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.

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. 

SPRINGFIELD - January 3, 2014. Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) will ring in the New Year with the ability to provide more patient services under a new law backed by Lt. Governor Sheila Simon and recently approved by Governor Pat Quinn. Sponsored by Rep. Don Moffitt (R-Gilson) and Sen. Chapin Rose (R-Champaign), the legislation aims to enable Illinois EMTs to better provide potentially lifesaving services during emergency calls.

"This measure can help make sure EMTs are able to use all of their skills and training to save lives," said Simon, chair of the Governor's Rural Affairs Council. "Thanks to the hard work and leadership of Rep. Moffitt and Sen. Rose, we can celebrate the new year with an important new law."

Ambulance services can be delivered at various levels, ranging from basic life support to advanced life support and specialty care transport. Currently, EMTs may provide services only at their assigned ambulance level, even though they may have individual training to provide a higher level of service.  Under House Bill 2778, a licensed EMT may perform medical services compliant with his or her level of education or training, regardless of the level of their ambulances.

The legislation is a result of recommendations released by the House Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Task Force. Simon testified in support of streamlining regulations for EMTs and hosted an EMS Summit in Springfield in October. A number of providers gathered to discuss ways to further improve EMS delivery in Illinois.

"This legislation will potentially raise the level of emergency medical service that may be provided by a rural volunteer ambulance service from EMT Basic up to a Paramedic response. This increased level of medical care will improve the chances of saving more lives. I commend Governor Quinn for signing this legislation into law," said Moffitt. "The more we can do to enhance the level of care provided by volunteer ambulance services, the more lives will be saved."

"HB 2778 is intended to provide life saving advanced care to citizens and visitors to rural areas," said McLean County Area EMS System Director Greg Scott. "The Governor's Rural Affairs Council, chaired by Lt. Governor Sheila Simon, the American Heart Association, the Illinois EMS Alliance, and the Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois were all instrumental in the development of this legislation and was sponsored by Representative Don Moffitt and Senator Chapin Rose."

Simon recently toured the Rockford Health System EMS building, met with the Rockford Fire Department and Win-Bur-Sew Fire Protection District, and visited the Jackson County Ambulance Service in Carbondale to learn more about the challenges faced and work done by local EMS providers.

Lt. Governor Simon is the chair of the Governor's Rural Affairs Council, and enhancing emergency medical services is a part of the council's strategic plan for rural Illinois.

Governor Urges Residents to Stay Inside, Safe and Warm Ahead of Forecast Snow and Cold; Check on Neighbors

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today announced measures being taken by Illinois state agencies to prepare for the extreme cold and additional snowfall that is forecast for the next several days. He also urged residents to follow recommended winter safety procedures and to check on their neighbors during the bitter cold and snowy weather. Today's announcement is part of Governor Quinn's commitment to keeping all Illinois residents safe and warm this winter.

"As we head into this extreme winter blast, state of Illinois personnel and emergency crews are working around the clock to help people stay warm and safe, while keeping roads open for those who must travel," Governor Quinn said.

"During this bitter cold and snowy weather, Illinois residents should stay inside as much as possible and limit their exposure to the cold temperatures. Don't forget to dress in layers, check in on friends and family who may need additional assistance, and bring pets indoors. Residents can also take advantage of our warming centers if necessary," the Governor added.

Residents are urged to take advantage of the state's more than 100 warming centers as temperatures dip to dangerous lows. These include Illinois Department of Human Services offices throughout the state, which are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., or the Illinois Tollway Oases, which are open 24 hours a day.  To find a warming center near you, call the IDHS hotline at (800) 843-6154 or visit keepwarm.illinois.gov.

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the Illinois Tollway have their crews working around the clock to keep roads clear and passable. Motorists are urged to drive defensively and safely, travel only if absolutely necessary, slow down, and buckle up. In addition, a new state law prohibits motorists from talking on all but hands-free mobile phones while driving.

Other roadway safety tips to remember:

• Don't crowd snowplows - an operator's field of vision is restricted.
• Allow extra time for travel during the winter months.
• Watch out for black ice on roads that appear clear but can be treacherous. Slow down when approaching intersections, off-ramps, bridges and shady areas - all are prone to black ice, which is often invisible.
• Pull over and dial *999 for emergency roadway assistance.

Check travel and road conditions routinely before any trip. You can get road condition information by calling 1-800-452-IDOT (4368), Illinois Tollway information by calling 1-800-TOLL-FYI or online at www.gettingaroundillinois.com and click on the "winter road conditions" icon.

The Illinois Tollway expects to double the number of Zero Weather Road Patrols it provides around the clock to assist drivers stranded in their cars along the 286-mile Tollway system. The Zero Weather Road Patrols provide roadway assistance when temperatures and/or sustained wind chills are below zero.

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) will continue to monitor the winter weather conditions throughout Illinois and stands ready to activate emergency state resources if necessary. IEMA also advises every household to have a disaster preparedness kit that will help residents stay safe for at least three days. The kits should include a battery-powered NOAA weather radio, a flashlight, extra batteries, non-perishable food, water, a first-aid kit, extra medications and special items needed for babies, disabled or elderly family members and pets.

If you must travel, IEMA and IDOT recommend you equip your vehicle with an emergency supply kit to keep you safe in case you are stranded along the road.  A vehicle preparedness kit should include a cell phone and charger, flashlight, extra batteries, first-aid kit, snack foods and water, blankets, extra warm clothing, gloves and hats, sand or kitty litter, shovel, windshield scraper, booster cables, flares or reflectors, windshield washer fluid, and a tool kit. Always keep your gas tank at least two-thirds full to help prevent the vehicle's fuel line from freezing.

Before you depart, check weather and road conditions along your route and provide your planned route to a family member or friend. If conditions are dangerous, postpone travel until road conditions improve. IEMA and the National Weather Service have developed a Winter Weather Preparedness Guide that contains many more tips about winter weather safety.  The guide is available at the Ready Illinois website at ready.illinois.gov.

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) advises residents to be vigilant regarding two health conditions caused by cold winter weather that can lead to serious injury or death - hypothermia and frostbite. Infants and the elderly are particularly at risk for these conditions.

Symptoms for hypothermia, a drop in body temperature to 95 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, include forgetfulness; drowsiness; slurred speech; change in appearance, such as a puffy face; weak pulse, slow heartbeat; very slow, shallow breathing; and in extreme cases, coma or a death-like appearance. If you notice these symptoms, wrap the person in a warm blanket and seek immediate medical attention. Do not give a hypothermia victim a hot shower or bath.

Frostbite typically affects exposed areas of the face, ears, wrists, hands and feet.  Frostbitten skin is whitish and stiff, and the area will feel numb rather than painful.  If you notice these signs, warm the affected part of the body gradually with blankets, other warm wrappings or warm parts of your body like your armpits, and seek medical attention immediately. Do not rub frostbitten areas. To reduce the chance of frostbite, stay dry and wear several layers of lightweight clothing; cover your head; wear mittens rather than fingered gloves; wear warm leg coverings and heavy socks or two pairs of lightweight socks; and cover your ears and lower face.

The Illinois Department on Aging is encouraging relatives and friends to make daily visits or calls to senior citizens living alone. Older people are more susceptible to the cold, so seniors should set their thermostats above 65 degrees. Those particularly vulnerable are older people who take certain medications, drink alcohol, lack proper nutrition, or who have conditions such as arthritis, stroke, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.

Tips for senior citizens to best handle cold temperatures:

·         Dress in layers, both indoors and outdoors.

·         Keep active. Make a list of exercises and activities to do indoors when you can't get out.

·         Eat well and drink 10 glasses of water daily; stock up on non-perishable food supplies, just in case.

·         Keep extra medications in the house. If this is not possible, make arrangements to have someone pick up and deliver your medications.

·         Do not shovel snow or walk in deep snow. Plan now for someone else to shovel the snow. The strain from the cold and hard labor could cause a heart attack; sweating can lead to a chill and even hypothermia.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture advises residents to bring their pets indoors or ensure they have a warm shelter area with unfrozen food and water. Check frequently on any animal that remains outside.

Extreme cold temperatures are dangerous and can be deadly. Since 1995, more than 130 fatalities related to cold temperatures have occurred in Illinois, making it the second-leading cause of weather-related deaths in Illinois in the past two decades.