The Quad City Mallards have signed forward Justin Kovacs, the Mallards announced today.

Kovacs, 24, scored six goals and added 23 assists for 29 points in 63 games with the Kalamazoo Wings last season before producing five points (two goals and three assists) in six playoff games. The 5’ 11”, 193-pound native of Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan, broke into professional hockey with the Wings late in the 2014-15 season, scoring once and notching four assists in eight games.
 
“Justin’s a guy I even thought about making a trade for last season who is good with the puck and makes good, smart passes,” said Mallards coach and general manager Terry Ruskwoski. “He actually didn’t play a ton during the regular season last year but he lit it up pretty well in the playoffs. [Mallards forward] Sam Warning played with him in junior and thinks very highly of him so if he plays with good players like Sam he could be a huge asset for us on the offensive side.”

Kovacs turned pro after scoring 23 times, notching 53 assists and totaling 76 points in 129 games over four seasons at Western Michigan University. As a freshman he helped the Broncos to the first Central Collegiate Hockey Association regular season title in the program’s history and a berth in the NCAA tournament.

Before arriving at Western Michigan, Kovacs spent two seasons in the junior ranks with the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders of the United States Hockey League.

The Mallards will open their twentieth season in the Quad Cities on Friday, October 14 at 7:05 p.m. against the Fort Wayne Komets at the iWireless Center. Mallards 2016-17 season tickets are now available. Season ticket holders enjoy significant savings of the walk-up ticket price and receive a host of exclusive benefits. For more season ticket information, fans can contact the Mallards at 309-277-1364 or info@myqcmallards.com.