[truebluefan]

K-Wings add big time puck stopper

Kalamazoo, MI- The Kalamazoo Wings, proud member of the United Hockey League and 2005-06 Central Division, Tarry Cup and Colonial Cup Champions, announce goaltender Tom Askey has signed a 2-year contract; per team policy the terms of the agreement will be undisclosed.

The K-Wings' new net protector joins the team after spending last year with Jokerit Helsinki (FNL). In his ten-year professional career, Askey has patrolled the creases of the top leagues in the world.

"Our goal this season is that same as last season, to win the Colonial Cup. To retain that kind of success you need a big-time goaltender," said Vice President/General Manager Paul L. Pickard. "All teams look for an experienced goaltender and with this signing we now have one."

Askey was drafted by the Anaheim Mighty Ducks during the 8th round (186th overall) of the 1993 National Hockey League Entry Draft. The native of Tonawanda, New York put his pro career on hold to finish his collegiate career at Ohio State University. Askey's NHL aspirations would become reality during the 1997-98 season, when he played in 7 games for the Mighty Ducks.

Nine of Askey's ten pro seasons have been played in either the International Hockey League or the American Hockey League. In the 2000-01 season, as a member of Rochester Americans, the netminder posted a 2.55 goals against average (GAA) and earned the Harry (HAP) Holmes Memorial Award, given to the AHL goaltender with the lowest GAA.

"Tom has made a career decision to stay close to home with his family who live here in the Kalamazoo area," said Pickard. "His character and leadership ability will definitely add to the nucleus we have already formed."

The K-Wings will begin defense of the Colonial Cup on Friday, October 13th with a road game against the Elmira Jackals. Kalamazoo will open up the home portion of their schedule on Saturday, October 21st versus the Flint Generals. The K-Wings will raise their championship banners and unveil their Colonial Cup Championship Rings during a ceremony prior to face-off. All fans that attend the home opener will receive a FREE magnetic schedule courtesy of Meijer.

Individual Tickets for the upcoming 2006-2007 season of K-Wings Hockey are on sale at the Wings Stadium Ticket Office. Reaching the ticket office can be done by stopping by during their regular business hours of Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. or Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. or by calling (269) 345-5101.

 

[truebluefan]

Cadotte and Snowball Skate in to Port Huron

(PORT HLURON, MICH.) - With two days left until the start of training camp, two more offensive players have signed with the Flags, adding strength to the physical prowess and scoring capability of the front line.

Right Wing Robert Snowball, at 6-feet-3, 235 pounder, will be a force to be reckoned with, past the blue line. He spent the last two seasons with the East Coast Hockey League's Toledo Storm, where Drulia was the assistant coach in 2005-06.

"Snowball is going to ensure that our offense is high-powered and full of contact. I coached him last year and I am fully confident in his ability on the ice to get physical when necessary," said Drulia.

A native of Markham, Ont., Snowball played his first two years with the Victoriaville Tigres of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. He made the switch to the ECHL in 2003, signing with the Roanoke Express before heading to Toledo, the following year.

He recorded four goals, eight assists and 146 penalty minutes during the regular season, as well as a goal, an assist and 29 minutes in penalties throughout the playoffs.

Center Mark Cadotte has a smaller build, but more than makes up for his 5-feet-8, 179 pounds with his ability to put the puck in the net. "Mark is a high-end, creative guy who will help lead us offensively with Hildebrand and Bullock," said Drulia.

Cadotte is a native of Windsor, Ont. who played in Italy last season and in the Elite Ice Hockey League in the United Kingdom for the previous two years. During his 11 year career, he has recorded 30 or more goals in three seasons and 20 or more in five. During post-season play, Cadotte has scored 30 goals in 8 playoff runs, as well as 33 assists.

Snowball and Cadotte will suit up on Monday morning for the start of training camp.

GET YOUR INDIVIDUAL GAME TICKETS: The Flags home opener is slated for Saturday, Oct. 14 at McMorran Arena, at 7:30 p.m. Don't miss out on your chance to be a part of all the action when our boys take on the heated rival Flint Generals! Special Guest Karen Newman, the longtime voice of the Detroit Red Wings, will kick off the night's festivities as she sings the national anthem. Get your seats for the event, starting on Monday, Sept. 25. Contact the Flags front office at (810) 982-FLAG (3524) or McMorran at (810) 985-6166. Prices range from $12 to $16.

SEASON TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE! Season ticket packages can save the committed Flags fans money and ensures them a seat at every game. There are various plans available that can accommodate every need. Call the office now at (810) 982-FLAG (3524).

The Port Huron Flags are a community owned, nonprofit member club of the United Port Hockey League. For more information on the 2006-07 season, contact the front office at (810) 982-3524 or visit the website at www.porthuronflags.net. The Tradition Continues....Our Community, Our Team"

 

[truebluefan]

Generals on march with Community Dinner Tour

FLINT, MI - The Flint Generals of the United Hockey League announce several appearances in the community during training camp. The Generals aren't waiting for the season to begin to make their presence felt in the Flint area.

The Generals players will be making seven appearances on their Community Dinner Tour around Flint. The members of the Generals will be having dinner at several locations throughout the area. The Players will be eating about 6:00pm each night and fans are encouraged to dine with the players and have a chance to get to know their 2006-07 Generals team.

The Generals Community Dinner Tour schedule is as follows:

Tuesday, October 3: Fazoli's

Wednesday, October 4: Italian Gardens in Davison

Thursday, October 5: TBD

Monday, October 9: Outback Steak House on Miller Rd.

Tuesday, October 10: bd's Mongolian Barbeque

Wednesday, October 11: Applebee's in Burton

Thursday, October 12: Firkin and Fox

The event on October 12 at Firkin and Fox will be the first weekly radio show and fans are encouraged to come out and be a part of the show as well as meet the team.

"We are excited about getting out in the community and getting to know our fans." Said General Manager Al Sims. "And we would like to thank all our sponsors for being a part of these appearances. We wouldn't be here without our fans or the companies that support us."

For more information on the Generals Community Dinner Tour, call the Generals office at 724-9422. The Generals begin training camp on Monday, October 2 at 9:00am at Perani Arena. The regular season begins with a home game against Port Huron on Friday, October 13. Season tickets are available by calling the Perani Arena and Event Center box office.

 

[truebluefan]

K-Wings Trade for Experienced Defenseman

Kalamazoo, MI- The Kalamazoo Wings, proud member of the United Hockey League and 2005-06 Central Division, Tarry Cup and Colonial Cup Champions, announce the completion of a trade with the Bloomington PrairieThunder.

The Kalamazoo Wings received veteran defenseman Jeff Brown and a player to be named later in return for the rights to forward Tyler Rennette.

"Championships are won with strong defense and Jeff Brown definitely strengthens our blueline," said Vice President/General Manager Paul L. Pickard. "Brown has played in the American Hockey League as well as Europe and we are excited to have Jeff and his family here in Kalamazoo."

The veteran brings nine years of professional experience to Kalamazoo. Brown, who was the first round pick (22nd overall pick) of the New York Rangers in 1996, spent last season in the UHL with both the Missouri River Otters and Port Huron Flags.

The native of Mississauga, Ontario was acquired by Bloomington during the league's dispersal draft in June.

Brown's resume includes four years of Junior "A" hockey in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), as well as international experience. During the 1998-99 season, Brown represented his country by playing for Team Canada.

The K-Wings will begin defense of the Colonial Cup on Friday, October 13th with a road game against the Elmira Jackals. Kalamazoo will open up the home portion of their schedule on Saturday, October 21st versus the Flint Generals. The K-Wings will raise their championship banners and unveil their Colonial Cup Championship Rings during a ceremony prior to face-off. All fans that attend the home opener will receive a FREE magnetic schedule courtesy of Meijer.

Individual Tickets for the upcoming 2006-2007 season of K-Wings Hockey are on sale at the Wings Stadium Ticket Office. Reaching the ticket office can be done by stopping by during their regular business hours of Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. or Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. or by calling (269) 345-5101.

 

[truebluefan]

Watson and Betts inked as training camp kicks off

Rockford, Ill.- The Rockford IceHogs opened its eighth training camp on Monday and Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Steve Martinson announced that the United Hockey League club has signed physical forwards Bruce Watson and Kaleb Betts. Sticking to club policy, terms of the agreements were not disclosed.

Watson returns to Rockford for a fourth season, including his third straight. Last season, Watson recorded 16 goals, his second most in his eight-year pro career. The Pembrooke, Ontario native was also assessed 291 penalty minutes last year and was awarded the IceHogs "Glass Rattler Award" for his physical play on the ice.

"Bruce is coming off an outstanding season," said Martinson. "At 6-3, 235 pounds, Bruce combines size and speed to punish opposing defenses. Add 16 goals and the fact that Bruce has not lost a fight in a Rockford uniform make him a very valuable player."

An "Original IceHog", Watson ranks first on the Hogs all-time PIM's chart with 570 in 129 games. Watson was also a big contributor for Rockford in the postseason last spring, scoring three goals and adding a pair of assists in nine postseason games. The tough winger will always be a part of IceHogs folklore, as he assisted on Rockford's game-winning goal during the first round of the 2005 Colonial Cup Playoffs against the Kalamazoo Wings in overtime, giving the IceHogs its first ever postseason series win.

Betts, a rookie this season, is a Nashville Predators prospect as he was the Predators eighth round selection in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft. The 5-10 forward spent the past three seasons playing Division I college hockey at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. Betts was in Milwaukee Admirals (AHL) training camp prior to coming to Rockford.

"Kaleb had a lot of big hits in Milwaukee's training camp," said Martinson. "He's a very strong, physical player who's style of play is more suited for the pro game rather than college."

In college, Betts totaled 20g-36a-56pts in three seasons with the University of Nebraska-Omaha. Last season, in 32 contests, Betts registered 6g-12a-18pts. The upcoming campaign will be the Maple River, British Columbia native's first in the pro ranks.

In other IceHogs news, Martinson announced that forwards Steve Yetman and Nicolas Corbeil were assigned to Rockford from Admirals camp. The IceHogs are expecting a full roster in training camp for tomorrow's second day of practice with Yetman and Corbeil.

Tickets Sale Now: Individual game tickets are now on sale! Fans can call (815) 968-5222 or stop down at the Rockford MetroCentre Box Office starting at 10 a.m. to purchase tickets for the upcoming 2006-07 season. Opening Night is Friday, Oct. 13 at 7:30 p.m. against the Fort Wayne Komets.

 

[truebluefan]

PrairieThunder ready to open camp

With the start of training camp just days away for the Bloomington PrairieThunder, Coach Derek Booth was wearing a different kind of game face.

“This is kind of the stressful time for the front office of hockey operations,” Booth said. “You hope everybody arrives on time. You have to coordinate everyone getting their physicals on time. You have to get them into their hotel rooms and apartments.

“Just coordinating everything when you’ve got 23 guys coming in can be hectic. They’ve got a lot of questions and you have to have answers for everything. It’s a fun time, too, because now you know the season is starting.”

 

[truebluefan]

New-look Komets hope to jell quickly

Perhaps left wing Daniel Goneau summed it up best.

“Well, I don’t really know anything about Fort Wayne. I have no clue what it looks like, what the rink looks like, what the town is like,” he said. “But I’ve heard good things.”

Goneau, a 30-year-old left wing who has played 53 NHL games with the New York Rangers, is one of the new faces – one of the many new faces – that make up the Fort Wayne Komets.

The Komets open training camp today at Memorial Coliseum.

complete article

 

[truebluefan]

Generals will be out in community

Don't fret if you can't make it to Perani Arena for Flint Generals training camp, which began this morning under new coach Kevin Kerr.

There will be plenty of opportunities in the next two weeks to meet the Generals, all of who are new with the exception of two players.

The Generals will be embarking an a Community Dinner Tour that will give fans the chance to break bread with them at seven area restaurants beginning Tuesday night.

complete article

 

[truebluefan]

Mallards burning to get ship-shape

Drew Otten felt the burn.

“Good pace,’’ the prodigal Quad-City Mallards forward said Monday after his initial exposure to Camp Curran, which otherwise is known as Mallards training camp.

“We had a little skate at the end,’’ he said of a team-wide,

32-lap trip around a Quad-City Sports Center rink at the conclusion of Monday’s grueling, camp-opening three-hour practice. “That was a nice skate. Definitely got the lactic acid going. Good burn.”

complete article

 

[truebluefan]

Jackals' new coach restocks roster with players who are ready to win.

Kris Waltze knew the Elmira Jackals pretty well even before he joined the team as new head coach in June.

As coach of the Richmond RiverDogs last year, Waltze and his team faced Elmira several times and almost always won.

In fact, most teams who played the Jackals usually prevailed last year.

The Jackals looked great on paper, but somewhere along the line, they forgot how to win, Waltze said.

When he took over the team, he knew what he had to do -- start almost from scratch.

complete article

 

[truebluefan]

ackals work hard on, off ice to build winner

Mike Lowery of Savona travels 80 miles round trip to watch the Elmira Jackals play hockey.

Lowery gladly makes the trip whether the Jackals are winning or losing, but the season-ticket holder would much rather watch his team finish on the plus side.

That didn't happen last year, and Lowery worries about support for his team. Not all Elmira-area fans are as loyal as he is, Lowery said.

"I do think this year is a make-or-break year for the franchise. It would be an awful thing for this area to lose," he said.

complete article

 

[truebluefan]

So many players, so little time

The 2006-07 Elmira Jackals hit the ice for the first time Monday, and not a minute too soon.

With no returning core of players, a new coach and a new general manager, the only familiar things left are the team logo and First Arena with only 10 days before the Oct. 13 season opener against Kalamazoo.

complete article

 

[truebluefan]

Competition fierce as K’s begin camp

The Fort Wayne Komets opened training camp Monday with 29 players on their roster, and it was a strange sight to see.

“This is a big change this year,” goaltender Kevin St. Pierre said, looking around the room.

That’s because under former coach Greg Puhalski, who resigned last summer after six seasons at the helm, the Komets typically had about 25 players in training camp.

complete article

 

[truebluefan]

Getting acquainted

For a while Monday afternoon, the oldest guy on the ice was the one who felt most like a rookie.

New Komets coach Pat Bingham seemed like he was sitting in the front row at a racetrack early on as his team opened training camp at Memorial Coliseum. Bingham, who last year was an assistant coach with Bridgeport in the American Hockey League, needed a few minutes to readjust and shake the rust off his whistle.

complete article

 

[truebluefan]

Komets to sport snazzy new uniforms at home, on road

The Komets will wear two new uniforms this season. During Sunday home games, they’ll wear an orange retro jersey with Captain Komet on the front to celebrate their 55th anniversary.

They’ll also wear a new road jersey with orange, white and black that General Manager David Franke said has lots of flames.

That jersey will debut Oct. 13 in Rockford, but Fort Wayne fans will get to see it in December when the United Hockey League has a reverse-jersey month.

complete article

 

[truebluefan]

Askey playing for home team

For the first time, goaltender Tom Askey doesn't have to leave home for training camp.

After spending most of his pro hockey career with the Rochester Americans of the American Hockey League and last year in Finland, Askey has signed a two-year contract with the United Hockey League Kalamazoo Wings.

``My wife grew up in the Mattawan area and we own a home here,'' Askey said Monday after the first day of camp. ``We've lived here six or seven years in the summer.''

complete article

 

[truebluefan]

Flags get pleasant surprise

Port Huron Flags Coach Stan Drulia said he brought 30 players into training camp with the hope there would be some surprises.

Already Monday, on the camp's first day, Drulia has seen just that.

ADVERTISEMENT

"There were a couple of nice surprises today," Drulia said. "A couple of young guys I think really stepped up.

"And there's a couple of guys I was a little disappointed in at the same time."

Drulia didn't single out any position players, good or bad.

Camp continues today at 9 a.m. at McMorran Arena. Practices during camp are open to the public.

Players have at least three more days to impress Drulia and assistant coach Jeff Blum, and earn a roster spot. Drulia did not make any cuts Monday, and said he won't make any until at least Thursday, the day after the team's first preseason game in Fort Wayne.

complete article