THIS WEEK
Friday, January 31, 7:05 p.m.
iWireless Center, Moline
Tulsa Oilers vs. Quad City Mallards

Saturday, February 1, 7:05 p.m.

Independence Events Center, Independence
Quad City Mallards vs. Missouri Mavericks

LAST WEEK
Thursday, January 23
Quad City 4 Brampton 1

Friday, January 24

Quad City 3 Brampton 0

Sunday, January 26
Brampton 4 Quad City 3 (OT)

Quad City
18-9-8, 44 points
6th place
Coach: Terry Ruskowski

Tulsa
19-21-3, 41 points

7th place
Coach: Bruce Ramsay

Missouri

24-11-2, 50 points
3rd place
Coach: Scott Hillman

QUACK TRACKS
Last Week
The Mallards went 2-0-1 in Brampton last weekend.  The Mallards came up just short in their bid to win each of their six regular season road games against the Beast, finishing 5-0-1 at the Powerade Centre after falling in overtime Sunday.

Rebound

The Mallards earned five of six available points in Brampton after having gone 0-2-2 in their prior four games.

Tight
The Mallards are just one point behind the fifth place Beast, on whom they have seven games in hand.

Playing the Percentages
The Mallards, who have played fewer games (35) than any other CHL club, have the league's fourth best winning percentage (.629).

Balance

While the Mallards rank in the top half of the league in goal scoring- fifth at 3.3 goals per game- no Mallard ranks in the top 20 in the CHL in point scoring.

On the Road
In the wake of their successes in Brampton, the Mallards are now 7-1-1 in their last nine road games.

Trouble at Home

The Mallards have gone without a win (0-2-2) in their last four home games- their longest home winless streak this year.

Blanked
Ty Rimmer made 35 saves while shutting out the Beast last Friday. Rimmer came close to posting shutouts on back-to-back nights, stopping 69 of 70 shots over the first two games of the Mallards' series in Brampton.  Last Thursday he held the Beast off the scoreboard until Rob Collins scored with just two minutes and seven seconds left in the third period.  Last Friday's blanking of Brampton was also the second of rookie Rimmer's career- he registered his first shutout on December 13 when he stopped 48 shots in a 2-0 win over the Rush in Rapid City- and the Mallards' fourth this season.  Rimmer posted a 1.63 goals against average and a .954 save percentage over the Mallards' three games in Brampton.

Workin' Overtime
The Mallards are 1-3 in games deciding in overtime.  Each of those four sudden death decisions came against Brampton.  The Mallards- who have gone 1-5 in shootouts- are 2-8 in games that last longer than 60 minutes.

500
Mallard captain Darren McMillan Friday night played his five hundredth career game.  Now in his ninth season, the Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, native has scored 35 goals, picked up 148 assists and totaled 183 points over the course of his career.  McMillan has now played 243 games for the Mallards over the last five seasons.

300
Vladimir Nikiforov yesterday played his three hundredth career game.  Nikiforov has recorded 62 goals, 113 assists, and 175 points over five professional seasons.  Nikiforov returned to the United States with the Mallards this season after playing in Russia with Lokomotiv Yaroslavl last year.  Before heading across the Atlantic, he spent his first three professional campaigns skating for six teams in four leagues.

First

Forward Justin Fox yesterday scored his first Mallard goal since joining the team January 15.

Rapid Fire

Mike Stinziani scored eight seconds into the second period Friday night.  That goal was the Mallards' fastest from the start of a period this season.

Leading the Way
Linemates Jeff Lee (1-4-5) and Thomas Frazee (2-2-4) recorded at least a point apiece in each of the Mallards' three games in Brampton and were the club's top two point scorers in the series.

Leaders
Lee is tied for tenth in +/- (+15)...Mike Hellyer is tied for fourth in game winning goals (5)...Among rookies, Frazee is tied for third in points (24) and assists (15) and ranks fifth in goals (9)...Thomas Heemskerk ranks second in goals against average (2.45) and save percentage (.920)...Rimmer ranks eighth in goals against average (2.82) and save percentage (.910).

Milestones
Jim McKenzie has recorded 98 career assists... McMillan has collected 97 career CHL assists.

Special Teams
While the Mallards rank last in the CHL in power play efficiency (10.9 percent), they have scored on the man advantage in each of their last two games.  Benjamin Dieude-Fauvel Friday night halted the Mallards' 0-for-21 power play drought; Matt Duffy's third period 5-on-3 goal forced yesterday's game to overtime.  The Mallards went 12-for-12 on the penalty kill in their three games in Brampton.  The Mallards rank sixth in penalty killing (82.8 percent) and third in shorthanded goals (6).

Head to Head

The Mallards and Oilers have split their first two meetings.  The Mallards routed Tulsa 9-3 November 30 at the iWireless Center before falling to the Oilers on the road 5-2 on December 20.  Tulsa's Adam Pleskach (0-5-5) and Ben Gordon 1-4-5) are the top point producers in the season series.  Gergo Nagy (1-3-4) and Frazee (0-4-4) have been the most productive Mallards over the first two games between the clubs.  The Mallards and Oilers will conclude their four-game season series February 21 in Tulsa.  All-time, the Mallards have gone 7-6-0 overall against Oilers and have gone 5-3-0 at home against Tulsa...After playing just one of their first 36 games against Missouri, the Mallards will play nine of their final 30 tilts against the Mavericks.  The Mavs won the season series opener 5-4 in a shootout on November 27 at the Independence Events Center.  Since entering the CHL in 2010, the Mallards have gone 14-12-3 against the Mavericks and have posted a record of 9-6-1 in Independence.

Ins and Outs
Heemskerk returned to the Mallards today from the American Hockey League's Worcester Sharks after signing a professional tryout agreement with Worcester January 15...Defenseman Nicholas Rioux rejoined the Mallards today from the AHL's Iowa Wild after signing a PTO with Iowa last Tuesday...Goaltender Nick Niedert was waived today...Forward Nikiforov (upper body injury) returned to the active roster from seven day injured reserve last Tuesday.  Both Nikiforov and defenseman Duffy (illness) returned to action last Thursday after missing the Mallards' prior game January 17 in Wichita.

NEXT HOME GAME
Friday, January 31, 7:05 p.m.- Mallards vs. Tulsa Oilers
$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.

Mallards Bud Light Ice Girls/Kavanaugh's Hilltop Bar/MetroLINK
Mallards Bud Light Ice Girls this Friday will be on hand to meet fans at Kavanaugh's Hilltop Bar in Rock Island starting at 5:30 p.m. and then will ride MetroLINK with fans to Friday night's game at the iWireless Center.

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 this Saturday's tilt- 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 or info@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 receive savings off the walk-up price and a host of 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.

All recipients are notified in spring of senior year. Funds are distributed April through August. In-depth descriptions and applications are also at: www.davenportschools.org/foundation

The following counselors are primary contacts for scholarship information:

Central?Carole Sissel, North?Kay Anthony, West?Stephanie Eckhardt, Kimberly Ctr.?Jessica Hankins.

Eight of the following scholarships (marked with an asterisk) use a common application, known as "Eight-in-One," so applying for one means you will be considered for all eight: Class of '59, Davenport Schools Foundation, DSF Future Educator, Jane Grady, Joan Kohlberg Lowen, Lisa Arbisser, Marie Linke Powell, and Mary Means. 

These scholarships are available to all graduating seniors at Central, North, West and Kimberly Center:

Betty Nelson Career Technical Scholarship:  Four $500 awards per year, when available; one to each high school. Winner must have regular attendance, extracurriculars and plan to pursue technical training program or an apprenticeship. Requires teacher recommendation. Deadline is April 10. Contact: Betty Nelson, 5200 Villa Drive, No. 59, Davenport, IA 52806. Ph: 563-391-4400.

Class of '59 Scholarship*:  One $1,000 award will be given this year. Must have 3.25 GPA or 24 ACT, as well as scholastic achievement, extracurriculars and community service. Deadline is April 9. Contact Norm Bower at DSF; Ph: 563-336-5004.

Davenport Schools Foundation Scholarship*:  One $1,000 award to be given this year to a minority student. Must have 3.25 GPA or 24 ACT, scholastic achievement, extracurriculars and community service. Deadline is April 9. Contact Norm Bower at DSF; Ph: 563-336-5004.

Davenport Schools Future Educator Scholarship*:  Maximum of three $500 awards will be given this year. Student should show scholastic achievement, extracurriculars, service and intent to major in education. Deadline is April 9. Contact Norm Bower at DSF; Ph: 563-336-5004.

Helen Pohling Scholarship:  Three $1,200 awards will be given this year, one to each district high school. Kimberly Center students apply through home school attendance area. Must have 3.25 GPA or 24 ACT, as well as scholastic achievement, extracurriculars and community service. Deadline is Feb. 28. Contact Norm Bower at 563-336-5004.

Jack King Music Scholarship:  One $1,500 scholarship to a grad who took part in band all four years of high school. Must have 3.25 GPA or 24 ACT. Interview and short performance for finalists. Deadline is April 4. Contact Norm Bower at DSF; PH: 563-336-5004.

Jane Grady Memorial Scholarship for Academic Excellence*:  One $5,000 award per year, distributed in $1,250 installments over four years to a graduating female student who is proficient in English, math and science. Must have 3.25 GPA or 24 ACT. Must maintain a 3.0 GPA in college. Deadline is April 9. Contact Norm Bower at DSF; Ph: 563-336-5004.

Joan Kohlberg Lowen Scholarship*:  One $4,000 award is given annually. Must have 3.25 GPA or 24 ACT and scholastic achievement. Deadline is April 9. Contact Norm Bower at DSF; Ph: 563-336-5004.

Johnson School Scholarship:  Three $600 awards to seniors who attended Johnson Elementary (DCSD). Must demonstrate academic achievement. Deadline is April 12. Contact Brenda Jordahl-Buckles at 563-323-0978.

Kathryn Bell Tate Scholarship:  One $12,000 award annually ($3,000/year for four years) to a DCSD grad whose parent is a full-time DCSD employee. Must maintain 3.0 GPA in college. Deadline is March 28. Contact Norm Bower at DSF; Ph: 563-336-5004.

Lisa Arbisser Scholarship*:  One $500 award will be given this year. Must have 3.25 GPA or 24 ACT, as well as scholastic achievement, extracurriculars and community service. Deadline is April 9. Contact Norm Bower at DSF; Ph: 563-336-5004.

Marie Linke Powell Scholarship*:  One $1,000 scholarship per year to a senior with intent to major in education. Must have 3.25 GPA or 24 ACT, scholastic achievement and extracurriculars. Deadline is April 9. Contact: Norm Bower at DSF; PH: 563-336-5004.

Mary Means Memorial Scholarship*:  One $1,500 award given annually to a student intent on a career in education or in Family and Consumer Science. Applicant must have 3.25 GPA or a 24 ACT. Deadline is April 9. Contact: Norm Bower at DSF; Ph: 563-336-5004.

Caryl Haring Memorial Scholarship:  One $1,000 award given annually to a student intent on a career in education. Students with considerable financial need encouraged to apply. Must have 2.75 GPA or higher, and file FAFSA form. Deadline is April 4. Contact Norm Bower at DSF; Ph: 563-336-5004.

Scholarships specific to NORTH High School:

North High Music Scholarship: Two $1,000 scholarships will be given, one to a boy, one to a girl, who has taken part in music programs all four years of high school. Must have 3.25 GPA or 24 ACT, scholastic achievement, extracurriculars, community service. No application process. Nominees and winners are selected by NHS music faculty. Decision by April 1.

Scholarships specific to WEST High School:

Brad Peck Memorial Scholarship:  There is no application process for this award. Nominees and winners are chosen by a committee. One $300 scholarship is given to a graduating boy who is in band and either swimming or football. Deadline is April 15. Contact Stephanie Eckhardt, West counseling office, at 563-386-5500.

Brian Keppy Memorial Scholarship:  One $500 award is given each year to a graduating senior. Must have at least a 3.0 GPA, played football and shown dedication to weightroom. Must provide letter of reference from teacher, counselor or admin. Deadline is April 5. Contact Norm Bower, DSF, 1606 Brady Street, Davenport, IA 52803; Ph: 563-336-5004.

George Weis Memorial Scholarship:  One $500 award is given each year to a graduating senior interested in a career-technical education and demonstrating financial need. Deadline is April 9. Contact Stephanie Eckhardt, West counseling office, at 563-386-5500.

West High Music Scholarship:  Two $1,000 scholarships will be given, one to a boy, one to a girl, who has taken part in music programs all four years of high school. Must have 3.25 GPA or 24 ACT, scholastic achievement, extracurriculars, community service. No application process. Nominees and winners are selected by WHS music faculty. Decision by April 1.

Scholarships specific to CENTRAL High School:

Buttleman - Arbisser Journalism Scholarship:  One $1,000 award is given annually, but it can be shared. Must have experience with CHS school newspaper and an intention to major in communications-related field. Deadline is April 15. Applications and requirements available from Clint Balsar at CHS; Ph: 563-323-9900.

CHS Hall of Honor Scholarships:  Eight $1,500 scholarships granted annually. Five at-large. Hester Scholarship is for minority student; the Meyers Scholarship helps with significant financial need. Kneipp Scholarship is for a nursing major. Requires 3.0 GPA, scholastic achievement, extracurriculars, service. Deadline March 10, 2014. Contact Heather Ehlinger 563-323-9900.

Hanae Fujiwara Wiese Music Scholarship:  Two $4,000 awards?to one male and one female senior. Distributed $1,000 per year for four years of college if 3.0 GPA is maintained. No application process; nominations come from teachers. Must have 3.25 GPA or 24 ACT, scholastic achievement, extracurriculars, community service and participation in CHS music programs. Decision by April 1. Contact Norm Bower at DSF; Ph: 563-336-5004.

Jerry Jurgens Athletic/Academic Scholarship:  Two $1,000 awards per year?to one male and one female athlete. Students are nominated by coaches by April 1 and winners are selected by a committee of coaches and the AD. Selection based on scholarship and citizenship. No application process. Contact Brian Ehlinger at Central, 1120 Main Street, Davenport, IA 52803. Ph: 563-323-9900.

MidWest One Bank "You're the One" Scholarship:  Two $500 awards per year to CHS seniors planning to major in business or finance. Must have 3.25 GPA or 24 ACT, file a FAFSA report and show financial need. Deadline is April 15. Contact Norm Bower at DSF; PH: 563-336-5004.

Updated Jan. 14, 2014

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today sent a letter to President Barack Obama urging the administration to take action to help ease the burden the propane shortage is putting on Iowans and other Midwesterners.

Branstad and Reynolds write, "We write to share our concern regarding the shortage of propane fuel across the Midwest, including Iowa.  With the lack of supply and increased demand during recent cold weather, propane prices have drastically increased. This has negatively impacted Iowa families, businesses, and agricultural producers across the State of Iowa."

The letter continues, "We urge the U.S. Department of Transportation to expand the exemption to the hours-of-service regulations to ease the movement of propane fuel to customers in states facing shortages.  We would also welcome actions by the U.S. Department of Energy to reduce regulatory barriers to expedite the shipments of propane via all modes of transportation, including rail and pipeline. In addition, we urge you and your Administration to examine current propane market forces and consider exercising your authority outlined in 42 U.S.C. § 6212 to ensure there is a sufficient domestic supply."

The letter sent to President Obama comes after Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds worked with Texas Gov. Rick Perry and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst to ease restrictions in Texas, allowing for greater propane supply to be shipped to states in need.

Iowans who may need aid from the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) should contact their local LIHEAP community action agency or the Iowa Department of Human Rights at 515-281-0859. Eligibility requirements for LIHEAP can be found here.

The full text of the letter to President Obama is below.

January 27, 2014

The Honorable Barack Obama                      

President of the United States                       

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. 

Washington, DC  20500           

Dear President Obama:  

We write to express our concern regarding the shortage of propane fuel across Iowa, the entire Midwest, and expanding to other parts of the United States.  With the lack of supply and increased demand due to recent cold weather, propane prices have drastically increased. This has negatively impacted Iowa families, businesses, and agricultural producers across the State of Iowa.  Prices in some Midwest locations have now exceeded $5 per gallon.  Such prices are unsustainable for families, farmers, and businesses. Iowa, like many states across the nation, have taken actions to address the situation and now your Administration's leadership is needed to ensure that the necessary propane fuel is available for our fellow citizens to heat their homes, livestock producers to warm their animals, and businesses to fuel their operations.   

We urge the U.S. Department of Transportation to expand the exemption to the hours-of-service regulations to ease the movement of propane fuel to customers in states facing shortages.  We would also welcome actions by the U.S. Department of Energy to reduce regulatory barriers to expedite the shipments of propane via all modes of transportation, including rail and pipeline. In addition, we urge you and your Administration to examine current propane market forces and consider exercising your authority outlined in 42 U.S.C. § 6212 to ensure there is a sufficient domestic supply.  We are closely monitoring needs of communities throughout the state.  If emergency deliveries of propane are deemed necessary, we would ask for your Administration's help in addressing such an emergency situation through close coordination and adequate Federal resources.  Further, if propane prices do not return to sustainable levels in the very near future, it will be necessary to explore the adequacy of current resource allocations in Federal programs such as the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Rural Energy for America (REAP) programs. Finally, we would echo requests for the Federal Trade Commission to remain vigilant in its oversight responsibility to prevent anti-competitive behavior or illegal manipulation.  

Iowa leaders are actively working to mitigate the current shortage in various ways.  State of Iowa actions include : 

• ·         Easing of State Transport Regulations and Active Monitoring: The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the Governor's office are actively monitoring propane supplies and prices.  Working in conjunction with the Iowa Homeland Security Emergency Management Department (HSEMD) and the Iowa Department of Transportation, the Governor issued an emergency declaration to ease propane transport within the State of Iowa on Oct. 25, 2013 - the declaration has been and will be extended further as needed. State officials have been coordinating with our counterparts in other states, including seeking regulatory relief for licensing, permitting and certification requirements regarding liquefied petroleum gas trucks and operators in states that can help expedite the supply of propane - for example, Governor Branstad and Lt. Governor Reynolds reached out to Texas officials and asked for regulatory transport relief which was granted on January 22, 2014.  Last week, the Governor's Office asked the Midwest Governor's Association to drive collaboration across state lines.  The HSEMD is actively monitoring propane issues in other states across the country to assist relevant planning scenarios.  In addition, HSEMD is in contact with local emergency managers to actively monitor the situation in counties and communities across the State, especially rural Iowa.

• ·         Providing Flexibilities in the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): The Iowa Department of Human Rights (DHR) has allocated an additional $600,000, now totaling $1.8 million, in Emergency Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) funds within LIHEAP to local agencies and raised the maximum ECIP payment from $500 to $650 for emergency propane delivery.  The DHR is working with local LIHEAP agencies and propane vendors to lower minimum delivery requirements to no more than 200 gallons and emphasizing to agencies that an allowable cost under ECIP includes the purchase of an electric portable heater. DHR has changed policy to allow a portion of a household's ECIP benefit to be applied to a secondary vendor to help cover the costs of electricity for the use of portable electric heaters and is actively coordinating with the Iowa Propane Gas Association.  DHR has actively encouraged families in need to contact their local community action agency to apply for LIHEAP.

We would welcome your Administration's active engagement on the propane shortage issue here in Iowa and throughout the Midwest.  Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Terry E. Branstad                       Kim Reynolds

Governor of Iowa                           Lt. Governor of Iowa

cc:        Bill Northey, Secretary, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

Paul Trombino III, Director, Iowa Department of Transportation

San Wong, Iowa Department of Human Rights

Mark Schouten, Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management

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