased at the iWireless Center ticket office, Ticketmaster outlets, through ticketmaster.com or through Ticketmaster charge-by-phone toll free at 1-800-745-3000. The ticket office is open weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and on game days from 10:00 a.m. until the start of the second period.

About Genesis Health System

Genesis Health System, its affiliates and partners offer a full continuum of health care services.  Genesis Health System's affiliates include : acute and tertiary hospital care at Genesis Medical Center, Davenport and DeWitt, Iowa and Genesis Medical Center, Silvis and Aledo in Illinois; home health and hospice services through Genesis VNA and Hospice; Genesis Workplace Services, including occupational health, employee assistance and wellness services for employers and their employees; the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House; senior living facilities offering rehabilitation and long-term care; Genesis Health Group, with more than 170 primary care physicians and specialists; a Family Practice Residency program; Genesis Psychology Associates; three Convenient Care clinics; and Genesis Home Medical Equipment.  Partners include the Genesis Medical Park, Crow Valley, Genesis Imaging Centers and Spring Street Surgical Center, Davenport. Genesis Health System serves a 10-county area of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois.  Genesis also manages Jackson County Regional Health Center in Maquoketa, Iowa. For more information, visit www.genesishealth.com.

About the Quad City Mallards
A proud affiliate of the National Hockey League's Minnesota Wild and the American Hockey League's Iowa Wild, the Quad City Mallards in the midst of their seventeenth season and their fourth in the Central Hockey League.  One of the winningest teams in all of minor league hockey, the Mallards competed in the United Hockey League from 1995 through 2007 and in the International Hockey League in 2009-10.  The Mallards' proud history has seen them capture the UHL's Colonial Cup Championship three times (1997, 1998, 2001) and secure that league's Tarry Cup four times (1998, 2000, 2001, 2002) for the best overall regular season record.  In 2001, the Mallards made professional hockey history, recording their sixth consecutive season with 50 or more wins, a feat that has yet to be matched.  The i wireless Center provides a unique environment for hockey and features one-of-a-kind seating areas such as the Nest for groups and functions and the exclusive Drake Club.  For more information on the Quad City Mallards or for Mallards tickets go to www.myqcmallards.com.  Fans can also follow the Mallards via Twitter at twitter.com/myqcmallards and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/quadcitymallards.

-### Quad City Mallards ### -

07 Jan 2014

MALLARDS WEEKLY UPDATE: JANUARY 6, 2014

By Brian Lavelle

THIS WEEK
Wednesday, January 8, 7:05 p.m.
iWireless Center, Moline
Brampton Beast vs. Quad City Mallards

Friday, January 10, 7:05 p.m.
iWireless Center, Moline
Wichita Thunder vs. Quad City Mallards

Saturday, January 11, 7:05 p.m.
iWireless Center, Moline
Arizona Sundogs vs. Quad City Mallards

LAST WEEKEND
Friday, January 3
St. Charles 4 Quad City 3

Saturday, January 4
Quad City 5 St. Charles 0

Quad City
16-7-5 (37 points)
5th place
Coach: Terry Ruskowski

Brampton
16-14-2 (34 points)
6th place
Coach: Mark DeSantis

Wichita
11-17-4 (26 points)
8th place
Coach: Kevin McClelland

Arizona
12-18-1 (25 points)
9th place
Coach: Kevin Colley

QUACK TRACKS
Last Weekend
The Mallards rebounded after squandering a 3-1 third period lead in last Friday night's 4-3 home loss to the Chill by scoring four third period goals on the way to a 5-0 win in St. Charles the following evening.

Streaking
While last Friday's loss ended the Mallards' five game winning streak, the Mallards have now won six of their last seven games.  The five game winning streak is the Mallards' longest this season.

Playing the Percentages
The Mallards, who have played fewer games than any other CHL team, boast the league's third best winning percentage (.661).  With a win Wednesday over Brampton the Mallards would overtake Denver and move into fourth place.

Home Sweet Home
Last Friday's loss ended the Mallards' eight game (7-0-1) home regulation unbeaten streak.  That defeat was the Mallards' first at the iWireless Center since falling at home to Brampton November 2.

On the Road
The Mallards have won five straight road games for the first time since they strung together five consecutive away victories between November 23 and December 13, 2011.  The Mallards last won more than five in a row on the road when they ripped off seven straight wins away from home between December 31, 2010 and February 11, 2011.

Goals, Goals, Goals
The Mallards scored five times last Saturday after producing three goals or fewer in 11 of their prior 12 games.  On the season, the Mallards rank fourth in the league in goals per game (3.6) despite the fact no Mallard ranks in the top 20 in the CHL in points.

Stingy
The Mallards, who have given up two goals or fewer in five of their last seven games, rank third in the CHL in fewest goals allowed per game (2.9).

Between the Pipes
Goaltender Thomas Heemskerk made 29 saves last Saturday on the way to his second shutout in his last four games, his second in his last two starts against St. Charles and the second of his career.  Heemskerk has won four straight games and has posted a 1.50 goals against average and a .947 save percentage along with two shutouts during that streak

Rookie of the Month

Goaltender Ty Rimmer last Thursday was named December CHL Goaltender of the Month after going 3-0-2 with a 2.00 goals against average and a .938 save percentage in the final month of 2013.

Streaking, Take 2
Forwards Jim McKenzie (2-4-6) and Gergo Nagy (1-4-5) are on five game point scoring streaks.  Nagy has also produced four goals and 17 points over his last 15 games.  Defenseman Benjamin Dieude-Fauvel scored twice last Saturday and has now ripped off four goals and totaled five points (4-1-5) in his last five games. 

Leaders
Mike Hellyer is tied for second in game winning goals (5)...Among rookies, Thomas Frazee ranks second in assists (15), ranks third in points (22) and is tied for seventh in goals (7)...Heemskerk ranks second in goals against average (2.50) and fourth in save percentage (.919)...Rimmer ranks ninth in goals against average (2.84) and save percentage (.907).

Milestones
McKenzie has recorded 98 career assists...Darren McMillan has played 494 career games and collected 96 career CHL assists...Vladimir Nikiforov has played 294 career games.

Special Teams
The Mallards rank last in the CHL in power play efficiency (11.8 percent).  The Mallards have now scored on just one of their last 26 power plays, converted just two of their last 50 man advantages and cashed in just three of their last 66.  The Mallards rank fourth in penalty killing (83.9 percent) and are tied for the league lead in shorthanded goals (6).

Head to Head
The Mallards have gone 5-1-1 against Brampton this season.  With a 3-2 victory last Monday, the Mallards completed a sweep of a three game series in Brampton.  They have gone 5-0-1 against the Beast since losing their first ever meeting with Brampton on November 2.  The Mallards have gone 2-1-1 against the Beast at home this season.  Gergo Nagy (3-6-9) and Jim McKenzie (3-6-9) are the top point scorers in the season series.  The two clubs will meet a total of 13 times this season...Friday's game is the first of three this season between the Mallards and Thunder.  Last season the Mallards went 3-3-0 against the Thunder overall and 1-1-0 at home.  All-time the Mallards have gone 5-11-0 against Wichita overall and 3-5-0 at home...The Mallards have gone 0-0-2 against Arizona this season.  The Mallards suffered a pair of 3-2 shootout losses November 22 and 23 in Prescott Valley.   All-time the Mallards have gone 5-2-4 against the Sundogs and have posted a 3-1-1 at the iWireless Center against Arizona.  The Mallards and Sundogs will wrap up their five game season series with meetings March 7 and 8 in the Quad Cities.

Ins and Outs
Defenseman Nicholas Rioux signed a professional tryout agreement with the American Hockey League's Iowa Wild today...Forward Jordan Lane served a two-game CHL suspension during the Mallards' games last Monday in Brampton and last Friday against St. Charles.  Lane was suspended after being assessed a game misconduct during the Mallards' Saturday, December 28 game at Brampton.

NEXT HOME GAME
Wednesday, January 8, 7:05 p.m.- Mallards vs. Brampton Beast
Winning Wednesday Presented by T.G.I. Friday's
This Wednesday game is the Mallards' first Winning Wednesday presented by T.G.I. Friday's.  If the Mallards win a Wednesday night home game all in attendance win free tickets for the next Wednesday game.  In addition, $2 beer and hot dogs will be available during Wednesday night tilts.  After each Wednesday night game, fans can join the Mallards for a postgame party at T.G.I. Friday's next to the iWireless Center.


Friday, January 10, 7:05 p.m.- Mallards vs. Wichita Thunder
$1 Dog/$1 Beer Friday Presented by 97X
This Friday is another $1 Dog/$1 Beer Night presented by 97X. $1 hot dogs and $1 beers are available at iWireless Center concession stands during each of the Mallards' 11 Friday night home games this season. 

Saturday, January 11, 7:05 p.m.,- Mallards vs. Arizona Sundogs
Genesis Jersey Auction
The Mallards will wear special edition Wild affiliate jerseys when they take on the Arizona Sundogs Saturday.  Immediately after the game those jerseys will go up for bid in a live auction to benefit the Genesis Health Services Foundation.

Youth Jersey Giveaway Presented by Scott County Family Y and Two Rivers YMCA
The first 1,000 fans age 12 and under through the doors for Saturday's game will receive a free Mallards replica youth jersey courtesy of Scott County Family Y and Two Rivers YMCA.

ON THE AIR
Fox Sports Radio 1230 is the radio home of Mallards Hockey Presented by Genesis Power Sports Performance.  Mallards games broadcast on AM 1230 also stream live online at www.wfxn.net.  A limited number of Mallards games- including Wednesday night's- will not air on Fox Sports Radio 1230 due to conflicts with University of Illinois basketball and football and Green Bay Packer football.  Free audio webcasts of games that do not air on AM 1230 are available at myqcmallards.com.  CHL-TV pay-per-view video webcasts of all Mallards games are also available at myqcmallards.com.  For a full Mallards broadcast/webcast schedule, go to

TICKETS
Single Game Tickets
Single game tickets for all Mallards regular season contests are now available.  Fans can contact the Mallards at (309) 277-1364 orinfo@myqcmallards.com for more information about tickets.  Single game tickets are also available at the i wireless Center box office, at Ticketmaster outlets, through www.ticketmaster.com or through Ticketmaster charge-by-phone toll free.  The box office is open weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and on game days from 10:00 a.m. until the start of the second period.

Group Tickets
Groups of at least ten can receive savings off the walk-up price and a host of other great group benefits.  Mallards group tickets are a great fit for youth organizations, friends, co-workers, family groups, religious groups, school functions and business events.  For more group ticket information, fans can contact the Mallards at (309) 277-1364 or info@myqcmallards.com.

-### Quad City Mallards ### -
06 Jan 2014

QC Mallards Weekend Update

By Brian Lavelle

Heemskerk, Mallards Whitewash Chill 5-0


ST. CHARLES, Mo. (January 4, 2014) - Thomas Heemskerk made 29 saves on the way to his second shutout of the season and Benjamin Dieude-Fauvel scored twice as the Quad City Mallards whitewashed the host St. Charles Chill 5-0 Saturday night.

The Mallards pulled away with four third period goals after Dieude-Fauvel opened the scoring by ripping the puck home from the left wing circle at 6:27 of the second period.

Nick Grasso tipped in the second Mallard goal at 2:19 of the third period.  Dieude-Fauvel rifled in his second from the high slot at to stretch the gap to 3-0 at 6:34 of the third.  The Mallards would finish off the Chill with two goals in 35 seconds.  Gabriel Levesque steered in Gergo Nagy's centering pass at 14:24 to make it 4-0.  At 14:59 Jeff Lee capped off the win by burying a rebound.

Heemskerk was at his busiest in the third as the Mallards broke the game open despite being outshot 12-9 in the final frame.

The Mallards return to action on home ice next Wednesday night at 7:05 p.m. against the Brampton Beast.  That game is the Mallards' first Winning Wednesday presented by T.G.I. Friday's.  If the Mallards win a Wednesday night home game all in attendance win free tickets for the next Wednesday game.  In addition, $2 beer and hot dogs will be available during Wednesday night tilts.  After each Wednesday night game, fans can join the Mallards for a postgame party at T.G.I. Friday's next to the iWireless Center.

Tickets for next Wednesday night's game and all Mallards regular season home games can be purchased at the iWireless Center ticket office, Ticketmaster outlets, through ticketmaster.com or through Ticketmaster charge-by-phone toll free at 1-800-745-3000.  The ticket office is open weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and on game days from 10:00 a.m. until the start of the second period.

Streaks Snapped as Chill Rallies Past Mallards


MOLINE, Ill. (January 3, 2014) - Ryan Berard scored two goals- including the game winner- and Robbie Moss made 33 saves as the St. Charles Chill rallied from a 3-1 third period deficit to defeat the host Quad City Mallards 4-3 Friday night, halt the Mallards' five game winning streak and end their own seven-game losing streak.

Berard broke a 3-3 tie while toppling in the slot with 4:20 left in the third.  That goal capped off a St. Charles comeback that started when, with the Chill shorthanded, a pair of Mallards combined to turn the puck over to Nicklas Lindberg beside the empty Quad City net and Lindberg duly snapped it into the gaping cage to trim the gap to 3-1 at the 6:39 mark of the third.  St. Charles was on the power play when John Snowden scored the tying goal from the left wing circle at 13:03.

The Mallards had seemingly taken control with second period goals from Gergo Nagy and Benjamin Dieude-Fauvel.  Nagy fired a loose puck home from the low slot to snap a 1-1 deadlock at 8:18 of the second.  With just 50 seconds left in the period and each team down a man, Dieude-Fauvel widened the margin to a pair with a wrist shot from the high slot.

It was the Mallards who initially came from behind after Berard opened the scoring from the side of the net at 3:37 of the first period.  Jim McKenzie's point-blank power play strike knotted the score just under five minutes later and proved to be the first of three straight Mallard goals, but, backstopped by a 16-save third period from Moss, the Chill would respond in kind in the final frame to claim the dramatic victory.   

The Mallards' defeat dampened celebrations on what was a milestone evening for the man behind their bench.  Tonight's game was Quad City boss Terry Ruskowski's twelve hundredth as a head coach in professional hockey.

The Mallards and Chill meet again tomorrow night in St. Charles.  The Mallards return to action on home ice next Wednesday night at 7:05 p.m. against the Brampton Beast.  That game is the Mallards' first Winning Wednesday presented by T.G.I. Friday's.  If the Mallards win a Wednesday night home game all in attendance win free tickets for the next Wednesday game.  In addition, $2 beer and hot dogs will be available during Wednesday night tilts.  After each Wednesday night game, fans can join the Mallards for a postgame party at T.G.I. Friday's next to the iWireless Center.

Tickets for next Wednesday night's game and all Mallards regular season home games can be purchased at the iWireless Center ticket office, Ticketmaster outlets, through ticketmaster.com or through Ticketmaster charge-by-phone toll free at 1-800-745-3000.  The ticket office is open weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and on game days from 10:00 a.m. until the start of the second period.

About the Quad City Mallards
A proud affiliate of the National Hockey League's Minnesota Wild and the American Hockey League's Iowa Wild, the Quad City Mallards in the midst of their seventeenth season and their fourth in the Central Hockey League.  One of the winningest teams in all of minor league hockey, the Mallards competed in the United Hockey League from 1995 through 2007 and in the International Hockey League in 2009-10.  The Mallards' proud history has seen them capture the UHL's Colonial Cup Championship three times (1997, 1998, 2001) and secure that league's Tarry Cup four times (1998, 2000, 2001, 2002) for the best overall regular season record.  In 2001, the Mallards made professional hockey history, recording their sixth consecutive season with 50 or more wins, a feat that has yet to be matched.  The i wireless Center provides a unique environment for hockey and features one-of-a-kind seating areas such as the Nest for groups and functions and the exclusive Drake Club.  For more information on the Quad City Mallards or for Mallards tickets go to www.myqcmallards.com.  Fans can also follow the Mallards via Twitter at twitter.com/myqcmallards and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/quadcitymallards. 

-### Quad City Mallards ### -
02 Jan 2014

MALLARDS' TY RIMMER NAMED 50/50 CENTRAL CHL ROOKIE OF THE MONTH

By Brian Lavelle
MOLINE, Ill. (January 2, 2014) - Quad City Mallards goaltender Ty Rimmer has been named 50/50 Central Central Hockey League Rookie of the Month for December, the Mallards announced today in conjunction with the CHL.

Rimmer, 21, went 3-2-0 with a 2.01 goals against average, a .938 save percentage and one shutout in five games- all on the road- with the Mallards last month.  Rimmer's goals against average and save percentage were the best for the month among CHL goaltenders who played at least three games.

December also saw Rimmer earn a call-up to the American Hockey League's Oklahoma City Barons, for whom he went 1-0-1 while posting a 2.65 goals against average and a .930 save percentage in three games.

Rimmer collected his first career shutout immediately upon returning to the Mallards from the AHL.  The Edmonton native set a league single game season high for saves (48) and made more saves in one game than any Mallard netminder has in the club's four CHL seasons while whitewashing the Rapid City Rush 2-0 on December 13.  The 6' 1", 170-pound Rimmer went on to finish 2013 on a high note by winning his last two starts of the year.  He stopped 23 shots in a 3-1 defeat of the St. Charles Chill on December 22 and made 29 saves as the Mallards rallied for a 3-2 overtime victory over the Brampton Beast last Saturday night.

Rimmer's strong work in recent days has been a key ingredient in the Mallards' current hot streak.  Quad City (15-6-5, 35 points) finished 2013 on a five-game winning streak- the club's longest so far this season- to climb from to seventh to fourth place in the CHL standings.

Rimmer, who has gone 7-5-2 in 14 games this season, is tied for seventh in the league in save percentage (.910) and ranks eighth in goals against average (2.76). 

Rimmer joined the Mallards this season after skating in the training camp of both the National Hockey League's Edmonton Oilers and the AHL's Barons.  Rimmer got his first taste of professional hockey last spring when he played one game for the AHL's Manchester Monarchs after completing his junior career with the Lethbridge Hurricanes of the WHL.  Last season he led the WHL in minutes played (3,836) and total saves (2,106) while posting 3.19 goals against average, a .912 save percentage, a record of 24-30-10 and one shutout in 65 games with the Hurricanes.   

The 2011-12 campaign was especially successful for Rimmer, who earned WHL First Team All-Star honors after leading the league in goals against average (2.43) and save percentage (.922), finishing tied for first in shutouts (5) and finishing tied for eighth in wins while going 31-12-1 in 46 games for the Tri-City Americans.  His standout efforts helped propel the Americans to the United States Division title.

Over three-plus Western League seasons- during which he also played for the Brandon Wheat Kings and Prince George Cougars in addition to the Americans and Hurricanes- Rimmer went 74-65-14 in 159 games and turned in a 3.01 goals against average, a .910 save percentage and ten shutouts.  Before becoming a WHL workhorse, Rimmer spent parts of two seasons in the Alberta Junior Hockey League with the St. Albert Steel and Bonnyville Pontiacs.

The red hot Mallards return to action on home ice tomorrow night at 7:05 p.m. against St. Charles.  Tomorrow evening is another $1 Dog/$1 Beer Night presented by 97X.  $1 hot dogs and $1 beers are available at iWireless Center concession stands during each of the Mallards' 11 Friday night home games this season.

Tickets for tomorrow night's game and all Mallards regular season home games can be purchased at the iWireless Center ticket office, Ticketmaster outlets, through ticketmaster.com or through Ticketmaster charge-by-phone toll free at 1-800-745-3000.  The ticket office is open weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and on game days from 10:00 a.m. until the start of the second period.

 

About the Quad City Mallards
A proud affiliate of the National Hockey League's Minnesota Wild and the American Hockey League's Iowa Wild, the Quad City Mallards in the midst of their seventeenth season and their fourth in the Central Hockey League.  One of the winningest teams in all of minor league hockey, the Mallards competed in the United Hockey League from 1995 through 2007 and in the International Hockey League in 2009-10.  The Mallards' proud history has seen them capture the UHL's Colonial Cup Championship three times (1997, 1998, 2001) and secure that league's Tarry Cup four times (1998, 2000, 2001, 2002) for the best overall regular season record.  In 2001, the Mallards made professional hockey history, recording their sixth consecutive season with 50 or more wins, a feat that has yet to be matched.  The i wireless Center provides a unique environment for hockey and features one-of-a-kind seating areas such as the Nest for groups and functions and the exclusive Drake Club.  For more information on the Quad City Mallards or for Mallards tickets go to www.myqcmallards.com.  Fans can also follow the Mallards via Twitter at twitter.com/myqcmallards and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/quadcitymallards.

02 Jan 2014

MALLARDS WIN FIFTH STRAIGHT, MOVE INTO THIRD PLACE BY COMPLETING SWEEP OF BEAST

By Brian Lavelle

BRAMPTON, Ontario (December 30, 2013) - Mike Stinziani scored twice and Thomas Heemskerk made 31 saves as the Quad City Mallards defeated the host Brampton Beast 3-2 Monday night. With the victory, the Mallards extended their season best wining streak to five games, claimed sole possession of third place in the Central Hockey League and completed a three game sweep of the Beast.

Stinziani's second goal proved to be the game winner. He split the Brampton defense to break a 2-2 tie at 5:12 of the second period- just over three minutes after Josh McQuade had evened the contest by snapping home a power play goal from the bottom of the left wing circle.

The Mallards successfully protected what was their third one-goal lead for the final 34 minutes and 48 seconds due in good part to fine work from Heemskerk. The Mallards' netminder was at his busiest in the third period, making 14 saves as the Mallards closed out the Beast.

The Mallards had twice grabbed the lead in the opening period. Stinziani opened the scoring on a breakaway at 13:52 of the first period. The Beast was on the power play when Andrew Fournier tipped in the tying goal at 17:42 of the first. That deadlock lasted just 33 seconds before Matt Boyd's shorthanded goal put the Mallards back on top 2-1. Boyd steered home Gergo Nagy's centering feed to reestablish the lead.

Mallards forward Jordan Lane missed Monday night's game after being assessed a two-game suspension by the Central Hockey League. Lane, who was suspended after picking up a game misconduct in the Mallards' win in Brampton last Saturday night, will also sit out the Mallards' game Friday evening against the St. Charles Chill.

The Mallards return home to meet the Chill at 7:05 p.m. Friday. Friday is another $1 Dog/$1 Beer Night presented by 97X. $1 hot dogs and $1 beers are available at iWireless Center concession stands during each of the Mallards' 11 Friday night home games this season.

Tickets for Friday's game and all Mallards regular season home games can be purchased at the iWireless Center ticket office, Ticketmaster outlets, through ticketmaster.com or through Ticketmaster charge-by-phone toll free at 1-800-745-3000. The ticket office is open weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and on game days from 10:00 a.m. until the start of the second period.
30 Dec 2013

MCMILLAN GIVES MALLARDS 3-2 O.T. WIN IN BRAMPTON

By Brian Lavelle

BRAMPTON, Ontario (December 28, 2013) - Darren McMillan scored 36 seconds into overtime to give the Quad City Mallards a come-from-behind 3-2 win over the host Brampton Beast Saturday night. The victory- the Mallards' second in as many nights in Brampton- extended the Mallards' season best winning streak to four games.

McMillan snapped the game winner home from the high slot after the Mallards had rallied from a 2-0 third period deficit to force sudden death. Jim McKenzie pounced on a rebound to cut the gap to 2-1 at 2:37 of the third. Gabriel Levesque roofed the tying goal from close range at the 9:01 mark.

The Mallards found themselves in need of a rally after the Beast scored in each of the first two periods. Jason Pitton's one timer from the left wing circle gave Brampton a 1-0 lead at 4:03 of the first period. Rob Collins doubled the Beast advantage with a one timer from the high slot at 11:46 of the second period, but the Mallards would battle back to clinch their three-game weekend set with the Beast heading into Monday evening's series finale at the Powerade Center.

The Mallards next play at home next Friday night at 7:05 p.m. against the St. Charles Chill. Next Friday is another $1 Dog/$1 Beer Night presented by 97X. $1 hot dogs and $1 beers are available at iWireless Center concession stands during each of the Mallards' 11 Friday night home games this season.

Tickets for next Friday's game and all Mallards regular season home games can be purchased at the iWireless Center ticket office, Ticketmaster outlets, through ticketmaster.com or through Ticketmaster charge-by-phone toll free at 1-800-745-3000. The ticket office is open weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and on game days from 10:00 a.m. until the start of the second period.

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