24 Nov 2014

5,310 Watch Streaking Mallards Down Rush, Take Over First Place

By Brian Lavelle

MOLINE, Ill. (November 22, 2014) - Joe Perry scored two goals including the game winner and Evan Mosher made 34 saves as the host Quad City Mallards (7-3-3) defeated the Rapid City Rush (5-9-1) 3-2 Saturday night in front of 5,310 fans.  With the win the Mallards moved into first place in the EHCL's Central Division, extended their winning streak to three games, matched a league season best by stretching their regulation unbeaten streak to eight games (5-0-3) and completed a two-game weekend sweep of the Rush.

Perry tipped in his second goal of the night at 3:04 of the third period to give the Mallards a 3-1 lead.  That goal would stand up as the difference after Brandon Martell's wrist shot from the left point brought Rapid City back with one at 13:22 of the third.  Mosher and the Mallards held off the Rush the rest of the way, even after Rapid City pulled goaltender Etienne Marcoux for an extra attacker with 1:11 remaining in the game.

Perry opened the scoring from the left wing circle at 5:17 of the first period.  The Rush was shorthanded when Daniel Tetreault pounced on a rebound to even the contest at 9:28 of the first.

At 11:42 of the second period Johnny Rogic finished off a 2-on-1 rush to break the 1-1 deadlock and put the Mallards on top for good.  Mosher was at his busiest in the second, turning 16 shots to keep the Mallards in front.

Tonight's throng was first crowd of over 5,000 to attend a November Mallards home game since 5,010 saw the Mallards drop a 4-3 United Hockey League decision the Rockford IceHogs at the iWireless Center on November 4, 2007.

Earlier Saturday goaltender John Curry was recalled from the Mallards by the American Hockey League's Iowa Wild, forward Todd Fiddler was placed on the Mallards' reserve list and forward Logan Nelson and goaltender Parker Milner were activated from reserve.

The Mallards return to action tomorrow on the road against the Missouri Mavericks.  The Mallards next play at home next Saturday night, November 29, at 7:05 p.m. against the Mavericks.

Tickets for all remaining Mallards regular season home games- including next Saturday night's tilt- are on sale now at the iWireless Center box office, Ticketmaster outlets, ticketmaster.com and Ticketmaster charge-by-phone toll free at 1-800-745-3000.  The box office is open weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and game days from 10:00 a.m. until the start of the second period.  Tickets are available for $10, $16, $20 and $28.
21 Nov 2014

Iowa Wild Assigns Netminder Curry to Mallards

By Brian Lavelle
Milner Placed on Reserve

MOLINE, Ill. (November 20, 2014) - Goaltender John Curry has been assigned to the Quad City Mallards by the American Hockey League's Iowa Wild and the Mallards have placed goaltender Parker Milner on reserve, the Mallards announced today.

Curry, 30, has posted a 3.72 goals against average and .885 save percentage while going 0-4-0 in five games with Iowa this season. 

"John is here for a stint to get some playing time before going back to Iowa," said Mallards coach and general manager Terry Ruskowski.  "We look forward to having him here because he's a character guy and an excellent goaltender."

Curry played two National Hockey League games for the Minnesota Wild last season- going 1-0-0 with a 3.00 goals against average and .930 save percentage- and has played six career NHL games for the Wild and Pittsburgh Penguins.  The 5' 11", 185-pound Shorewood, Minnesota, native has gone 3-2-0 and turned in a 3.54 goals against average and .893 save percentage in those six games.

Curry last season divided his time among Minnesota, Iowa and the ECHL's Orlando Solar Bears.  In 19 AHL games he was 7-9-2 with a 2.62 goals against average, a .920 save percentage and one shutout.  He ran up a record of 10-2-0 with Orlando on a 2.66 goals against average and .917 save percentage.

Curry has spent the bulk of his eight-year professional career in the AHL.  He has gone 103-63-7 with a 2.51 goals against average, a .907 save percentage and ten shutouts in 183 American League games with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, Houston Aeros and Wild.   As a rookie he backstopped Wilkes-Barre/Scranton to a berth in the 2008 AHL Calder Cup finals.

After spending his first four seasons in the Penguins' organization Curry moved abroad to spend the 2011-12 campaign in Germany with the Hamburg Freezers.  He returned to North America in the Wild system the following year.  Curry's first season under the Wild umbrella saw him go 17-11-2 with a 2.80 goals against average and .910 save percentage in 32 games with the Solar Bears and also play one game for Houston.

Before turning pro Curry was a standout at Boston University, where he went 59-29-15 with a 2.07 goals against average, a .923 save percentage and 13 shutouts in 107 games over four seasons.  As a senior in 2006-07, he was named a finalist for the Hobey Baker award and earned First Team All-American honors after going 17-10-8 with a 2.01 goals against average, a .921 save percentage and seven shutouts.  The All-American selection was Curry's second in as many seasons- he was a second team choice as a junior while helping the Terriers to the 2006 Hockey East regular season and tournament titles.  Curry also helped propel B.U. to three straight NCAA tournament appearances.

Milner, 24, has gone 3-2-0 with a 2.77 goals against average and a .912 save percentage in five games with the Mallards this season.  Last night Milner stopped 22 shots in regulation and overtime and made four saves in the shootout as the Mallards came from behind for a 4-3 shootout win over Tulsa Oilers.

The 6' 1", 197-pound Pittsburgh native returned to the Mallards from Iowa Sunday after serving as the Wild's back-up goaltender in three games following a November 11 call-up.

The Mallards return to action tomorrow night at 7:05 p.m. on home ice against the Rapid City Rush.  Tomorrow evening also brings the return of $1 Dog/$1 Beer Night presented by 97X and MetroLINK.  Fans can enjoy $1 hot dogs and beers from iWireless Center concession stands during all Friday home games.  97X will follow in the spirit of the evening by presenting hot dog-themed intermission entertainment.

Tickets for all remaining Mallards regular season home games- including tomorrow night's tilt- are on sale now at the iWireless Center box office, Ticketmaster outlets, ticketmaster.com and Ticketmaster charge-by-phone toll free at 1-800-745-3000.  The box office is open weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and game days from 10:00 a.m. until the start of the second period.  Tickets are available for $10, $16, $20 and $28.
19 Nov 2014

UFC 181: HENDRICKS VS. LAWLER II' Coming to U.S. Cinemas Live from Las Vegas on Dec. 6

By Rick Martin
Fathom Events and the UFC® bring UFC 181: HENDRICKS VS. LAWLER II to movie theaters nationwide live from the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas on Sat., Dec. 6 at 10:00 p.m. ET / 9:00 p.m. CT / 8:00 p.m. MT / 7:00 p.m. PT.  Audiences will witness the highly-anticipated rematch between UFC welterweight champion Johny Hendricks and No. 1 contender Robbie Lawler. The fight will serve as a rematch to their hotly-contested title fight in March, a bout narrowly won by Hendricks. In the co-main event, the UFC lightweight title will be on the line as Anthony "Showtime" Pettis defends his belt for the first time against his Ultimate Fighter coaching rival and top contender Gilbert "El Nino" Melendez.
UFC 181: HENDRICKS VS. LAWLER II will be shown at the following movie theaters in your area on Dec. 6:
Cinemark Davenport 18 with IMAX 3601 E 53Rd St Davenport IA 52807
Tickets are available now at participating theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com. For a complete list of theaters, click here.
18 Nov 2014

BANDITS CELEBRATE HOLIDAYS WITH GREAT DEALS

By Marco LaNave
Cyber Monday has amusements and merchandise specials; Stocking Stuffers, ticket packs to go on sale
DAVENPORT, Iowa (November 18, 2014) - The Quad Cities River Bandits will bring the baseball season's greetings to the upcoming holidays, with several ways to spread the joy, including merchandise and amusement special offerings on Cyber Monday, Dec. 1, Holiday Ticket Packs available through Dec. 10, and Holiday Stocking Stuffers on sale through Dec. 19.
Cyber Monday, Dec. 1, includes a one-day special for season-long amusements passes. A pass for unlimited rides - including the award-winning Ferris wheel, zip line, Space Camp gyroscope and Mediacom Drop'N Twist - will be $39 (separate baseball ticket admission required on game days) - savings of more than 40 percent off the regular unlimited-ride pass price.
Also on Monday, Dec. 1, for one day only, the online team store will have special offers at riverbandits.com/banditwear. Customers may choose either free shipping on an order over $100 (using the promo code CYBERSHIP) or choose to receive a 20 percent discount on an order (using the promo code CYBER20).
The Cyber Monday specials will only be available from midnight until 11:59 p.m. Central Standard Time on Monday, Dec. 1.
Now through Dec. 10, fans may also choose from two Holiday Ticket Packs. One package includes four box seats and four Ferris wheel ride tickets for any 2015 River Bandits home game, as well as a Rascal Holiday Gnome and a limited edition River Bandits sweater T-shirt, all for just $49 plus shipping. Another package includes a book of 10 upper box seat vouchers for any 2015 River Bandits home games, a Rascal Holiday Gnome and two River Bandits sweater T-shirts for $99 plus shipping.
The holiday season continues with team store specials through Friday, Dec. 19. A Holiday Stocking Stuffer package is just $40 and includes a River Bandits pennant, a River Bandits logo ball, a stuffed plush of River Bandits mascot Rascal, baseball card sets from the 2012 and 2014 seasons, and a $10 gift card to the River Bandits team store - for a total package value of $50.
Also through Dec. 19, gift cards of a $25 value or more can be purchased with no shipping costs. The gift cards can be redeemed in the ballpark or over the phone for merchandise purchases only.
More information and links to take advantage of the specials are available by visiting riverbandits.com or calling 563-324-3000.
ABOUT THE BANDITS: The River Bandits ownership in 2014 made one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 105 feet over the playing field, opened May 24, Space Camp opened June 20; the new Drop'N Twist debuted in July; and the newly expanded 300-foot long zip line also reopened.
*****
17 Nov 2014

Kids, show us your talent: Design a new River Bandits baseball!

By Marco LaNave
Now is your chance to submit an idea for a baseball that the River Bandits can sell in the team store! Kids 14 and under can show off their artistic skills in our Design-A-Baseball contest. Five finalists will be chosen and their designs will be voted on by the fans with the winner's design being manufactured into a real ball. The entry form is available here. For any questions, contact Jen Adamczyk. More »
17 Nov 2014

Human Foosball at the River's Edge

By Davenport Parks & Recreation

A new Quad Cities experience!

Don't miss out. Play indoor human foosball. Fun just like regular foosball, only you are in a life-size human foosball game! Teams are six versus six.

Private rentals, birthday parties, team building, and tournaments available. 

The River's Edge, 700 West River Drive, Davenport. (563) 322-5220

17 Nov 2014

BANDITS FULFILL $50,000 PLEDGE TO GENESIS FOUNDATION

By Marco LaNave
A portion from each of 68,000 amusement rides last season will benefit health initiatives for children
DAVENPORT, Iowa (November 12, 2014) - Fulfilling a pledge made for the inaugural season of the Ferris wheel and other amusements at Modern Woodmen Park, the Quad Cities River Bandits and Main Street Amusements on Wednesday presented a $50,000 donation to the Genesis Health Services Foundation. Dave Heller, owner of the River Bandits, presented the check to Ken Croken, Genesis Health System Vice President, Corporate Communications, Marketing and Advocacy, during a press conference Wednesday at Modern Woodmen Park.
With a portion from each of 68,000 rides of the new amusements this season at Modern Woodmen Park - including the 105-foot Ferris wheel, the expanded 300-foot zip line, Space Camp gyroscope and the Mediacom Drop'N Twist - the donation will benefit Genesis Health Services Foundation health initiatives for children, including the Flu-Free Quad Cities campaign, Camp Genesis for kids who have someone close to them with cancer and Genesis Neonatal Intensive Care services to help struggling newborn babies.
"The River Bandits belong to the people of the Quad Cities, and a big part of our mission is to make a positive and lasting impact across this great community," said River Bandits owner Dave Heller. "When both of my sons were born, they had to spend time in the neo-natal intensive care unit. Fortunately, we were able to afford such care. My hope is that, with this donation, needy families throughout our region will be able to come to Genesis and get the care they need when they need it. We are so grateful for all of the support we receive every day from Quad Cities families and we are delighted to be able to give back in a big way to help others in our community."
"By their conduct here, the Quad Cities River Bandits and their owner, Mr. Dave Heller, have helped define corporate social responsibility for our community," said Ken Croken, vice president of corporate communications, Genesis Health System.
On May 24, with an Inaugural Ferris Wheel Ride event and fundraiser, the Quad Cities River Bandits became the first team in Minor League Baseball to open a Ferris wheel inside its ballpark. Towering 105 feet above the playing field, the Ferris wheel was part of the debut for a full lineup of amusements that opened every weekend, including non-game days, for the Quad Cities community to enjoy through November 1. The Ferris wheel was named Monday as the Best Ballpark Improvement in all of baseball for the 2014 season by Ballpark Digest. It followed a year in which Modern Woodmen Park drew its largest average attendance - 3,885 per game - in the history of the 83-year-old ballpark.
"The success and recognition the amusements have brought to this community has been exciting, but it is most gratifying when our success makes such a positive difference in the lives of Quad Cities families in need," said River Bandits General Manager Andrew Chesser. "This season's donation to the Genesis Health Services Foundation is another example of the strong partnerships we are blessed to have in the Quad Cities community."
ABOUT THE BANDITS: The River Bandits ownership in 2014 made one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 105 feet over the playing field, opened May 24, Space Camp opened June 20; the new Drop'N Twist debuted in July; and the newly expanded 300-foot long zip line also reopened.
*****
12 Nov 2014

AHL Call-Up for Mallards' Milner

By Rick Martin

MOLINE, Ill. (November 11, 2014) - Quad City Mallards goaltender Parker Milner has been signed to a professional tryout agreement by the American Hockey League's Iowa Wild, the Mallards announced today.

Milner, 24, has gone 2-2-0 with a 2.76 goals against average and .918 save percentage in four games with the Mallards this season.  Milner set a club season high (since surpassed) by making 43 saves in his last outing, a 7-2 Mallard road victory over the Brampton Beast last Friday.

Milner returns to the AHL with the Wild after going 4-2-0 and turning in a 2.95 goals against average and a .904 save percentage in eight AHL games with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers last season.  The 6' 1", 197-pound Pittsburgh native spent the bulk of last season with the EHCL's Stockton Thunder, for whom he posted a 2.84 goals against average, a .907 save percentage and two shutouts while going 9-14-2 in 25 games.

Milner's is the second AHL call-up for a Mallard this season.  Defenseman Nicholas Rioux joined Iowa October 29 and played three games for the Wild before returning to the Mallards last Friday.

Milner turned professional last season after winning two national championships in four years at Boston College.  Milner went 64-20-5 while turning in a 2.23 goals against average, a .919 save percentage and six shutouts in 93 games over the course of his standout collegiate career.

Milner helped Boston College to the NCAA title as a freshman in 2010 and again as a junior in 2012.  He served as back-up netminder during BC's run to the 2010 championship before taking a leading role in the 2012 triumph.  Then a junior, Milner was named the Most Outstanding Player of the 2012 NCAA tournament and also earned NCAA Frozen Four All-Tournament honors after going 4-0 with a 0.50 goals against average, a .982 save percentage and two shutouts during the tournament.  Milner's goals against average was tied for the best in tournament history while his save percentage was the highest since the tournament expanded four teams in 1972.  He capped off his superb tournament effort by making 27 saves in BC's 4-1 victory over Ferris State in the national championship game.  The NCAA title was the crowning achievement of a season that also saw Milner and his teammates win the Hockey East regular season and tournament titles as well as the Beanpot and Icebreaker tournaments.

Over the 2011-12 campaign as a whole, Milner went 29-5-0 while registering a 1.66 goals against average, a .911 save percentage and three shutouts in 34 games.  His .853 winning percentage was the best in the nation.  He completed his college career in 2012-13 by playing in all but one of the Eagles' 38 games, going 22-11-4 and recording a 2.66 goals against average, a .911 save percentage and two shutouts.

During Milner's time in Chestnut Hill, BC not only claimed a pair of NCAA crowns but also secured three Hockey East postseason titles along with two conference regular season championships, made four consecutive NCAA tournament appearances and won four straight Beanpots.

Before putting on the maroon and gold, Milner spent one season in the junior ranks with the United States Hockey League's Waterloo Black Hawks and one in prep school hockey at Avon Old Farms. 

The Mallards are next in action this Friday night when they meet the Beast in Brampton.  The Mallards next play at home Wednesday, November 19 at 7:05 p.m. against the Tulsa Oilers.  Fans can purchase four tickets to any Mallards Wednesday home game for just $20.  In addition, after each Wednesday home contest, fans can join the Mallards at T.G.I. Friday's on River Drive in Moline- adjacent to the iWireless Center- for a postgame party.

Single game tickets for all remaining Mallards regular season home games- including the November 19 tilt- are on sale now at the iWireless Center box office, Ticketmaster outlets, ticketmaster.com and Ticketmaster charge-by-phone toll free at 1-800-745-3000.  The box office is open weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and game days from 10:00 a.m. until the start of the second period.  Tickets are available for $10, $16, $20 and $28
11 Nov 2014

FERRIS WHEEL WINS AMERICA'S BEST BALLPARK IMPROVEMENT

By Rick Martin

DAVENPORT, Iowa (November 10, 2014) - The Ferris wheel at Modern Woodmen Park was a revolutionary success in its first season of operation, and on Monday Ballpark Digest named the Ferris wheel the Best Ballpark Improvement in all of baseball for the 2014 season. Ballpark Digest publisher Kevin Reichard made the announcement at Modern Woodmen Park during a Monday press conference with River Bandits owner Dave Heller and government officials from the City of Davenport. The publication has recognized the 83-year-old stadium in its annual award for best ballpark improvement in four of the past seven seasons.

On May 24, the Quad Cities River Bandits became the first team in Minor League Baseball to open a Ferris wheel inside its ballpark. It was part of the debut for a full lineup of amusements - including the Mediacom Drop'N Twist, Space Camp gyroscope and dual zip line - that opened every weekend, including non-game days, for the Quad Cities community to enjoy through November 1. The amusements welcomed more than 68,000 riders combined in 2014.

"The Ferris wheel has elevated family-friendly entertainment to a new level in the Quad Cities, both literally and figuratively, so we are pleased to accept this great award on behalf of this entire community," said River Bandits owner Dave Heller. "Ballpark Digest is widely respected and known as the industry standard, which makes this award that much more meaningful. Our great partnership with the City of Davenport has been critical to beautifying and enhancing Modern Woodmen Park, and our fans and community partners have bought into that vision to make this ballpark the best in America and the pride of the Quad Cities."

A year after Modern Woodmen Park was voted the Best Minor League Ballpark in America by readers of USA TODAY and 10Best.com, the ballpark drew its largest average attendance - 3,885 per game - in franchise history.

"We are humbled and grateful for the record support of our fans this season, and for the national recognition of the Best Ballpark Improvement award for the Ferris wheel," said River Bandits General Manager Andrew Chesser. "These achievements energize and propel us further toward our goal of making Modern Woodmen Park the central gathering place for the people throughout the Quad Cities region."

The Ferris wheel joins an award-winning lineup of several other improvements to Modern Woodmen Park under Main Street Baseball's ownership, including the iconic corn field, sports lounge, Pepsi Loge Boxes and Budweiser Champions Club - all previously recognized by Ballpark Digest.

"It's always a treat to return annually to Modern Woodmen Park ? there's always something new to see and experience," said Kevin Reichard, Ballpark Digest publisher. "Adding a Ferris wheel to the ballpark is a great move: the views of downtown Davenport and the ballpark are spectacular, and, besides, who doesn't love a ride on a Ferris wheel?"

The Ferris wheel stands atop the ballpark's left-field berm, 105 feet above the playing field, with 20 gondolas seating up to six adults or eight people including children. Riders from two months to 100 years - and four-generation families together - have enjoyed the unparalleled views of Modern Woodmen Park, the Centennial Bridge, the Mississippi River, and both the Iowa and Illinois sides of the waterway. With millions of color combinations from the LED lights on the ride, fans and riders have enjoyed an entirely different light show each night.

The success of the Ferris wheel and amusements at Modern Woodmen Park also made a tremendous impact in the local community. For each ride in 2014 on the Ferris wheel, Mediacom Drop'N Twist, Space Camp gyroscope, and zip line, 50 cents will be donated to Genesis Health Services Foundation, benefiting Camp Genesis, Genesis Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Genesis Flu-Free Quad Cities. With ownership personally making up any difference, the River Bandits pledged a $50,000 cash donation to the Genesis Health Services Foundation. In addition, the Ferris wheel opened on May 24 with the Inaugural Ferris Wheel Ride event and fundraiser. Proceeds from the pre-sold 300 tickets and the Inaugural Ferris Wheel Ride event went to benefit the Genesis Health Services Foundation in the Quad Cities.

ABOUT THE BANDITS: The River Bandits ownership in 2014 made one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 105 feet over the playing field, opened May 24, Space Camp opened June 20; the new Drop'N Twist debuted in July; and the newly expanded 300-foot long zip line also reopened.

07 Nov 2014

MALLARDS PULL AWAY FROM BEAST 5-1

By Brian Lavelle

BRAMPTON, Ont. (November 6, 2014) - Jeff Lee scored twice and added an assist and Evan Mosher made 35 saves as the Quad City Mallards (3-3-0-0) ripped off five unanswered goals on the way to a 5-1 victory over the host Brampton Beast (0-4-1-0) Thursday night.

The Mallard attack came alive only after Brampton's Tyler Donati swept in the opening goal from close range at 9:27 of the second period.  The Mallards were on the power play when Matt Duffy tied the game by sweeping home Justin Fox's goalmouth feed just 66 seconds later.  Mario Lamoureux gave the Mallards their first lead from the doorstep with just 7 seconds left in the second.

A mere 31 seconds into the third period, Joe Perry doubled the Mallard advantage from point blank range.  Lee pounced on a rebound to stretch gap to 4-1 at 16:50 of the third and capped off the win at 18:51 with a wrist shot from the slot.

Mosher was at his busiest in the third period, stopping 14 shots to set the stage for his teammates to put the Beast away.

The Mallards and Beast meet again tomorrow night in Brampton.  The Mallards next play at home Wednesday, November 19 at 7:05 p.m. against the Tulsa Oilers.  Fans can purchase four tickets to any Mallards Wednesday home game for just $20.  In addition, after each Wednesday home contest, fans can join the Mallards at T.G.I. Friday's on River Drive in Moline- adjacent to the iWireless Center- for a postgame party.

Single game tickets for all remaining Mallards regular season home games- including the November 19 tilt- are on sale now at the iWireless Center box office, Ticketmaster outlets, ticketmaster.com and Ticketmaster charge-by-phone toll free at 1-800-745-3000.  The box office is open weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and game days from 10:00 a.m. until the start of the second period.  Tickets are available for $10, $16, $20 and $28.

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