THIS WEEK
Wednesday, February 11, 7:05 p.m.

iWireless Center, Moline
Missouri Mavericks vs. Quad City Mallards

Friday, February 13, 7:05 p.m.
iWireless Center, Moline
Tulsa Oilers vs. Quad City Mallards

Saturday, February 14, 7:35 p.m.
BOK Center, Tulsa
Quad City Mallards vs. Tulsa Oilers

LAST WEEK
Tuesday, February 3
Quad City 3 Missouri 1

Friday, February 6
Wichita 2 Quad City 1

Saturday, February 7
Quad City 6 Wichita 2

Sunday, February 8
Missouri 3 Quad City 0

Quad City
22-17-6, 50 points
2nd place, Central Division
Coach: Terry Ruskowski

Missouri
18-21-4, 40 points
6th place, Central Division
Coach: Richard Matvichuk

Tulsa
21-21-6, 46 points
4th place, Central Division
Coach: Bruce Ramsay

QUACK TRACKS
Second
The Mallards are in sole possession of second place in the ECHL's Central Division.  The Mallards snapped a second place deadlock with Wichita by defeating the Thunder 6-2 last Saturday- one night after a 2-1 loss to Wichita left them tied with the Thunder.  With yesterday's loss to Missouri the Mallards missed an opportunity to open up a four point lead in the battle for second.

Busy
The Mallards went 2-2-0 last week, splitting two games against both Wichita and Missouri.  The Mallards went 1-2-0 over the weekend while playing three games in three nights for the fourth time this season.

Undermanned
The Mallards have been undermanned for their last six games, starting with a January 30 win in Wichita, a contest they finished with just 13 skaters after injuries to Paxton Leroux and Logan Nelson and a game misconduct assessed to Darren McMillan.  The Mallards dressed just 15 skaters (instead of the standard 16) for each of the four games that followed before being reduced to 14 skaters yesterday after an injury to Antti Pusa Saturday night.

You Again
The Mallards and Mavericks Wednesday night will meet for the third time in nine days.  Last Saturday's game was the fourth in 11 days between the Mallards and Thunder.

Trifecta
Last Tuesday's win over Missouri was the Mallards' third victory in a row.  Last Friday's loss to Wichita kept the Mallards from winning four straight for the first time since the final four games of last season.

Blanked
The Mallards yesterday were shut out for the third time this season. 

Blitzed
The Mallards allowed three goals in the first five minutes, 21 seconds of yesterday's loss to the Mavericks.  Parker Milner replaced Evan Mosher after the third Maverick goal and made 18 saves while keeping Missouri off the scoreboard over the final 54 minutes, 39 seconds of the game.

Stingy

Yesterday's Maverick blitz ended a run that had seen the Mallards surrender two goals or fewer in five straight games.  Despite yesterday's fireworks, the Mallards remain tied for third in the ECHL in goals against per game (2.6).

Red Light District
Yesterday's shutout came the day after the Mallards established a team single game high for 2015 by scoring six times against Wichita.  The Mallards Saturday night also came within one goal of matching the team season high for goals.  The Mallards are tied for twelfth in the ECHL in goals per game (3.0).

Doing Time
The Mallards and Thunder last Saturday combined to set Mallard season highs for most penalty minutes in one game (136) and in one period (114 in the third).

Hot Ticket
A total of 11,237 fans- 5,812 Friday night and 5,425 Saturday evening- watch the Mallards' games against the Thunder last weekend, the best combined attendance for Mallard home games on consecutive nights this season.

Special Teams
The Mallards have survived 24 of their foes' last 26 power plays and now rank fourth in the ECHL in penalty killing (85.8 percent).  The Mallards have gone 8-for-30 on the power play over their last seven games to climb into a tie for fourteenth in the league in power play efficiency (17.5 percent).

No Ordinary Joe
Joe Perry last Friday made his American Hockey League debut and picked up his first AHL point- an assist- in the Iowa Wild's 5-3 win over the Hamilton Bulldogs after being called up by Iowa last Thursday.

Firsts
Anthony Collins, who was acquired last Tuesday in a trade with South Carolina, last Friday against Wichita made his Mallard debut and picked up his first point- an assist- for the club.  Collins scored his first Mallard goal one night later against the Thunder.

Super Mario
Mario Lamoureux has 13 points (three goals and ten assists) in his last 11 games.  Lamoureux is tied for seventh in the ECHL in assists (31).

Foxy
Justin Fox's five-game point scoring streak (3-2-5) ended yesterday.

Rookie Roll
Todd Fiddler, who matched a team season high and set a personal career high by collecting three points (one goal and two assists) last Saturday against Wichita, has notched five points (two goals and three assists) in his last five games.

Between the Pipes
Milner have given up just four goals while going 3-0-0 in his last four games (1.02, .962).  Milner is tied for second in the ECHL in save percentage (.926) and ranks third in goals against average (2.18).  Mosher is tied for tenth in save percentage (.914).

Milestones
McMillan reached 198 career points with an assist in last Saturday's win over Wichita...Kevin Baker has 297 career assists...Matt Duffy has 98 career assists.

Head to Head
The Mallards have gone 2-4-2 against the Mavs this year and 0-1-1 at home against Missouri.  All-time, the Mallards have posted a 18-23-3 overall record against the Mavericks and have gone 7-10-1 on home ice...The Mallards have won two of their three meetings with the Oilers this season.  The Mallards won the lone prior match-up between the two clubs at the iWireless Center 4-3 in a shootout on November 19.  The Mallards and Oilers have split a pair of games in Tulsa.  All-time the Mallards have gone 10-8-0 against the Oilers: 7-2-0 at home and 3-6-0 on the road.

Ins and Outs
Five Mallard forwards have been sidelined by upper body injuries: Evan Haney (out eight games), Johnny Rogic (seven games) Paxton Leroux (five games), Logan Nelson (five games) and Antti Pusa (one game)...Joe Perry signed a professional tryout agreement with the American Hockey League's Iowa Wild last Thursday...The Mallards last Tuesday acquired forward Anthony Collins from the South Carolina Stingrays in exchange for future considerations.

UPCOMING HOME GAMES
Wednesday, February 11, 7:05 p.m.- Mallards vs. Missouri Mavericks

4 Tickets for $20; T.G.I. Friday's Postgame Party
Fans can get four tickets for just $20 for each Wednesday home game.  After each Wednesday home tilt fans can join the Mallards at T.G.I. Friday's on River Drive in Moline for a postgame party.

Friday, February 13, 7:05 p.m.- Mallards vs. Tulsa Oilers

$1 Dog/$1 Beer Friday presented by 97X and MetroLINK
Fans again this season can enjoy $1 hot dogs and beers from iWireless Center concession stands during all Friday home games.  97X will follow in the spirit of the evening by presenting hot dog-themed intermission entertainment.  The Mallards have once again partnered with Metro to provide transit service between Augustana College and downtown Moline during all Friday home games.  Students can catch the Route 10 on campus via 7th Avenue to and from the games, with the Route 10 dropping students off near campus or at the District after games.  Students can then hop on the Route 53 from the District back to Augustana until 3 a.m.  As part of Metro's unlimited ride program, Augustana riders can use their Augustana ID as their fare.  Fans can visit www.gogreenmetro.com or www.facebook.com/53and59 for more information.  

Rooster's Sports Bar & Grill
For Friday home games the Mallards have joined with Rooster's Sports Bar & Grill in Rock Island to offer fans the chance to get a lower level ticket to the Mallards' game along with an appetizer and drink at Rooster's and a Metro bus ride to the game from Rooster's and back for just $20.  For more information fans can contact Rooster's at 309-283-7005.

Sport Clips Coupons
Fans will receive haircut coupons from Sport Clips when departing the iWireless Center after Friday night's game.

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.  ECHL-TV pay-per-view video webcasts and free audio webcasts of all Mallards games are also available at myqcmallards.net.

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 iWireless 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 receive savings off the walk-up price and a host of 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 ### -

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Bruce Rauner today announced an expanded partnership between the State of Illinois and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) with Casey Family Programs.

"The State of Illinois is faced with the immediate, difficult task of addressing the issues and the short-comings of our child welfare system. To help us accomplish this, we need to bring in the best of the best," Gov. Rauner said. "Casey Family Programs is one of the most respected and well-known child welfare foundations in the country. I'm excited to announce it has agreed to expand its partnership with us and provide additional resources, expertise, and know-how to help us address the needs of the children and families we serve."

Casey Family Programs has been partnering with the State of Illinois since 2009 on multiple projects by providing resources and technical assistance to support new supervision and program models, as well as, provide support around Illinois' innovative federal demonstration waiver focused on research-based alternatives to long term foster care. The new, expanded partnership will initially cover three key areas, including reforms to residential care, new practice models to assist with child safety decision-making assessments, and support the creation and expansion of data capabilities.

"We are pleased to assist the State of Illinois in finding better ways to support vulnerable children and families," Dr. William C. Bell, president and CEO of Casey Family Programs said. "This collaboration allows us to support practices and policies that safely reduce the need for foster care, strengthen families, and increase the safety and success of children."

In the coming weeks, Casey Family Programs' team will be meeting with DCFS staff and leadership to complete a full assessment of the agency, and further clarify additional needs and strengths.

About Casey Family Programs: Casey Family Programs is the nation's largest operating foundation focused solely on safely reducing the need for foster care and building Communities of Hope for vulnerable children and families across America. Founded in 1966, we work to influence long-lasting improvements to the safety and well-being of children, families and the communities where they live. For more information visit: www.casey.org.

GENESEO FOUNDATION IS MAKING A SPLASH IN THE COMMUNITY

The Geneseo Foundation continues to have a positive impact on the lives of the citizens in Geneseo and the surrounding areas by being the first to support the Geneseo Park District's plan to build a new Outdoor Pool facility. The Foundation has pledged a matching grant of $400,000. This is a $1 for $1 matching grant on individual donations of $9,999 and under, effectively doubling contributor's donations, up to $400,000.

"The Geneseo Park District is very grateful for this early and generous matching grant from the Geneseo Foundation. Their support of the Outdoor Pool project is an indication of the Foundation's on?going commitment to enhancing the quality of life in our community. The mission of the Geneseo Foundation aligns with the mission of the Geneseo Park District and we are very grateful for the visionary grant from the Geneseo Foundation. It is fitting that the Foundation has selected to name the new Bathhouse with their gift, as the 62 year old structure represents the legacy of outdoor aquatics that our community has enjoyed for decades." Molly Hamer, Geneseo Park District Executive Director.

The $400,000 grant will name the new Bathhouse which will be located on the east side of the property. The Bathhouse will include admissions area, locker?rooms, a family changing room, natural light and ventilation, recycled content items, concession stand featuring enhanced menu and a year round community room for rentals, parties and meetings.

The Geneseo Foundation was established in 1961 and is based on very simple principles:

For assisting charitable, benevolent, civic or educational institutions, whether support is in whole or in part, by private donations or by taxation.

For the care of the sick, aged, handicapped, orphaned and helpless, and the care of needy men, women, and children.

For promoting scientific or medical research for the advancement of human knowledge and the alleviation of human suffering, or the suffering of animals.

For such other civic or charitable purposes as the Board of Managers of The Geneseo Foundation may select from time to time, after determining that such purposes are within its province.

By establishing these principles, Mr. Dedrick was able to assure growth and vitality for future generations.
Upon his direction, Mr. George Dedrick clearly expressed his wishes for the fund to be called The Geneseo Foundation. Some often refer to the Foundation as the "Dedrick Fund", a name which the unassuming Mr. Dedrick would have refused to accept. His wish to name it the Geneseo Foundation clearly put the emphasis right where he wanted, on Geneseo and not on himself.

For more information visit www.GeneseoFoundation.org or www.GeneseoParkDistrict.org

###

After years of hard work, you've built the family business into a great success and you take pride in meeting the challenges that each day brings.

At some point, though, the day arrives when it's time to turn the reins over to the next generation.

That can be an exciting moment or an anxiety-ridden one, depending on what has gone on before to prepare for the momentous occasion.

"Laying the path to a successful family-business transition requires a bit of threading the needle," says Henry Hutcheson, author of the book "Dirty Little Secrets of Family Business" (http://dirtylittlesecretsoffamilybusiness.com).

"On the one hand you don't want to paint an overly rosy picture to the next generation. That could create a sense of entitlement and the false perception that running a business is easy and all you need to do is count the money and show up every now and then to check on things."

At the same time, he says, if you put too much emphasis on the difficulties of running a business and the stresses that come with it, your sons and daughters might not clamor to be first in line to take over.

Ideally, it's best to think ahead and start grooming the next generation long in advance, Hutcheson says. Give them summer jobs while they are in high school and college so they can start testing their abilities.

When they join the family business full time, find initiatives for them to work on that involve group dynamics. But also hand them individual projects where they hold sole responsibility for the results.

"It's critical when you are selecting the next leader to realize that it's not all about who will lead," Hutcheson says. "It is also about ensuring that those who are not selected are in support of the decision and can work as a team with the new leader."

Hutcheson says there are four key ingredients to developing the right person to take over the family business.

•  Independence. Next generation leaders must have confidence in themselves, their thoughts and their beliefs. "Much of this can be developed while working in the family business by constructing and leading significant projects," Hutcheson says. But one shortcut to accomplish this is to work for some other company early on. Many multi-generation family businesses like to make that a requirement for family members.

•  Competence. This is more than just being able to do the work. It means developing bottom-up experience. Not just being the accountant, but being able to reconcile the accounts and perform the journal entries. Not just being sales and marketing manager, but having been on a quota and worked the trade shows. Experience doing some of the day-to-day grunt work can pay dividends down the line.

•  People skills. "It's not enough to just be smart and confident," Hutcheson says. "You need to be able to work with people." He notes that in the book "Emotional Intelligence," Daniel Coleman outlines two studies that measured the success of a batch of high school valedictorians and Harvard graduates. Those who were able to perceive the emotional state of others and react to it appropriately proved to be the most successful.

•  No special privileges. The person in line to take over the family business needs to be willing to show up to work on time, stay late, take on special projects and be measured by the same metrics as everyone else. "This will show that you are part of the team and that you want to be judged on the merits of your work, not your bloodline," Hutcheson says. It will also help the next generation gain the respect of co-workers.

About Henry Hutcheson

Henry Hutcheson is president of Family Business USA and specializes in helping family and privately held businesses successfully manage transition, maintain harmony, and improve operations. His newest book is "Dirty Little Secrets of Family Business: How to Successfully Navigate Family Business Conflict and Transition" (http://dirtylittlesecretsoffamilybusiness.com). He's also quoted in "Kids, Wealth, and Consequences" and "Sink or Swim: How Lessons from the Titanic Can Save Your Family Business." Hutcheson grew up working for his family's business, Olan Mills Portrait Studios. He studied psychology and has an MBA from Columbia Business School, and is a popular speaker at professional, university and corporate-sponsored events.