United Hockey League news 10/04

UHL broadcaster joins Phoenix Coyotes

LAKE ST. LOUIS, MO --- Matt Rosen has recently been named Radio Host for the Phoenix Coyotes of the National Hockey League (NHL). In his new role, he will serve as the pre-game and post-game radio host along with conducting intermission reports and special website features. Rosen was the play-by-play broadcaster for the Roanoke Valley Vipers of the United Hockey League (UHL) during the 2005-06 season.

"I ecstatic about this opportunity," stated Rosen. "Overall it is going to be an unbelievable experience, especially to be in the NHL. I am surrounded by some outstanding people in this organization and am really looking forward to the season."

"We are extremely happy for Matt," stated Richard Brosal, UHL President/CEO. "We enjoyed working with him during the past season and wish him the best in his new position."

Rosen has already conducted interviews with Coyotes players such as goaltender Curtis Joseph and forward Georges Laraque. He will make his regular season debut with the Coyotes' radio network when the team hosts the New York Islanders for the season opener on Thursday night.

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Guaranteeing a Fun Time

Kalamazoo, MI- The Kalamazoo Wings, proud member of the United Hockey League and 2005-06 Central Division, Tarry Cup and Colonial Cup Champions, announce two new offers for fans looking to purchase tickets for the upcoming season.

The K-Wings are so confident that season ticket holders will enjoy all the excitement and fun at their home games, they are guaranteeing it. All fans that purchase new season tickets between now and November 15th will receive the personal assurance of a 30-Day Money Back Guarantee from the team. This offer is only good for season tickets that are purchased starting today and refund requests must be submitted no later than November 15th.

"We (K-Wings) are always looking for unique ways to attract new fans," said Vice President/General Manager Paul L. Pickard. "Purchasing season tickets is a big commitment and we want to assure our fans are satisfied."

The K-Wings are the first team in the UHL to adopt this revolutionary offer. In all of pro sports only a handful of teams offer a guarantee on their season tickets.

Besides guaranteeing their season tickets, the K-Wings are also unveiling four new mini-ticket plans for the 2006-07 season.

Fans this year can purchase a Weekend Warrior, Premium Game Night, Student or Rivalry Mini-Plan.

The Weekend Warrior Mini-Plan allows fans to purchase a minimum of 10 tickets for games played on Friday or Saturday.

The Premium Game Night Mini-Plan is for fans that purchase tickets for all four of the K-Wings premium nights (Orange Ice, New Year's Eve, Pink Ice and Green Ice).

The Rivalry Mini-Plan gives fans the opportunity to attend all K-Wings' home games against the Muskegon Fury and the Fort Wayne Komets (11 total).

Fans that purchase any of the three previous mentioned plans will receive a FREE lineup sheet for their games, as well as access to the pre-game coach's show and the ability to priority purchase tickets for upcoming special events at the Wings Stadium Complex.

The final mini-plan is geared towards high school and college students. With valid student identification, students who purchase a minimum of 10 games (premium night games not included) will receive a $1 off their tickets and receive the ability to priority purchase tickets for upcoming special events to the Wings Stadium Complex.

For more information or to purchase these ticket offers, contact the Wings Stadium Ticket Office at (269) 345-5101. Regular business hours are Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

The K-Wings will start their 38-game regular season home schedule on Saturday, October 21st at 7:30 p.m. when they entertain intra-state rivals, the Flint Generals. Prior to the face-off of the home opener, Kalamazoo will hold a ceremony featuring fireworks and the unveiling of the K-Wings championship banners and Colonial Cup rings. All fans in attendance will receive a FREE commemorative magnetic schedule courtesy of Meijer.

Single game tickets are also currently on sale at the Ticket Office and range from $8-13. Prices for K-Wings games will increase $1 for premium game nights (Orange Ice, Pink Ice, Green Ice & New Years Eve). Fans are also encouraged to purchase their game tickets in advance, as they will save $1 per ticket by getting their seats prior to a game day.

Meet the IceHogs at Shooters North

Rockford, Ill.- The 2006-07 training camp is under way, and Rockford IceHogs fans will have a chance to meet the eighth edition of the Hogs at the Bud Light Meet the Team Party at Shooters North. The Bud Light Meet the Team Party is from 7-9 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 11 and Shooters North is located inside the Forest Hills Lanes at 7742 Forest Hills Road in Loves Park.

Fans can meet and receive autographs from all of the members of the 2006-07 IceHogs club, including players and coaches. There will also be a sign-up for prizes at the event, as fans can win IceHogs merchandise and opening night tickets. The IceHogs kick off the '06-07 campaign on Friday, Oct. 13 against the Fort Wayne Komets at 7:30 p.m. at the Rockford MetroCentre.

Also, IceHogs fans can watch the Hogs tonight up in Beloit. The practice will take place at Edwards Ice Arena in the Telfer Sports and Activities Center, located at 2101 Cranston Road in Beloit at 6 p.m. This will be the seventh time in eight seasons in which the IceHogs will hold a preseason practice north of the border. Length of the session is scheduled to last around an hour.

Admission to the practice is $3 for adults, $2 for students (with a student ID) and free for kids five-and-under. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Beloit Youth Hockey Association and tickets can be purchased at the door beginning at 5:30 p.m. The IceHogs practice will include a controlled scrimmage, featuring 4-on-4, power-play and shorthanded situations and some skill events at the end of practice. Following the practice, the players will be available for autographs, the first public event to meet the new IceHogs players.

For more information about the Bud Light Meet the Team Party or the IceHogs practice in Beloit tonight, contact the IceHogs office at (815) 986-6465.

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.

Money-Back Guarantee Goes Out to Flags Fans

(PORT HURON, MICH.) - Port Huron Flags President Mark Neal announced today that the community-owned hockey team is offering a way for skeptical fans to make an investment in the club without running the risk of disappointment.

A brand new concept for the second year team, the money-back guarantee offers fans the chance to refund their season tickets, if they are not happy with the product on the ice. The first five home competitions in October serve as a trial run. After the Flags play the Kalamazoo Wings on Sunday, Oct. 29, season ticket holders have the option to return their tickets and receive their money back, prorated to exclude the first five games.

"Last year, there was a lot of hype surrounding the team coming back to Port Huron. When the season did not go as well as the community hoped it would, there were a lot of disappointed fans. People are cautious to spend their hard-earned money on a product that is not good. However, Stan [Drulia] and I are extremely convinced that 2006-07 will not be a repeat of the previous season. Stan has done a top notch job of recruiting and I fully expect the Flags to be a competitive force in the United Hockey League this season. People won't regret investing in season tickets this year and because I am so confident, I am offering this special deal," said Neal.

Monthly payment plans are still available with the money-back guarantee. Credit cards can be used to make three easy payments, or half of the total cost can be paid in cash up front.

The UHL is fully endorsing this plan and strongly encouraging all teams to participate. Call the Flags front office today, at (810) 982-FLAG (3524)!

PRE-SEASON ACTION! On Saturday, Oct. 7, the Port Huron Flags host their heated rival, the Flint Generals, in the only exhibition game at home. Come on out and catch your first glimpse of the new team! McMorran Arena opens at 6:30 p.m. and the puck drops at 7:30 p.m. A $7 General Admission fee will be charged and can be purchased today at the Flags office. Call 810-982-FLAG (3524) or visit Ticketmaster to secure your seat!

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.

Johnson, Big Snake back in IceHogs mix

Rockford, Ill.- Rockford IceHogs Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Steve Martinson announced on Wednesday, that the United Hockey League club has signed winger Chaz Johnson to a professional tryout agreement and that forward Robin Big Snake was assigned to the team from IceHogs American Hockey League affiliate, the Milwaukee Admirals.

Both Johnson and Big Snake were a part of the top rookie class in IceHogs history last season. Both were in AHL camps this fall as well, as Big Snake has a two-way contract with the Admirals and Johnson was in Chicago Wolves camp.

"It's a high octane boost to the team receiving both of these players," said Martinson. "We are adding size to an already big team. My expectation is that these guys will be 30-plus goal scorers if they play 76 games with us this season."

Last season, Johnson earned the IceHogs Most Improved Player award and established himself as one of the most exciting players to watch on the team. The big, physical, second-year wingman ranked third on the IceHogs in penalty minutes and scored 23g-22a-45pts in 66 games. Johnson received a pair of AHL call-ups to Milwaukee, and in eight games with the Admirals he potted one goal and accumulated 12 PIM's.

The Montreal native continued his first-year tear in the postseason, as he scored six goals in nine playoff games. Johnson is a hard skater, who is one of the most ferocious checkers in the UHL. In Chicago camp, Johnson scored a goal in the Wolves first exhibition game.

Big Snake brings even more physical presence to the IceHogs already bulky line-up. Big Snake, like Johnson, is intimidating and can put the puck in the net. The Siksika Nation, Alberta native registered 27 goals for the Hogs in 66 games. Big Snake also set a club record and led the UHL with 423 PIM's.

The second-year forward earned an AHL call-up as well last season, as he suited up for a pair of games with the Admirals. Even though he has only played one season, Big Snake is one of the most recognizable players in the UHL.

Both Johnson and Big Snake are expected in IceHogs training camp this week and could skate in the IceHogs inter-squad scrimmage/practice in Beloit tonight at 6 p.m.

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. The first 5,000 fans to the game will receive a 2006-07 Magnet Schedule, courtesy of Benchmark Home Loans and WTVO-TV channel 17.

Capacity Crowd Expected for Mallards Exhibition Game

Moline, IL-The Quad City Mallards today announced that the Quad City Sports Center has reached capacity for the team's exhibition game vs. Chicago on Saturday, October 7th. There are no tickets remaining at the Mallards Nest nor will tickets be available for walk up purchase on the day of the event.

"We are very excited about the response we've received for the exhibition game," said Mallards President Tim Taylor. "It will be an exciting atmosphere for Quad City fans to see our new team for the first time."

Mallards training camp continues tomorrow with a practice session beginning at 9 a.m. at the Quad City Sports Center. On Friday, the team journeys to Rockford for their lone road exhibition game. The contest gets underway at 7:30 p.m.

The Mallards training camp roster has 22 players. Forwards in camp include Chad Woollard, Glenn Detulleo, Patrick Nadeau, Jeff Petruic, Jesse Rycroft, Sean Starke, Drew Otten, Luke Stauffacher, Tim Plett, Travis Granbois, Justin Siebold and Nigel Hawryliw. Defensemen participating in Mallards camp include Jami Yoder, Andrei Lupandin, Brent Currie, Steve MacIntyre, Bryce Charpentier, Marcus Reszka, Henrik Arnstrom and Craig Lazaruk. In goal, the Mallards welcome Jason Tapp back along with newcomer Scott Gray.

Mallards season tickets are available now via The MARK box office at (309) 764-2000. Fans interested in season ticket information, including the Mallards Season Ticket GUARANTEE, can contact the Mallards Ticket Office at (309) 764-7825.