Berube shutout leads IceHogs to opening game win
With goaltending like that provided by Jean-Francois Berube in the season opener at Quicken Loans Arena, the Rockford IceHogs could be on its way to shrugging off a rough 2016-17 season.
Berube turned aside all 32 shots he faced from the host Cleveland Monsters Friday (Oct. 6) to post an opening game shutout and lead the IceHogs to a 4-0 win in the only game of the opening weekend for both teams.
Former Detroit Red Wings player, Tomas Jurco scored the lone first period goal which stood up as the game winner and he also added an assist later to pace the IcHog attack. Matthew Highmore also collected a goal and assist for the winners with other goals added by Ville Pokka and Viktor Svedberg.
Brad Thiessen handled 18 of 21 shots in goal for the Monsters, Pokka’s marker sank into an empty cage with 2:10 to play.
The IceHogs, top minor affiliate of the Chicago BlackHawks will look to carry the momentum into its home opener Saturday (Oct. 14) against the Iowa Wild. The IceHogs will stay at the BMO Harris the following afternoon as well, entertaining the Milwaukee Admirals.
The Monsters will make the trip to Winnipeg to take on the 1-1 Manitoba Moose with games on Friday and Sunday at the IceHogs will entertain the Iowa Wild on Saturday followed by the Admirals on Saturday.
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Born and raised in Ontario, Canada and moved to the state of Wisconsin in my late 30's. I worked at various newspapers and magazines in various sports positions for 25 years before changing careers five years ago. Now I am streamlining my focus on hockey only and in particular, all levels of hockey in the American Midwest.