SPHL: Storm host Fayetteville on Friday and Saturday
Games: The Quad City Storm (4-1-0-0, 8 points) host a weekend twinbill against the SPHL-leading Fayetteville Marksmen (5-1-0-0, 10 points) this weekend. Puck drop both evenings is 7:10 p.m. at Vibrant Arena at The Mark.
Promotions: There are special events taking place on both nights. Friday is Salute to Military Night, which between periods features an enlistment ceremony on the ice and recognition throughout the game for all service members in attendance. The first 1,000 fans receive thunder sticks courtesy of the IAM Veterans Department. Specialty Salute to Military jerseys will be worn by Storm players in-game and auctioned afterward to raise money for Guide Dogs of America and Tender Loving Canines. Active duty service members and veterans receive free tickets to the game when they present their identification at the arena box office. Complimentary tickets for military families are also available through the Storm front office while supplies last. The teams will play both nights on ice that has been painted with names of local loved ones who have served our country. ... Saturday is Rock 'N Roll Night with a post-game concert scheduled with ultimate 80's rock tribute band Villain's Dance.
History: This is the first meeting of the season between these two clubs. Last season, QC took four of the five meetings between the two, winning once in overtime. All-time, QC is 5-8-001 against the Marksmen.
Roster moves: As of early Thursday, QC made just two roster moves. Defenseman Michael Greco was activated from the injured reserved list. To make room for him, the recently-signed Connor Mullins, also a defenseman, was waived. Two others — defenseman Dillon Fournier and LW Houston Wilson — also remain sidelined with injuries.
Game notes: In five games, QC has outscored foes 19-17. Fayetteville, in six games, has scored 24 goals and given up 17. ... Fayetteville's lone loss was on the road to Macon. ... The Marksmen come in with a three-game win streak. ... Former QC player Mason Emoff, who played 31 games for QC last and is now playing for Fayetteville, leads the league's plus/minus category with a +8 mark. QC's Cole Golka is tied for second with +7 with Fayetteville's Nick Parody. ... Fayetteville goalie Ryan Kenny comes in with a 2.58 goals-against average. QC's Brent Moran has a 2.88 GAA. Both have one shutout.
- compiled by Tom Johnston
sports writer/golf editor
