29 Oct 2013

MALLARDS WEEKLY UPDATE: OCTOBER 28, 2013

By Brian Lavelle

THIS WEEK
Friday, November 1, 7:05 p.m. 
i wireless Center, Moline 
St. Charles Chill vs. Quad City Mallards

Saturday, November 2, 7:05 p.m.

i wireless Center, Moline

Brampton Beast vs. Quad City Mallards

LAST WEEK
Saturday, October 26
Quad City 7 St. Charles 5

Sunday, October 27

St. Charles 6 Quad City 5 (SO)

Quad City

1-1-1 (3 points)

tied 7th place

Coach: Terry Ruskowski

St. Charles

1-2-1 (3 points)

tied 7th place

Coach: Jamie Rivers

Brampton
2-2-1 (5 points)
5th place

Coach: Mark DeSantis

QUACK TRACKS

Wild Weekend
The Mallards scored 12 goals and allowed 11 while earning three of a possible four points in two games against the St. Charles Chill over the weekend.  Last Saturday's win was the Mallards' first of the season.  The Mallards last Saturday let a five-goal lead slip away for the first time since returning to the ice for the 2009-10 season but still recovered to secure victory.  Yesterday saw the Mallards play their first road game and fall in their first shootout.

Goals, Goals, Goals
The Mallards have scored 16 goals and conceded 17 over their first three games.  They lead the Central Hockey League in goals scored (5.3) and allowed (5.7) per game.  The Mallards last Saturday set a league season high for goals in a game (seven) and goals in a period (five in the first).  The Mallards ripped off their five first period goals in just 11 minutes and 36 seconds.  Five goals are the most the Mallards have scored in one period since they scored seven times in the second period of a 9-6 win over Bloomington on February 8 of last season.

Home Sweet Home
The Mallards kick off a four-game homestand on Friday night.  With last Saturday's win, the Mallards, who won their final eight home games of last season, have now gone 9-1-0 in their last ten home games between this season and last.

Shoot on Sight
The Mallards yesterday matched the league season high for shots (47) in one game.  The Mallards last Saturday equaled the league season high for shots (22 in the second) in one period.  The Mallards have taken at least 44 shots in each of their first three games and average a league-high 45.7 shots per outing.

Give 'Em Hellyer
Mike Hellyer (3-4-7) collected three points in each of the Mallards' two games last weekend.  He scored the game winning goal and added two assists last Saturday and then scored twice, picked up an assist and provided the only Mallard shootout goal yesterday. 

Mighty Mike
Mike Stinziani (4-2-6) produced five points over the weekend.  Stinziani scored two goals- including the game tier with 55 seconds left in regulation- and assisted on another yesterday after notching a goal and an assist last Saturday.  He has scored at least once in each of the Mallards' first three games.  Stinziani matched a league single game season high by posting a plus/minus rating of +5 yesterday.

Top Trio
The line of Hellyer, Stinziani and Jim McKenzie (3-2-5)- the Mallards' top three point producers- has accounted for ten of the Mallards' 16 goals on the season.  Yesterday that trio scored four of the Mallards' five goals. 

Big Night
Matt Boyd last Saturday set a personal career high and a league season high for points (4) in a game and matched his career high and the league season high for assists (3) in a game.

Between The Pipes
Ty Rimmer last Saturday made 12 saves while allowing just one goal over 35:48 on the way to picking up his first career win after coming on in relief of staring goaltender Thomas Heemskirk.  Rimmer took the loss in yesterday's game and has now played in each of the Mallards' first three tilts.

Firsts
Gergo Nagy picked up his first North American goal, assist and point last Saturday.  Nicholas Rioux- who had one assist- and Vladimir Nikiforov- who recorded a pair- both registered their first Mallard points in last Saturday's game.  Nikiforov scored his first goal for the club yesterday.

Milestones
Nicholas Rioux has 49 career points...Jordan Lane has played 98 career games...Matt Duffy has notched 95 career points...Gabriel Levesque has played 94 career games...Darren McMillan has collected 93 career CHL assists.

Special Teams
The Mallards scored their first two power play goals of the season last Saturday.  Last Saturday also saw the Mallards allow their first power play and shorthanded goals of the campaign.  The Mallards have gone 2-for-15 on the man advantage.  They have allowed two goals on a league-low six penalty kills.

Leaders
Hellyer is tied for third in the league in goals (3), tied for fourth in points (7) and tied for seventh in plus/minus (+4)...Stinziaini is tied for the league lead in goals (4), tied for eighth in points (6) and tied for seventh in plus/minus (+4)...McKenzie is tied for third in the league in goals (3).

Head to Head
The Mallards over the weekend split their first two meetings with the expansion Chill.  This Friday's game will be the third of 14 match-ups between the two clubs.  The Mallards meet the expansion Beast for the first time this Saturday. Quad City and Brampton will meet a total of 13 times this season.

UPCOMING HOME GAMES

Friday, November 1, 7:05 p.m. - Mallards vs. St. Charles Chill

$1 Dog/$1 Beer Night Presented by 97X and MetroLINK
Friday is the Mallards' first $1 Dog/$1 Beer Night of the season presented by 97X and MetroLINK.  Fans will be able to purchase $1 beer and $1 hot dogs at all Friday night home games this season.

Saturday, November 2, 7:05 p.m.- Mallards vs. Brampton Beast
Center for Youth and Family Solutions Toy Drive

Fans can save on tickets to Saturday night's game at the iWireless Center box office by donating toys to the Center for Youth and Family Solutions.  For each new toy donated at the iWireless Center, fans will receive a coupon good for $3 off the price of one ticket to Saturday evening's game.  Donated toys will be distributed to area foster children by the Center for Youth and Family Solutions, which engages and serves children and families in need with dignity, compassion and respect by building upon individual and community strengths to resolve life challenges together.

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 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 myqcmallards.com/schedule/broadcast_schedule/.

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 can receive savings off the walk-up price and a host of other great 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.

-### Quad City Mallards ### -
28 Oct 2013

Results from recent Mallards games

By Brian Lavelle

Mallards Fall in Shootout in St. Charles

ST. CHARLES, Mo. (October 27, 2013) - Chad Costello converted the winning penalty shot after picking up two assists in regulation as the host St. Charles Chill edged the Quad City Mallards 6-5 in a shootout Sunday. The Mallards did earn one point for the shootout setback.

Along with Costello, Kyle Kraemer and Steve Makway also scored in the shootout for the Chill while only Mike Hellyer- who had a goal and two assists in regulation- provided a successful penalty shot for the Mallards.

The Mallards only pushed the game to a shootout after battling from behind much of the afternoon and finally evening the score at five when Mike Stinziani- who also had an assist- scored his second goal of the contest from close range with just 55 seconds left in regulation.

Stinziani's was the Mallards' second third period equalizer. After the Mallards rallied from a 4-2 deficit to tie the score with goals just a minute and 47 seconds apart from Hellyer- a rising backhander at 2:46- and Vladimir Nikiforov- a fine solo effort at 4:33- the Chill regained the lead when David Strathman's sharp angle bid trickled just over the goal line just past the midway point of the third.

The Chill had first moved in front when Justin Levac's wraparound broke a 1-1 deadlock at 3:24 of the second period. Kyle Kraemer cut into the slot to extend the gap to two goals at 11:35. The Mallards briefly narrowed the margin to 3-2 when Jim McKenzie scored from the doorstep at the 16:06 mark, but O'Kane pounced on a rebound to score his second of the game and reestablish the Chill's two goal advantage at 18:01.

Stinziani had given the Mallards what proved to be their only lead of the tilt by one-timing Mike Hellyer's centering pass home to open the scoring at 16:58 of the first period. The Chill waited just a minute and 52 seconds before tying the game on the power play. O'Kane delivered the first St. Charles goal from point blank range.

The Mallards return to action on home ice Friday night at 7:05 p.m. against the Chill. Next Friday is the Mallards' first $1 Dog/$1 Beer Night of the season presented by 97X and MetroLINK. Fans will be able to purchase $1 beer and $1 hot dogs at all Friday night home games this season.

Tickets for Friday's game 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 Claim Wild 7-5 Victory Over St. Charles

MOLINE, Ill. (October 26, 2013) - Mike Hellyer scored two goals- including the third period winner- and added an assist and Matt Boyd piled up a goal and three assists as the host Quad City Mallards recovered after squandering a 5-0 lead to defeat the St. Charles Chill 7-5 Saturday night.

Hellyer broke a 5-5 tie by burying Mike Monfredo's centering pass at 13:27 of the third. Gergo Nagy's empty net goal clinched victory for the Mallards in the final minute.

The Mallards found themselves in need of third period heroics after the Chill rallied from five goals down to tie the game. Chad Costello- who also picked up an assist- kick-started the comeback by scoring twice late in the first period. Costello got St. Charles on the scoreboard for the first time by driving the puck home from a bad angle at 16:10 of the first; at 18:46 the Chill was shorthanded when his backhander sailed in under the crossbar.

The Chill charge continued in the second period. David Strathman scored from the side of the net to cut the gap to 5-3 at 4:12. Nielsson Arcibal brought St. Charles back within one and brought about the replacement of Mallard starting goaltender Thomas Heemskirk by Ty Rimmer- who would go on to make a dozen saves while securing a relief win- by banking the puck in off a Mallard skate just 65 seconds later. Anthony Perdicaro's power play goal from the slot completed the Chill's long road back at 13:58 of the second.

The St. Charles roll came in response to a first period Mallard explosion that saw Quad City score five times in 11 minutes and 36 seconds. The onslaught started just 53 seconds into the game when Hellyer pumped in Mike Stinziani's centering feed. At 2:16 Boyd doubled the lead from the slot. Matt Duffy's blast stretched the gap to 3-0 exactly five minutes into the opening period and chased Chill starting netminder Mathieu Corbeil from the game. A pair of power play goals separated by just 54 seconds greeted replacement goalie Robert Moss. Stinziani converted Hellyer's cross crease pass at 11:35. Mere moments later Gabriel Levesque scored the Mallards' fifth from the high slot and seemingly put the game beyond the Chill's reach, but it was only after a roller coaster ride through the rest of the evening that the Mallards grabbed the win.

The Mallards and Chill meet again tomorrow at 4:05 p.m. in St. Charles. The Mallards return to action on home ice next Friday night at 7:05 p.m. again against the Chill. Next Friday is the Mallards' first $1 Dog/$1 Beer Night of the season presented by 97X and MetroLINK.

Tickets for next Friday's game 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.
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 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.
21 Oct 2013

MALLARDS WEEKLY UPDATE: OCTOBER 21, 2013

By Brian Lavelle

THIS WEEK
Saturday, October 26, 7:05 p.m.

i wireless Center, Moline

St. Charles Chill vs. Quad City Mallards

Sunday, October 27, 4:05 p.m.
The Family Arena, St. Charles
Quad City Mallards vs. St. Charles Chill

Quad City

0-1-0 (0 points)
10th place

Coach: Terry Ruskowski

St. Charles
0-0-1 (1 point)
tied 8th place
Coach: Jamie Rivers

QUACK TRACKS

Opener

In the wake of last Saturday's defeat, the Mallards have gone 2-3-0 in season openers and 0-5-0 in home openers since returning for the 2009-10 season.  The Mallards last won a home opener on October 22, 2005, when, while competing in the United Hockey League, they defeated the Motor City Mechanics 4-3.

Home Sweet Home

This Saturday's game is the second in a stretch that will see the Mallards play six of their first seven at home.  The Mallards last season went 20-10-3 at home.  Last Saturday's defeat was the Mallards' first regular season setback on home ice since a 3-2 loss to the Rush on February 19, after which the Mallards won their final eight regular season home games of the 2012-13 campaign.

On the Road

The Mallards next Sunday will play their first away game of the season.  The Mallards last year went 14-16-3 on the road.

Debuts
Jim McKenzie scored twice- including the Mallards' first goal of the season- in his Quad City debut last Saturday and is now tied for the early league lead in goals.   Gabriel Levesque also scored in what was his Mallard debut.  Tyler Yaworski last Saturday picked up an assist while making his professional debut while Jeff Lee and Benjamin Dieude-Fauvel each notched their first Mallards points (an assist apiece).

Between the Pipes

Rookie Ty Rimmer made 29 saves last Saturday while suffering the loss in his Central Hockey League debut.

Welcome Back
Defenseman Darren McMillan last Saturday became the only player to skate for the Mallards in each of the five seasons since the team returned to the ice (after the Quad City Flames competed in the American Hockey League in 2007-08 and 2008-09) for the 2009-10 season.

Even Steven

All ten goals in last Saturday's game were scored at even strength.  The Mallards went 0-for-4 on the power play while killing off both Rush man advantages.

Shoot on Sight

Over the opening weekend of the CHL season, only the Denver Cutthroats last Friday against Tulsa took more shots (45) than the 44 the Mallards hurled at the Rapid City net last Saturday evening.  McKenzie led the Mallards with seven shots on goal.

Familiar Faces

Anthony Perdicaro, who played for the Mallards last year, joined the Chill just before the start of this season and made his St. Charles debut last Saturday in the Chill's opening night 3-2 shootout loss to Missouri...Three- Eric Giosa, Jared Brown and Ryan Palmer- of the four former Mallards on the Rush roster scored against their old team last Saturday.  The fourth- Bob Preece- engaged in a third period fight with former teammate Matt Boyd...Former Rush forward Lee registered an assist last Saturday in his first game against his old club.

Milestones

McKenzie's first goal last Saturday was his one hundred fiftieth career point ...Matt Duffy has notched 93 career points...Gabriel Levesque has played 92 career games...McMillan has collected 91 career CHL assists...Nicholas Rioux has registered 48 career points.

Head-to-Head

The Mallards and the expansion Chill this Saturday meet for the first time.  That tilt is the first of three straight for the Mallards against St. Charles.  After visiting the Family Arena next Sunday, the Mallards will return home to clash with the Chill on Friday, November 1.  The two clubs will get together a total of 14 times this season.

Ins and Outs

The Mallards last Tuesday re-signed forward Mike Hellyer.

NEXT HOME GAME

Saturday, October 26, 7:05 p.m. - Mallards vs. St. Charles Chill
The Mallards and Chill meet for the first time in the Mallards' second home game of the season.

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 Sunday's contest- 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.

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 both season and single game 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 can receive savings off the walk-up price and a host of other great 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.

-### Quad City Mallards ### -
21 Oct 2013

Mallards Drop Opener to Rapid City 6-4

By Brian Lavelle

MOLINE, Ill. (October 19, 2013) - Ryan Palmer broke a 4-4 tie with just over four minutes left in the third period and the Rapid City Rush, who got a 40-save effort from Tim Boron and a goal and two assists from Tristin Llewellyn, went on to defeat the host Quad City Mallards 6-4 Saturday evening and in the process spoil the Mallards' season opener.

 

Palmer's shot from the point put the Rush up 5-4 and set the stage for Scott Brannon's game-clinching empty net goal in the final minute.  Brannon's was the fourth Rapid City goal of the third period.  The Rush overturned a 3-2 deficit earlier in the third with consecutive goals from Konrad Reeder- a tip-in at 4:36- and Jared Brown- a long-range blast at 8:28.  The 4-3 lead given to the Rush by Brown lasted only 17 seconds before the Mallards' Mike Stinziani pounced on a rebound to equalize.

 

It was the Mallards who twice grabbed the lead in the first 40 minutes.  The Mallards responded after letting a 2-0 advantage slip away in the second period when Jim McKenzie stuffed in his second goal of the night to break a 2-2 tie at 15:54 of the middle frame.  The Rush had briefly tied the game thanks to back-to-back goals from Eric Giosa and Llewellyn.  Giosa got Rapid City on the scoreboard for the first time by burying a rebound at 9:58; Llewllyn's breakaway goal knotted the score at 13:42.

 

The Mallards had jumped in front early when McKenzie's drive from the right wing circle gave Quad City a 1-0 lead at 5:14 of the first period.  Gabriel Levesque doubled the advantage with a wrist shot from the slot at 15:55 of the first.

The Mallards return to action next Saturday night at 7:05 p.m. on home ice against the St. Charles Chill.  Tickets for next Saturday's game 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.

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 ### -

17 Oct 2013

Rookie of the Year Hellyer Rejoins Mallards

By Brian Lavelle

MOLINE, Ill. (October 16, 2013) - The Quad City Mallards have re-signed 2012-13 Central Hockey League Rookie of the Year Mike Hellyer and have waived forward Tyler Melancon, the Mallards announced today.                                                                       
"We're very happy to have Mike back.  He's a guy we're able to count on in every situation," said Mallards coach and general manager Terry Ruskowski.  "He does a lot offensively but he's also someone we count on defensively so he's going to play a very important role for us this season."

Hellyer, a 27-year old forward, rejoins the Mallards after participating in training camp with the ECHL's Bakersfield Condors.  Hellyer last season led CHL rookies in points (61), assists (38) and plus/minus rating (+15) and finished third among first year players in goals (23).  The 5' 9", 170-pound Brandon, Manitoba, native ranked second on the Mallards in points and assists and third in goals.  Hellyer was also named to the 2012-13 CHL All-Rookie Team.

A lower body injury suffered in the Mallards' playoff opener against the Fort Worth Brahmas last spring ended Hellyer's season slightly prematurely, but he has since made a full recovery.

Hellyer broke into professional hockey at the tail end of last of the 2011-12 season.  He played three regular season games that spring for both the Idaho Steelheads of the ECHL and the CHL's Brahmas.  Hellyer went on to score three goals and pick up three assists in a dozen playoff games during the Brahmas' run to the Berry Conference finals.

Hellyer turned pro after spending five seasons at the University of Manitoba.  Last year he scored four times and collected 16 points in 25 games while captaining Manitoba to the Canada West University Athletic Association regular season title.  Over the course of his university career, Hellyer scored 36 times and produced 98 points in 135 games.  He served as team captain each of his final two years with Bisons.  Before matriculating, Hellyer skated for four seasons with the Prince Albert Raiders of the major junior Western Hockey League.  He notched 54 goals and 143 points in 262 career WHL games and acted as the Raiders' captain in 2006-07.

The Mallards will open their seventeenth season- and their fourth in the CHL- when they host the Rapid City Rush Saturday night at 7:05 p.m.  A pregame Fan Fest outside the iWireless Center will precede the opener from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m.  The Fan Fest will feature live music- including plenty of classic covers- from the Loan

Sharks, food and beverage stands, a beer tent, the arrival of the Mallards' new Ice Girls and Mo Mallard, the team's perennially popular mascot.  In addition, Mallards coach and general manager Terry Ruskowski will stop by to deliver his season-opening welcome to fans on hand.  There will also be ample entertainment for younger fans, including a bounce house and a petting zoo.

Opening night festivities will continue after the Mallards' match-up with Rapid City with a post-game party at Rascals.  Mallards players will join fans at Rascals, which is located at 1414 15th Street in Moline.

Opening night tickets cover admission to both the Mallards' battle with the Rush and the Fan Fest.  Fans can enjoy savings off the regular ticket price by purchasing a four-pack of lower level seats for opening night for just $44.  $44 four-packs can be purchased in person at the iWireless Center box office or by calling the Mallards at 309-277-1364.

All other tickets for the season opener and all other Mallards regular season home games are also 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 ### -
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 ### -
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 ### -

--
04 Oct 2013

Mallards Add Netminder Rimmer

By Brian Lavelle

MOLINE, Ill. (October 2, 2013) - The Quad City Mallards have signed goaltender Ty Rimmer, the Mallards announced today.

"Ty is an outstanding goaltender who's spent his life proving to people he could play as he's shown this year by going to Edmonton Oilers camp and doing well there," said Mallards coach and general manager Terry Ruskowski.  "He works very hard so we're happy to have him.  Even though he wasn't drafted, he was a Western Hockey League All-Star a couple of years ago, so he has already proven a lot of people wrong."

Rimmer, 21, joins the Mallards after skating in the training camp of not only the National Hockey League's Oilers, but also the American Hockey League's Oklahoma City 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.  The 5' 11", 170-pound Edmonton native last season 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 also 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 further announced today that goaltender Philippe Trudeau, who signed with the club last month, has elected to return to junior hockey.  In addition, the start time for this Friday's scrimmage between the AHL's Iowa Wild and Milwaukee Admirals at the iWireless Center has been changed to 2:30 p.m.

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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