15 Oct 2013

Houston Astros Minor League Season Recaps

By Marco LaNave
PLAYOFFS!: Six of the Astros eight minor league clubs qualified for the playoffs this year, which set a franchise record...Oklahoma City, Corpus Christi, Lancaster, Quad Cities, Tri-City and Greeneville all participated in the postseason, making the Astros the first organization since the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2003 to have 6 domestic minor league clubs qualify for the playoffs.
CHAMPS!: The Quad Cities River Bandits and Tri-City ValleyCats both won their league championship titles...marked the 6th title in River Bandits history and their 2nd in the last 3 seasons (were affiliated with STL from 2005-12)...for Tri-City, it marked their 2nd title in the last 4 seasons...the Astros were 1 of 3 orgs to have multiple championship teams (also SEA, KC).
30/30 CLUB: OF George Springer became the first minor leaguer since Grant Desme in 2009 to hit 30 homers and steal 30 bases in the same season...Springer was 1 of just 9 position players named to Baseball America's minor league All-Star Team, and was also named to MLB.com's All-Prospect Team...he finished the regular season with a combined 37 homers and 45 stolen bases between Triple A OKC and Double A Corpus Christi...he finished among the top 5 players in all of the minors in runs (106), total bases (295), HR, RBI (108), SLG (.600), and OPS (1.010).
BEST IN THE MIDWEST: Even though SS Carlos Correa spent the 2013 season as the 2nd-youngest player in the Midwest League at 18-years-old, he still led the league in OPS (.872) while finishing 2nd in on-base percentage (.405) and 3rd in batting average (.320)...he also led all MWL shortstops in fielding percentage (.973)...in what was his first full minor league season, he was the youngest player in the MWL to receive Postseason All-Star honors.
PRO DEBUT: After being taken by the Astros with the #1 overall selection in the 2013 draft, RHP Mark Appel had a strong pro debut...went 3-1 with a 3.79 ERA, 33 K's and 9 walks across 38.0 combined innings with Class A Quad Cities (8g) and Class A Short Season Tri-City (2g)...Appel gave up 1 earned run or less in 6 of his 8 outings with QC, and pitched the team to a 5-1 victory on Aug. 25 at Burlington that clinched a playoff berth for the Bandits (5.0 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 3 SO).
YOUNG GUNS: The Astros system saw unprecedented success this year despite fielding some of the youngest rosters in the minors...the Triple A RedHawks and Double A Hooks each won the most games in their respective leagues while fielding the youngest rosters in their leagues...the Lancaster JetHawks were one of the three youngest teams in their league, while the Midwest League Champion Quad Cities River Bandits trotted out the 4th-youngest group of position players in their league.
VIVA MEXICO: On August 18, the Astros made a splash by announcing the signings of 2 of the top hitters in the Mexican League: 23-year-old Leo Heras and 26-year old Japhet Amador...Heras went 8x39 with a homer and 5 RBI in 10 games for the Double A Hooks... Amador went to Triple A OKC and posted a .302 average (13x43) in 10g.
FRUITS OF THEIR LABOR: A number of the Astros top prospects arrived in Houston this year and found success in the Majors...RHP Jarred Cosart's 1.95 ERA was the lowest in the AL from his ML debut on 7/12 until his final start on 9/9...over his first 7 career starts, LHP Brett Oberholtzer led the American League with a 1.91 ERA...after getting recalled to Houston on August 4, RHP Brad Peacock posted a 3.38 ERA in 7 starts...OF Robbie Grossman has hit in 29 of his 35 games at a .322 clip since his most recent recall from Triple A...SS Jonathan Villar has hit .272 with a .354 OBP in his 49 games with the Astros, while leading all MLB rookies with 17 steals.
DEADLINE DEALS: The Astros made 4 trades to acquire young talent during July of 2013:
July 29
*Acquired OF Danry Vasquez and a PTBNL (RHP David Paulino) from DET in exchange for RHP Jose Veras.
July 31
*Acquired RHP Kyle Smith from KC in exchange for OF Justin Maxwell.
*Acquired LHP Josh Hader, OF L.J. Hoes and a 2014 competitive balance pick (A) from BAL in exchange for RHP Bud Norris and international pool space.
July 2
*Acquired Double A IF Ronald Torreyes from CHC in exchange for international pool space.
TRADE REVIEW: Here is how MLB.com slotted the newly acquired prospects among the Astros top 20 prospects: Hader (#12), Smith (#15), Hoes (#18), Vasquez (#19)...prior to the trades, Hader and Hoes were rated by MLB.com as the Orioles #5 and #7 prospects respectively...Smith came in as the Royals #11 prospect while Vasquez was listed as the Tigers #6 prospect.
THE FUTURE: Along with the Mets, the Astros had more prospects participate in the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game this year than any other MLB organization...CF George Springer, 2B Delino DeShields and SS Carlos Correa each played in the game, while Corpus Christi Hooks manager Keith Bodie served on the coaching staff for the U.S. Team.
BEST PARKS: Modern Woodmen Park, the home of the Quad Cities River Bandits, was voted as the Best Minor League Ballpark after 4 weeks of nationwide voting by fans and readers of 10Best.com and USA TODAY...2 other Astros affiliates home stadiums also made the top 10: Corpus Christi's Whataburger Field (#6) and OKC's Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark (#9).
SUPERB STAFFS: A number of the Astros managers, coaches and trainers were recognized by their respective leagues for their excellence during the 2013 season: California League Manager of the Year Rodney Linares (Lancaster)...Appalachian League Manager of the Year Josh Bonifay (Greeneville)...Texas League Coach of the Year Gary Ruby (Corpus Christi pitching coach)...California League Coach of the Year Darryl Robinson (Lancaster hitting coach)...California League Trainer of the Year Grant Hufford (Lancaster).
14 Oct 2013

Experience the Iowa State Fairgrounds without the Hustle and Bustle of the Fair

By Drew Norton

DES MOINES, IA (10/14/2013)(readMedia)-- The seventh annual Fairgrounds 5K will take place on Sunday, November 3, 2013 on the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Runners, joggers and walkers will have the opportunity to experience the Fairgrounds' park-like setting without the hustle and bustle of the Fair. Nothing compares to an Iowa State Fair corndog and this is your chance to enjoy one "guilt free".

The Blue Ribbon Foundation invites the entire family to participate in the afternoon's events including the 5K run, one mile walk, and the Chase the Cow Kids' Run. The entry fee price increases on October 21. Register today at www.BlueRibbonFoundation.org.

"In August, the Fairgrounds are filled with great people, music, entertainment, rides and the best food we all look forward to every year. The 5K is the perfect opportunity for Iowans to see how one of a kind our Fairgrounds are while the Fair is not going on and also support its preservation and renovation," said Peter Cownie, Blue Ribbon Foundation's new Executive Director. "I encourage all runners, walkers, and avid Fair-goers to take part in this special event."

For more information about the Fairgrounds 5K or the Blue Ribbon Foundation, please visit our website or call 1-800-450-3732.

The Blue Ribbon Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. Since its inception in 1993, the Foundation has generated more than $95 million for renovations and improvements to the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

###

14 Oct 2013

QC Mallards Season Opener is Saturday, October 19!

By Davenport Parks & Recreation
Attention all Quad City Mallards Fans!

Our partners with the River's Edge, the Quad City Mallards, will hold their season opener hockey game on:
Saturday, October 19, 7pm
at the iWireless Center in Moline
Quad City Mallards vs. Rapid City Rush
For more information, visit


FREE TICKET DRAWING
Be sure and sign up to win a pair of free tickets to the Mallard's season opener.
You must fill out a form in peson at
The River's Edge, 700 W River Drive, Davenport
One entry per person
11 Oct 2013

Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World Tips

By Larry Whiteley

SPRINGFIELD, Mo.?Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World Tips presents free, seasonal how-to tips from professional fishing and hunting experts.  Each weekly tip offers practical advice to improve your skills.

Tips offered for November include :
· The best position to spot big bucks isn't always where you'd think.  Get expert advice from RedHead© Pro Hunting team member, Bob Foulkrod.
· The little things count when hunting ducks.  Larry Whiteley, host of the award-winning Outdoor World Radio show, offers tips on how to take home the limit.
· The pros and cons of hunting deer in the rain are explained by Jerry Martin, member of the RedHead© Pro Hunting team.
· Hitting the mark of a moving target takes practice and dedication.  RedHead© Pro Hunting team member Allen Treadwell shares his practice tips.
· Food for thought.  When hunting for food, a doe can be a tasty choice.  Angie Ryan, RedHead© Pro Hunting team member, contributes her knowledge of why a doe may be a better option.

See the attached document for all of this month's tips or visit http://www.basspro.com and click on New & Tips.

11 Oct 2013

RIA Federal Credit Union Announces Partnership with Quad City Mallards

By Brian Lavelle

Quad Cities - RIA Federal Credit Union is pleased to announce it is teaming up with the Quad City Mallards to sponsor the Mallards Kid's Club for the upcoming season. This will be a first for both the Mallards and RIA Federal Credit Union. The goal of this partnership is to get kids excited about hockey as well as teach them the importance of saving money. There will be a formal press conference on Tuesday, October 15 at 11:00 a.m. at RIA's Milan branch location, 110 East 10th Avenue. This announcement will outline the new program as well as R.I.A.'s drive to end hunger during the month of October. For every new member RIA will donate 5 items of food to the River Bend Foodbank with a goal of donating over 2,500 items of food.

RIA Federal Credit Union was first established in 1935 on the Rock Island Arsenal to serve our Military members and Federal Employees working on the Island. For over 20 years RIA Federal Credit Union has been open to serve all of the Quad Cities and surrounding areas, including Wilton, Iowa, and Savanna, Illinois, while maintaining a strong presence on the Rock Island Arsenal.

A proud affiliate of the National Hockey League's Minnesota Wild and the American Hockey League's Iowa Wild, the Quad City Mallards are approaching their seventeenth season and their fourth in the Central Hockey League.  One of the more successful 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.  

With this new partnership RIA Federal Credit Union and the Quad City Mallards are setting out to get the local youth excited about hockey and also excited about saving money and becoming financially responsible.  So please join us as Mo Mallard will meet R.I.A.'s Kids Are Rewarded For Saving mascot, Axle!
09 Oct 2013

Veteran McKenzie Joins Mallards

By Brian Lavelle

MOLINE, Ill. (October 8, 2013) - The Quad City Mallards have signed right wing Jim McKenzie, the Mallards announced today.

"We as an organization felt we needed a tough winger who can score because it's crucial that you have three lines that can score.  We didn't want just a tough guy, we wanted a tough guy who can play, and Jim is tough and can play, which he proved when he was with Allen," said Mallards coach and general manager Terry Ruskowski.  "I called coaches he's played for who said he's a really good guy and a really good team guy.  He makes everyone else
on the team feel like they're two inches taller.  He's a big piece of the puzzle for us."

McKenzie, 29, started last season- his sixth in professional hockey- with the ECHL's Evansville Icemen before moving on to the Allen Americans, who he helped to the Central Hockey League Ray Miron President's Cup title.  The St. Paul native broke loose for six goals and thirteen points in 15 playoff games with the Americans last spring.  During the regular season, McKenzie scored once and picked up five assists in 12 games with Evansville before notching two goals and two assists in 15 outings for Allen.

The 6' 2", 210-pound McKenzie first played for the Americans in 2011-12, when he scored twenty goals and totaled 44 points while piling up 168 penalty minutes in 54 games.

McKenzie, who was selected by the Ottawa Sentators in the fifth round of the 2004 National Hockey League Entry Draft with the one hundred forty-first overall choice, spent at least part of each of his first four seasons in the American Hockey League.  He has skated in a total of 67 AHL games for the Binghamton Senators, Lake Erie Monsters, Worcester Sharks and Peoria Rivermen.  The Icemen were his fourth ECHL club- he previously suited up for the Elmira Jackals, Johnstown Chiefs and Stockton Thunder.

McKenzie turned pro after three seasons at Michigan State, where he scored 34 goals and recorded 76 points in 112 games.  In 2006-07, McKenzie capped off his college career by scoring a dozen goals and producing 30 points in 35 games while helping propel the Spartans to the NCAA title.

McKenzie spent three seasons in the junior ranks with the Green Bay Gamblers and Sioux Falls Stampede of the United States Hockey League before arriving in East Lansing.

With the addition of McKenzie, the Mallards now have 24 players on their training camp roster, not including forward Brendan Turner, who did not report to camp.

The Mallards will open their seventeenth season- and their fourth in the CHL- when they host the Rapid City Rush on Saturday night, October 19 at 7:05 p.m.  Tickets for the season opener and all other Mallards regular season home games are now on sale at Ticketmaster outlets, through ticketmaster.com, through Ticketmaster charge-by-phone toll free at 1-800-745-3000 or at the iWireless Center ticket office.  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.

Mallards season tickets as well as half season tickets and flex packs are also still available.  The Mallards offer ticket packages to meet any budget and season ticket holders also receive a host of additional benefits, including a unique season ticket holder Mallards jersey.  More ticket package information is available by calling the Mallards at 309-277-1364 or emailing info@myqcmallards.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 are approaching 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 ### -
08 Oct 2013

"Running for Freedom from Terrorism!"

By Dan Harr
Nova Fitness Equipment announces their sponsorship for the 2015 Boston Marathon to support;
"Running for Freedom from Terrorism!"
On Monday April 15, 2013; our country was the victim of a terrorist attack at the 38th Annual Boston Marathon. At approximately 2:50 PM, just over four hours into the race; the first of two bombs exploded near the finish line. An internationally competitive event was turned into a gruesome scene resembling a warzone in a matter of moments.
April 15, 2013 is a day that will never be forgotten in American History. It is a day that we, as a nation; all became stronger and more united in our stand against terrorism. That single act of terrorism directly challenged our Country's ideals of liberty and fueled a resolve that we will never be threatened by cowardly acts against our people and our democratic beliefs. Taking from that resolve, Nova Fitness Equipment has announced their 2015 Boston Marathon "Running for Freedom from Terrorism" sponsorship.
Nova Fitness Equipment will be sponsoring a qualified participant to take part in the 2015 Boston Marathon and receive an all-expense paid experience to participate in the pinnacle of marathon events worldwide. The "Running for Freedom from Terrorism" sponsorship is meant to remind all of us that we as a country will always stand together against terrorism.
For this promotion, the sponsorship will be awarded in the form of an all expense paid trip and registration fees will be paid to participate in the 2015 Boston Marathon. The sponsorship will be offered to individuals 18 year of age or older who are Nebraska or Iowa residents who have qualified for the Boston Marathon. This sponsorship will be awarded by a random drawing through entry either on-line or submitted by mail to Nova Fitness Equipment. The drawing will be held within a week after the deadline date for registration to enter the 2015 Boston Marathon.

To learn more about the chance to win the sponsorship for "Running for Freedom from Terrorism" contact Nova Fitness Equipment at 402.343.0552 or email marketing@novahealth.net.

Nova Fitness Equipment for over 25 years has specialized in fitness, rehabilitation, and sports performance equipment within Nebraska, Iowa, and the surrounding areas. From universities, government facilities, hospitals, hotels/resorts, and physical therapy clinics to home customers, we service them all. Our goal is to provide a world class customer service experience through our timely, efficient, thorough and unparalleled service to our customers.
Howard Kutler, President
###
07 Oct 2013

On Sale Now-Harlem Globetrotters!

By Ashley Walding
Tickets On Sale Now For the Harlem Globetrotters at the iWireless Center Saturday, January 4!
FANS RULE IN 2014 - HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS GIVE FANS THE POWER TO DECIDE WHICH RULES WILL IMPACT THE GAME IN MOLINE ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 4!

(PHOENIX, Oct. 7, 2013) - The world famous Harlem Globetrotters will take fan interaction to a new level when the 2014 "Fans Rule" World Tour comes to iWireless Center in Moline on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2014, at 7:00 p.m.

Online voting is now open at harlemglobetrotters.com/rule, where all fans can choose which new game-changing rules they want to see in their hometown.

The Globetrotters were the first organization in sports and entertainment to let fans vote on rules when the team introduced the concept last year.  Since the fan response was so overwhelming, the team is doing it again - but with a major twist.

The 2014 online ballot includes three never-before-seen revolutionary rules:

  • Hot Hand Jersey - Both teams will have a "Hot Hand Jersey" they can pass among each other.  The player who is wearing this jersey will receive double points on made baskets.
  • Make or Miss - The quarter begins with only two players on the court for each team.  When a team scores, a teammate may enter the game.  When they miss, the player missing the shot must leave the court, leaving his or her teammates shorthanded.
  • Trick Shot Challenge - Via three challenge flags per team, each coach can challenge the other team to make a trick shot.   If the team makes the trick shot, they earn five points.  If they miss, the other team receives five points.

With a roster showcasing stars such as Special K Daley,Big Easy Lofton, Flight Time Lang, Hi-Lite BrutonandDizzy Grant - plus female stars TNT Maddox, T-Time Brawner and Sweet J Ekworomadu* - the Globetrotters' one-of-a-kind family show features mesmerizing ball handling, an assortment of trick shots, high-flying dunks and precise timing - all with an array of comedy guaranteed to entertain the young and the young at heart.  After virtually every game, Globetrotter stars remain on the court for autographs and photographs with fans.#

Tickets start at $15.00 and are now available at harlemglobetrotters.com, www.ticketmaster.com, the iWireless Center box office or by phone at 800-745-3000.  Information on group and scout tickets can also be found at harlemglobetrotters.com.

The Globetrotters tipped off the North American leg of their world tour with the first-ever events at the new Cross Insurance Center in Bangor, Maine, on Sept. 20 and 21.  The tour recommences on Dec. 26, 2013, with the Globetrotters playing more than 290 games in over 250 cities in 47 U.S. states, six Canadian provinces and Puerto Rico through April 2014.

Sponsored by Wonderful Pistachios, Howard Johnson Hotels and Greyhound Lines, the Original Harlem Globetrotters are celebrating their 88th consecutive year, continuing a world famous tradition of ball handling wizardry, basketball artistry, and one-of-a-kind family entertainment that continues to thrill fans of all ages. Throughout their history, the Globetrotters have showcased their iconic talents in 122 countries and territories on six continents, often breaking down cultural and societal barriers while providing fans with their first-ever basketball experience. Proud inductees of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, the Globetrotters have entertained hundreds of millions of fans-among them popes, kings, queens, and presidents-over more than eight thrilling decades. For the latest news and information about the Harlem Globetrotters, and to purchase tickets and team merchandise, visit the Globetrotters' official Web site: www.harlemglobetrotters.com.

###

*Rosters will vary in each city and are subject to change.

# Subject to availability.

07 Oct 2013

Iowa Edges Milwaukee in O.T. in AHL Tune-Up

By Brian Lavelle

MOLINE, Ill. (October 4, 2013) - Zack Phillips's power play goal four minutes into overtime gave the Iowa Wild a 2-1 win over the Milwaukee Admirals Friday afternoon in an American Hockey League scrimmage at the iWireless Center.

The Wild's Taylor Matson scored at 15:46 of the third period to even the score at one and force sudden death after Milwaukee's Scott Ford had opening the scoring just 1:45 into the game.

The Mallards last month entered into an affiliation agreement with both the Iowa Wild and the National Hockey League's Minnesota Wild.  The Iowa Wild will open their first AHL regular season on October 12 against the Oklahoma City Barons.  The Admirals will begin their campaign on October 11 against the Abbotsford Heat.

The Quad City Mallards will open their season on Friday, October 19 at 7:05 p.m. against the Rapid City Rush.  Tickets for the season opener and all other regular season home games are now on sale at Ticketmaster outlets, through ticketmaster.com, through Ticketmaster charge-by-phone toll free at 1-800-745-3000 or at the iWireless Center ticket office.  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 2013-14 season will be the Mallards' seventeenth- and their fourth in the Central Hockey League.  Season tickets as well as half season tickets and flex packs are still available.  The Mallards offer ticket packages to meet any budget and season ticket holders also receive a host of additional benefits, including a unique season ticket holder Mallards jersey.  More ticket package information is available by calling the Mallards at 309-277-1364 or emailing info@myqcmallards.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 are approaching 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.  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 ### -
04 Oct 2013

Mallards Sign Defenseman Rioux

By Brian Lavelle

Forward Genua Also Quad Cities-Bound

MOLINE, Ill. (October 3, 2013) - The Quad City Mallards have signed defenseman Nicholas Rioux and forward Stephen Genua, the Mallards announced today.

Rioux (ree-OOH), 27, joins the Mallards after skating in the training camp of the American Hockey League's Iowa Wild, with whom the Mallards have an affiliation agreement.  Last year, Rioux scored seven goals and totaled 27 points while posting a plus/minus rating of +3 for the Central Hockey League's Bloomington Blaze.  The durable Riviere-Du-Loup, Quebec, native played in each of the Blaze's 66 regular season games last season and missed just a single game over his first two professional campaigns.

Rioux this year will play under Mallards coach and general manager Terry Ruskowski for the  second time after first skating for Ruskowski as a rookie with the CHL's Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees in 2011-12.  The Riviere-du-Loup, Quebec, native scored five times, produced 21 points and turned in a plus/minus rating of +5 in 65 games with the Killer Bees.

"I had the privilege of coaching Nick two years ago in Rio and I put him in every situation- power play, penalty kill and his regular shift- and he did a tremendous job," said Mallards coach and general manager Terry Ruskowski.  "We're fortunate to have him on our team and he going to be a great addition to our defense."

The 6' 1", 205-pound Rioux turned pro after a three-year college career at St. Cloud State during which he totaled three goals and four assists in 26 games.  Rioux played two seasons of junior hockey in the British Columbia League- with the Quesnel Millionaires and Prince George Spruce Kings- before heading to St. Cloud.

Genua, 22, picked up a pair of assists in five games while getting his first taste of pro hockey with the Dayton Demonz of the Federal Hockey League last season.  The Toronto product spent the prior five seasons in the Ontario junior ranks, including a campaign (2009-10) in the major junior Ontario Hockey League with the Erie Otters.  The 6' 2", 170-pound left winger also suited up for the Oakville Blades, Vaughan Vipers and Georgetown Raiders.

"Stephen has good size and is a good skater," said Ruskowsi.  "He is coming to camp to prove himself and try to earn a spot on the team and with his credentials he has a pretty good chance of doing that."

The addition of Rioux and Genua brings the number of players on the Mallards' training camp roster to 24: forwards Genua, Matt Boyd, Rob Dongara, Thomas Frazee, John Heffernan, Jordan Lane, Jeff Lee, Gabriel Levesque, Tyler Melancon, Gergo Nagy, Vladimir Nikiforov, Tony Rizzi, Mike Stinziani and Brandon Turner; defensemen Rioux, Matt Carlson, Benjamin Dieude-Fauvel, Matt Duffy, Mike Grace, Nick Grasso, Darren McMillan and Tyler Yaworski; and goaltenders Thomas Heemskerk and Ty Rimmer.  The Mallards open camp next Monday morning at the iWireless Center.

The Mallards will open their seventeenth season- and their fourth in the CHL- when they host the Rapid City Rush on Saturday night, October 19 at 7:05 p.m.  Tickets for the season opener and all other Mallards regular season home games are now on sale at Ticketmaster outlets, through ticketmaster.com, through Ticketmaster charge-by-phone toll free at 1-800-745-3000 or at the iWireless Center ticket office.  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.

Mallards season tickets as well as half season tickets and flex packs are also still available.  The Mallards offer ticket packages to meet any budget and season ticket holders also receive a host of additional benefits, including a unique season ticket holder Mallards jersey.  More ticket package information is available by calling the Mallards at 309-277-1364 or emailing info@myqcmallards.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 are approaching 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 ### -

--

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