WHITEWATER, WI (02/04/2014)(readMedia)-- The following students were named to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater wrestling team for the 2013-14 season.

• Maxx Hubbard, a freshman undeclared major from Sterling, Ill.

• Grant Rosenboom, a freshman biology major from Bettendorf, Iowa

After finishing third in the national championships last year, the Warhawks have high expectations this season and intend to offer a strong challenge to each opposing team.

"The team is going to get better as the year goes on," said Tim Fader, the team's head coach. "We have to keep our eyes on the prize, every team has its struggles but we'll power through them. We are going to continue to push expectations and raise the bar, it's what we're known for and it's what we pride ourselves on."

When the wrestlers are not under the spotlights, they give back to the community. They helped build the new Children's Center on campus and they volunteer for the Salvation Army in Janesville every Thanksgiving.

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MOLINE, Ill. (February 3, 2014) - - Quad City Mallards goaltender Thomas Heemskerk has joined the American Hockey League's Abbotsford Heat on a professional tryout agreement, the Mallards announced today.

Heemskerk, 23, leads the Central Hockey League in goals against average (2.36) and save percentage (.923) and is tied for third in shutouts (2).  The 6' 0", 210-pound Chilliwack, British Columbia native has suffered just one regulation loss this season, going 10-1-4 in 15 games.  Heemskerk is unbeaten in regulation in his last six games, a stretch during which he has posted a 5-0-1 record, a 1.48 goals against average, a .947 save percentage and two shutouts.

This is Heemskerk's fourth AHL call-up this season.  The third year netminder returned to the Mallards a week ago after 12 days with the Worcester Sharks during which he did not see any gave action.  He joined the Iowa Wild for a pair of stints as a back-up earlier in the campaign.

Heemskerk played for Worcester each of the last two seasons.  Over two games last year with the San Jose Sharks' top affiliate, Heemskerk turned aside 27 of the 29 shots he faced in 67 minutes, turning in a 1.79 goals against average and a .931 save percentage.  In four games with Worcester in 2011-12, he went 0-1-0 with a 2.14 goals against average and a .921 save percentage.

Heemskerk spent the bulk of his first two campaigns in the ECHL.  Last year he went 14-17-3 with a 3.10 goals against average and a .906 save percentage in 38 games with the San Francisco Bulls.  Heemskerk began his professional career in 2011-12 with the ECHL's Stockton Thunder, for whom he posted a record of 13-12-0 along with a 3.27 goals against average and a .893 save percentage in 25 games.

Heemskerk turned pro after four years in the major junior Western Hockey League. In his final WHL season, 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 next play at home Wednesday night at 7:05 p.m. against the Allen Americans.  That game is a Winning Wednesday presented by T.G.I. Friday's.  If the Mallards win Wednesday, each fan in attendance will receive a free ticket to the Mallards' next Wednesday home game courtesy of T.G.I. Friday's.  After the game fans can join the Mallards at T.G.I. Friday's in Moline for a postgame party.

DAVENPORT, Iowa (JAN. 30, 2014) - For the sixth consecutive year, the Quad Cities River Bandits will host Davenport Little League baseball and softball registration indoors at Modern Woodmen Park. On Saturday, Feb. 8, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Little Leaguers from throughout the Davenport area will visit the ballpark to register for their upcoming season.

By centralizing the registration at Modern Woodmen Park, this event incorporates all the Davenport Little Leagues, regardless of age or level, into one central location and has greatly assisted organizers in streamlining the registration process the last five years.

"We welcome these young athletes and their families to the Modern Woodmen Park experience, which is all about families creating memories that last a lifetime," said River Bandits co-owner Dave Heller. "Kids and parents alike love incorporating Modern Woodmen Park and professional baseball into the Davenport Little Leagues, and we are thrilled to continue our support of the Little League programs and youth sports in the Quad Cities."

All the local leagues - including the North, Northwest, East, Southeast, West Softball, Emeis, East Softball, Pony, Colt and Challenger Leagues - will hold registration on Feb. 8. Registration is required even if the child has previously played. At least one parent or legal guardian must be present with proof of residence and an original or state-certified copy of the child's birth certificate, which will be returned at the registration. Also, the leagues require a completed registration form, medical release form, and the fee for registration.

For children ages 14 and under attending the Little League registration, the River Bandits will also offer an exclusive, one-day special on 2014 Kids Club memberships. Normally $30 per child 14 and under, a Kids Club membership will be $25 at Modern Woodmen Park on Saturday, Feb. 8, only. A Kids Club Membership includes a free bleacher ticket good for all River Bandits 2014 regular season home games, a membership card, a T-shirt, a 10 percent discount off purchases in the team store, an email newsletter with exclusive special offers and much more.

The River Bandits will also have select merchandise available for purchase, as well as information about ticket plans and group outings at the ballpark this season. Families and individuals may also purchase or renew their season ticket packages for the 2014 season.

"As a community-based venue, Modern Woodmen Park is ideal for kicking off the little league year," said Genearal Manager Andrew Chesser. "As added fun, kids will register at a professional ballpark within the same week the pros are reporting for spring training!"

Questions about the Feb. 8 registration can be directed to Brittany Carter in the River Bandits front office at 563-324-3000.

UP NEXT: Call today to reserve a Valentine's Day dinner at Modern Woodmen Park for Friday, Feb. 14, or Saturday, Feb. 15. Couples can enjoy a gourmet four-course dinner in a private luxury suite or take in the spectacular views of the ballpark, Centennial Bridge, Mississippi River and downtown Davenport from a table in the glass-enclosed, climate-controlled Sky Deck. Reservations are due Thursday, Feb. 6, by calling 563-324-3000. To order ticket plans - with new lower prices - for next season, call the River Bandits box office at 563-324-3000 or visit www.riverbandits.com to download the season ticket order form. Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $40. Call a River Bandits account representative today to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.

ABOUT THE BANDITS: Having just been named Ballpark Digest's winner of Best Ballpark Improvement in America under $1 million, the River Bandits ownership is making one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 112 feet over the playing field, is opening this spring, along with a carousel, a new ride called a "Drop and Twist," an expanded zip line, and many other new games and attractions. In 2013, the team unveiled a new 220-foot long dual zip line, a rock climbing wall, and a number of new bounce houses. The team's major league affiliate, the Houston Astros, just saw all six of its affiliates reach the playoffs - the first time in a decade any MLB team can claim such success. The River Bandits were one of three affiliates to reach the championship round and one of two to win their league championship.

Rimmer, 21, last week went 2-0-1 with a 1.63 goals against average, a .954 save percentage and one shutout while helping the Mallards earn five of six available points from a three game series with the Beast in Brampton.

Rimmer made 34 saves last Thursday night as the Mallards kicked off their trip north of the border with a 4-1 victory.  The 6' 1", 170-pound Edmonton native nearly blanked the Beast in the series opener before finally allowing a goal with just two minutes and seven seconds left in that contest.  Rimmer would whitewash Brampton one night later, making 35 saves- including 22 in the third period alone- on the way to a 3-0 victory and his second shutout of the season.  Rimmer turned in another 35-save effort Sunday as the Mallards pocketed one point for a 4-3 overtime loss to the Beast.

Rimmer, who has gone 9-8-4 in 21 games this season, is tied for third in the CHL in shutouts and ranks eighth in goals against average (2.82) and save percentage (.910).  This season has also seen Rimmer collect his first American Hockey League win.  He went 1-0-1 and turned in a 2.65 goals against average and a .930 save percentage in three games with the AHL's Oklahoma City Barons after being called up last month.

This marks the second time in under a month Rimmer has earned league-wide recognition.  He was named CHL Rookie of the Month for December.  Mallard netminders have now claimed Goaltender of the Week honors twice this month. Thomas Heemskerk took home the hardware on January 7. 

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 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 Mallards next play at home Friday night at 7:05 p.m. against the Tulsa Oilers.  Friday 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 Friday 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.