ICEHOGS TO HOLD MOCK PRESIDENTAL ELECTION SATURDAY

ICEHOGS TO HOLD MOCK PRESIDENTAL ELECTION SATURDAY

10/28/2008 12:51 PM -
Fans can choose between John McCain and Barack Obama bobblehead

Rockford, Ill.- After a 7-1-0-0 start to the 2008-09 American Hockey League season, the Rockford IceHogs return home this weekend for a pair of games against North Division opponents. The weekend set is highlighted by the IceHogs presidential bobblehead election on Saturday.

The first 3,000 fans to the game on Saturday when the IceHogs faceoff against the Syracuse Crunch at 7:05 p.m. will get the choice between a John McCain or Barack Obama bobblehead doll. The bobblehead that runs out first will be declared the winner of the IceHogs mock election. The promotion is sponsored by Lonnie’s Carpet Max and 23 WIFR.

To also promote the upcoming Election Day, the IceHogs will host a Politicians Broomball Game on Saturday. The game takes place during the first intermission at the MetroCentre and will pit the Democrats against the Republicans.

The Democrat side will feature Bob Abboud, Paul Carpenter, Lisa Fabiano, Ryan Gailey, Clint Little, Marilyn Ross, Dewayne Ross, Jasper St. Angel, Wendy Schneider, Scott Schneider, David Tassoni and Travas Tucker. The Democrats will be coached by Bill Crowley and Dan Lewandowski.

On the Republicans side, participants expected to play include Mary Linn Green, Michael Hakanson, Bob Kinnison, Tom Klein, Rick Pollack, John Sweeney, Dave Syverson and David Winters. Rockford Mayor Larry Morissey will serve as the special guest referee for the game.

On Friday night, the IceHogs will take the ice against the Manitoba Moose at 7:30 p.m. at the MetroCentre. Friday is Halloween and you can celebrate it with the IceHogs! All kids that come dressed in costume can receive $4 off their tickets at the door.

Kids who are in costume can also trick-or-treat with the IceHogs players on the ice immediately following the game. Kids will receive a reusable shopping bag to trick-or-treat with.

Every fan is encouraged to come dressed in costume. The IceHogs will host a costume contest and everyone who comes dressed will be eligible to win. There will be two divisions including a kids division 12-and-under and a second division 13-and-over.

The top three contestants in each division will all receive prizes courtesy of the IceHogs. The first place prize in the 13-and-over division will receive two 10 packs of tickets for future IceHogs games. The second and third place winners will receive a Family Four Pack of tickets.

In the kids division, the winner will receive a Runt’s Club Membership, IceHogs prize pack and a Family Four Pack. The second and third place winners will receive Family Four Packs.

For tickets to either game, contact the MetroCentre Box Office at (815) 968-5222, on the web at www.metrocentre.com or in person at Hogs Headquarters in Cherryvale Mall or the MetroCentre Box Office.

ICEHOGS WINNING WAYS CONTINUE IN WEEK 3

ICEHOGS WINNING WAYS CONTINUE IN WEEK 3

IceHogs defenseman J.C. Sawyer notched his first two career AHL goals during Week 3. (Photo by Ross Dettman)
10/27/2008 10:24 AM -
Rockford jumps out to 7-1-0-0 start

Week 3 Recap
Three more wins for the Rockford IceHogs in Week 3 has vaulted the American Hockey League club four points ahead of the field in the Western Conference in the young 2008-09 regular season. After a pair of wins over the Norfolk Admirals, the IceHogs skated away with their first ever regular season win at the Allstate Arena over the Wolves on Sunday. Rockford will put its 4-0-0-0 home record on the line this weekend against a pair of North Division foes.

Week 3 Results
Friday, Oct. 24: Norfolk 4 vs. Rockford 5 SO
Saturday, Oct. 25: Norfolk 0 vs. Rockford 4
Sunday, Oct. 26: Rockford 3 at Chicago 2 SO

Week 4 Schedule
Friday, Oct. 31 vs. Manitoba, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 1 vs. Syracuse. 7:05 p.m.

Bacon Bits:

-Rockford is 4-0-0-0 at home, the only team in the AHL with a four wins at home to start the season. Syracuse, Providence and Houston are 3-0-0-0

-Petri Kontiola’s league-leading four power-play goals and two assists account for 66.7 percent of his points so far

-Sunday’s game against Chicago is the first in 2008-09 that the IceHogs have not scored a power-play goal

-The game also marked the third time this season that the IceHogs have held their opponent scoreless on the man advantage

-The IceHogs are now 1-1-0-0 when not scoring first

-The IceHogs won on Friday and Sunday without out-shooting their opponent. The Hogs are being out shot in every period on the season. 1st: 72-75 2nd: 81-85 3rd: 71-86.

-The Hogs are leading in shots in overtime 16-10

-Rockford is 4-0-0-0 in one-goal games, including 3-0 in shootouts this season

-Six different players have made shots in Rockford’s three shootouts. No player has made every attempt. Every shooter with two or more attempts has made at least one.

-Tim Brent scored the game winning goal in both shootouts this weekend. He has two goals in regulation.

-Pascal Pelletier’s five-game point streak, the longest of any IceHogs skater so far this season, came to an end on Sunday against Chicago

-In 16 combined games, newcomers Brent and Pelletier have gone scoreless only four times. Sunday’s game against Chicago was the only time both of them were without a point.

-Rockford’s 7-1-0-0 start is the second best in the club’s 10 year history

-The IceHogs began the 2005-06 United Hockey League season 9-0-0

Hot Hog Week 3:
For the second time in three weeks, Rockford IceHogs goalie Antti Niemi is the team’s nomination for the AHL’s CCM/Vector Player of the Week. Niemi helped backstop Rockford to a pair of wins as the IceHogs went 3-0-0-0 during Week 3. Niemi recorded his first AHL shutout on Saturday after turning away 26 Norfolk Admirals shots. Then on Saturday, Niemi helped lead Rockford to their first ever regular season win at the Allstate Arena making 34 saves in the IceHogs 3-2 shootout win. In the shootout, Niemi stymied the Wolves allowing just one goal in seven rounds.

Upcoming Games:
Friday, Oct. 31 vs. Manitoba Moose: Game time is 7:30 p.m. The Rockford IceHogs are taking on the Manitoba Moose in the first of two home games against North Division opponents inside the Rockford MetroCentre. It's Halloween and IceHogs are marking the holiday with Trick or Treating with IceHogs players after the game. Any child under 12 who comes in costume will get $4 off any ticket and will be given a reusable shopping bag after the game to trick or treat with the IceHogs.

Saturday, Nov. 1 vs. Syracuse Crunch: The puck drops at 7:05 p.m. For the second straight night the IceHogs entertain a North Division opponent. The Crunch make their only visit to the MetroCentre during the 2008-09 in a battle of two first place teams. Saturday is also bobble election night at the MetroCentre courtesy of Lonnie’s Carpet Max and 23 WIFR. The first 3,000 fans to the game will have the option to choose either John McCain or Barak Obama bobblehead doll. Which ever bobblehead runs out first will win the IceHogs mock election!

The IceHogs Broadcasting Network:
Rockford IceHogs fans can catch all of the IceHogs regular and post-season games on the Hogs flagship radio station Rockford’s Voice, WNTA-AM 1330 and 30 regular season games on ESPN Radio 1380-AM, WTJK. Fans can also watch and listen to the Hogs on the World Wide Web with AHL Live! Visit the IceHogs Web site (icehogs.com) and click on the “click here to watch the AHL Live” icon, and for just $6, you can catch all of the IceHogs action on your computer. Also, fans with Comcast Cable television can tune in to Channel 57 for all the IceHogs hockey action this season. The broadcast begins with the Pregame Show 30 minutes before the puck drops. Make sure to give your opinion during the Comcast Post-Game Call-In Show following each game at (815) 874-8255.

Hog Talk Returns Tonight At Cousin’s Bar and Grill:
Bud Light Hog Talk returns tonight at Cousin’s Bar and Grill. Join Jim Stone from 6-7 p.m. at Cousin’s as he chats IceHogs hockey with Hogs Team President Mark Bernard. Tonight’s show will also feature rookie wingers Dan Bertram and Nathan Davis. Stop out to Cousin’s, located on the corner of East State St. and Perryville in Rockford, and take advantage of some great food and Bud Light specials. If you can’t make it out to Cousin’s, tune into 1330 AM, WNTA.

Where to Watch the IceHogs:
IceHogs fans can now catch every IceHogs regular season game live on TV! Every IceHogs home game during the 2008-09 season can be viewed on Comcast Cable Channel-57. When the IceHogs are on the road log onto the IceHogs official team Web site, www.icehogs.com, and watch the IceHogs through AHL Live for just $6. Fans can also stop out to the Sports Page, located on Broadway in Rockford, and watch the IceHogs when the team is on the road.

Tickets Now On Sale!
IceHogs individual game tickets are now on sale! Call (815) 968-5222 to reserve your seats for any IceHogs regular season game during the 2008-09 season. Tickets can also be purchased in person at the Rockford MetroCentre Box Office in downtown Rockford, at Hogs Headquarters inside Cherryvale Mall or on the Web at www.centreevents.com. Tickets start at just $10.

HAWKS RECALL BARKER, HOGS AND FRESNO SWAP FORWARDS

HAWKS RECALL BARKER, HOGS AND FRESNO SWAP FORWARDS

Cam Barker became the third recall to Chicago of the 2008-09 season on Monday.
10/27/2008 9:40 AM - MacArthur summoned from the west coast after scoring four points in three games

Rockford, Ill.- The Chicago Blackhawks General Manager Dale Tallon announced on Monday that the NHL club recalled defenseman Cam Barker. He is the third player to get a call up from the Rockford IceHogs in 2008-09. The first two were defenseman Aaron Johnson and right wing Troy Brouwer.

The #3 overall pick in 2004 joined the Rockford IceHogs just before the start of the 2008-09 season. He played in Rockford’s first seven games, netting 3 goals and two assists. His three goals came in three straight games, setting the Rockford AHL record for consecutive games with a goal by a defenseman.

The Winnipeg, Manitoba native has played in 81 games with the Chicago Blackhawks over the last three seasons, recording seven goals and 19 assists.

Additionally, Chicago Blackhawks General Manager of Minor League Affiliates Mark Bernard added center Pete MacArthur to Rockford (AHL) from Fresno (ECHL) and sent Rockford’s Adam Hobson to Fresno.

MacArthur has scored a point in each of Fresno’s first three games as the team has started the 2008-09 season 3-0-0-0. He has two goals and two assists with a +1. The undrafted Clifton Park, New York native signed with the Rockford IceHogs on Sept. 4, 2008 after playing four years with Boston University (NCAA).

Hobson, who was picked #203 overall in 2005 by the Chicago Blackhawks, has appeared in four games with the IceHogs in 2008-09. The 21-year-old has two penalty minutes and was -2.

Next Home Game: The Rockford IceHogs are taking on the Manitoba Moose in the first of two home games against North Division opponents at 7:30 p.m. inside the Rockford MetroCentre. It's Halloween and IceHogs are marking the holiday with Trick or Treating with IceHogs players after the game. Any child under 12 who comes in costume will get $4 off any ticket and will be given a reusable shopping bag after the game to trick or treat with the IceHogs.

SKILLE, HOGS SLIDE BY WOLVES IN A SHOOTOUT

SKILLE, HOGS SLIDE BY WOLVES IN A SHOOTOUT

Jack Skille had two goals as the IceHogs beat the Wolves 3-2 in a shootout at the Allstate Arena (By Ross Dettman)
10/26/2008 2:04 PM - Rockford runs winning streak to six straight after 3-2 win

Rosemont, Ill.- The Rockford IceHogs have gone to a shootout in three of the last four games, and have found themselves the victor in all of them.

On Sunday, the victim was the Chicago Wolves in the Allstate Arena, a building in which the IceHogs have only won twice in ten trips, by a score of 3-2.

"This is huge," said winger Jack Skille of beating the Wolves in their first meeting of the 2008-09 season. "They're really good at home and we knew that coming into this barn that we had to play hard."

Both goalies stood out in the shootout, as they did in regulation. Antti Niemi only allowed one puck through in seven attempts, while Ondrej Pavelec let through goals from Skille and Tim Brent, the game winner in the seventh round.

And with the win, the IceHogs have rolled to their sixth straight win and a sweep of the three-game weekend.

"Any time you can take six points in a weekend," Skille said. "It's a really good weekend."

In regulation, it was Skille and Chicago's Joe Motzko show through most of the game. The two wingers accounted for all of the scoring as the two teams each scored twice in the first three frames.

Motzko shot the puck past Antti Niemi in the middle of a scrum at 1:56 in the second frame with helpers from Arturs Kulda and Matt Anderson to give the Wolves a 2-1 advantage.

But then Skille tied the score for the second time in the game at 10:02 thanks to a quick dish from Mike Brennan, his first career professional point in his eighth pro game. Petri Kontiola also had a helper.

"I had a couple of chances at the end there" Skille said of a chance at notching the second hat trick in IceHogs AHL history. "But it's not about me. Kontiola had a good game and we really played well as a team."

Motzko gave Chicago an early lead in the first period as well. The winger took a cross-ice pass from Grant Lewis and shot it past Niemi, who was committed on the other side of the net, at 2:05 in the first period. Anderson also had an assist.

And Skille tied the game at one thanks to a nifty feed from Kontiola at 14:12. Skille took a pass from Bryan Bickell at the far blue line, fed it to Kontiola at the near blue line. Skille took it back a couple of steps later on a breakaway and drove it over Ondrej Pavelec's outstretched glove.

The only other time that Rockford was not the first team to score this season, was a game against the Quad City Flames in Moline. The Hogs lost that game 4-2.

Coming off of a 3-0 shutout of Norfolk on Saturday, Niemi finished with 34 saves for his fourth win of the season in four starts. Pavelec had 29 saves.

Next Home Game: The Rockford IceHogs are taking on the Manitoba Moose in the first of two home games against North Division opponents at 7:30 p.m. inside the Rockford MetroCentre. It's Halloween and IceHogs are marking the holiday with Trick or Treating with IceHogs players after the game. Any child under 12 who comes in costume will get $4 off any ticket and will be given a reusable shopping bag after the game to trick or treat with the IceHogs.

HOGS SEND ADMIRALS SAILING WITH A SHUTOUT

HOGS SEND ADMIRALS SAILING WITH A SHUTOUT
10/25/2008 7:56 PM

The Admirals and IceHogs met for the first time on Friday. (Photo by Greg Hamil)
10/25/2008 7:56 PM - Rockford, Ill.- Goalie Antti Niemi knew that even with a three-goal lead in the second period, the Rockford IceHogs were still facing a Norfolk Admirals that could score.

After all, that's exactly what they did on Friday.

But the IceHogs continued to keep the Admirals off the board and won their fifth straight game. With the 4-0 win, Niemi earned his first shutout in North America.

"It's easy to lose your concentration when you have three goals," Niemi said.

But unlike Friday, where the Admirals scored four straight, the IceHogs kept their composure and put 17 shots on goal in the second and another 10 in the third.

"I thought we were better in the second than we were in the first," said coach Bill Peters. "I liked that start, but we learned a lesson from last night. I thought it was a real complete effort tonight."

The IceHogs posted goals at each end of the first frame.

Just 39 seconds into the game, Evan Brophey poked the puck past goalie Mike McKenna with helpers from Jake Dowell and Tim Hambly. Then almost 20 minutes later, J.C. Sawyer doubled the IceHogs score with a blast from the blue line at 19:57. Tim Brent and Pascal Pelletier were credited with assists.

Sawyer is in his second professional season. After spending most of the 2007-08 season in Pensacola of the ECHL, the defenseman made the IceHogs this year and scored his first AHL goal on Friday.

"We obviously weren't the best team, but I got a lot of minutes," Sawyer said of playing in Pensacola. "I know that I can play at this level now."

In the second, Petri Kontiola scored his fifth goal of the season on the power play at 13:20 with assists from Brent and Jack Skille. In the third, Brent tacked on another tally at 14:17 with helpers from Rob Klinhammer and Hambly while shorthanded.

Now after seven games, both Rockford goaltenders each have three wins. Niemi finished with 26 saves on Saturday.

"You need good goaltending to win at this level and we're fortunate to have it," Peters said. "That's our foundation and we'll build from it."

McKenna had 39 saves in the losing effort, his first appearance of the 2008-09 season. The IceHogs were 2-for-6 on the power play, improving again on the man advantage to 28.2. The Admirals had seven power plays and finished 1-for-11 on the weekend.

And with the win, the IceHogs remain perfect at home in their first four games.

"You have to win you home games," Peters said. "I like the fact that we had 43 shots. Our penalty kill is getting better and our power play has continued to stay at a high level. We're getting contributions throughout the lineups."

Now the IceHogs turn to face the Chicago Wolves in the Allstate Arena, where they have only won a single game in nine chances. But Peters said he likes the team's chances, coming off of two wins

"We're a confident team," Peters said. "We've won four straight and we've earned the right to have some confidence and you have to have some confidence to go into that building. And we're excited about the opportunity to play them."

Next Home Game: IceHogs are marking the holiday with Trick or Treating with IceHogs players after the game. Any child under 12 who comes in costume will get $4 off any ticket and will be given a reusable shopping bag after the game to trick or treat with the IceHogs.

ICEHOGS COME BACK TO WIN IN SHOOTOUT

ICEHOGS COME BACK TO WIN IN SHOOTOUT
10/24/2008 11:56 AM

Rob Klinkhammer scored Rockford's first goal on Friday against his former team at the Rockford MetroCentre. (Photo by Greg Hamil)
10/24/2008 11:56 AM - Rockford and Norfolk will meet again on Saturday

Rockford, Ill.- For the second game in a row, the Rockford IceHogs tied the game in the third period to force an overtime and won in the shootout on Friday at the Rockford MetroCentre. The IceHogs beat the Admirals 5-4.

"It's unfortunate that we're in that position that we had to come from behind, but it's a good attribute to have to not quit and to krank it up," Peters said. "We had 16 shots in the third period and for the final 25 minutes of hockey we probably generated 28 shots."

Then in the shootout, Tim Brent, Pascal Pelletier and Nathan Davis solved Karri Ramo while Corey Crawford blocked all but Blair Jones.

For the first time in 2008-09, the IceHogs outshot their opponent thanks to 16 shots in the third and another 12 in five minutes of overtime.

Just down from Chicago, Jack Skille stood out in the overtime by pounding Ramo with six shots. Skille set the IceHogs AHL record with 11 shots in a game thank in part to his performance in the overtime.

In regulation, the IceHogs gave up four straight goals to give the Admirals a 4-3 lead early in the third, Pascal Pelletier put the puck in the back of the net at 10:03 in the third with helpers from Mike Blunden and Danny Groulx.

"We got lulled into a false sense of security," said Peters of giving up a three-goal lead. "We thought maybe they would go away, but they're a professional hockey team. Give them credit for getting back into it."

The Admirals took the lead with a power-play marker from Jamie Heward at 0:24 in the third period with helpers from Andrew Hutchinson.

Rob Klinkhammer spent his rookie year with the Admirals in 2007-08, but on Friday he put the IceHogs up by one early in the first period. After dishing the puck back up to the point, Klinkhammer jumped in front of the net, took a pass from Jake Dowell and worked around the crease until he saw an opening at 1:42. Evan Brophey also had an assist on the goal.

Then J.C. Sawyer doubled the IceHogs score with a goal at 16:18 in the first with helpers from Bryan Bickell and Jack Skille.

In the second period, Tim Brent took advantage of a late penalty in the first to score on the power play at 1:00 when he tipped in a Cam Barker shot. Corey Crawford also assisted on the goal.

But then the Admirals came back with three markers to tie the game in the second frame and another in the third to take the lead.

"This is a team that thrives on turnovers," said Brent. "They like to clog up the middle and then they will capitalize on opportunities."

Radek Smolenak picked up a rebound off of Crawford's pad save and shot it over the goalie's shoulder at 7:31 to cut the lead to two. Former UHL IceHogs skater Brandon Segal and Vladimir Mihalik had the assists.

Brandon Bochenski tacked on another marker at 16:50 in the second with a helper from Smolenak.

Then Jones worked the puck around Crawford and shot it in at 17:54 to tie the game. Juraj Simek and Ty Wishart had the helpers.

The IceHogs finished 1-for-3 on the power play and held Norfolk to 1-for-4 on the advantage. Crawford had 28 saves for the win, while Ramo finished with 39 saves.

Next Home Game: Saturday, Oct. 25: Norfolk Admirals vs. Rockford IceHogs at 7:05 p.m. Lets turn it into the Big Red Box! The Norfolk Admirals return for their second of four meetings with the Rockford IceHogs and final game at the Rockford MetroCentre in the 2008-09 regular season. It’s a red out in the Big Orange Box as the IceHogs are encouraging fans to wear red and will be giving away 3,500 long-sleeve t-shirts, courtesy of Lincoln Rent-All, Rock River Bank, Dental Dimensions, and Guerilla Graffix.

MCMORROW ADDED TO ICEHOGS ROSTER

MCMORROW ADDED TO ICEHOGS ROSTER

10/22/2008 9:42 AM -
Winger adds toughness to Hogs line up

Rockford, Ill.- Chicago Blackhawks General Manager of Minor League Affiliates Mark Bernard announced on Wednesday that the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League have signed winger Sean McMorrow to a PTO.

McMorrow, 26, is entering his seventh season in professional hockey and fifth in the AHL. The 6-4 winger boasts 1,020 career AHL penalty minutes. McMorrow played with the Rochester Americans from 2002-03 through the 2005-06 season.

An eighth-round draft pick by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft, McMorrow has 220 career AHL games and has scored 4g-5a-9pts. McMorrow also played in one game with the Sabres during the 2003-04 season. The tough winger spent the previous two seasons playing in the LNAH with the St. Hyacinthe Top Design. Last year, McMorrow had 1g-4a-5pts and 527 penalty minutes in 48 games.

McMorrow is expected to be available for Rockford’s game this Friday against the Norfolk Admirals at the Rockford MetroCentre.

Next Home Game: Friday, Oct. 24 vs. Norfolk Admirals: Game time is 7:30 p.m. The Norfolk Admirals come into the Rockford MetroCentre for the first of two straight against the IceHogs. The weekend set marks the only time during the 2008-09 regular season that the Hogs will face an Eastern Conference team at home.

NEW DESIGN FOR ICEHOGS.COM UNVEILED

NEW DESIGN FOR ICEHOGS.COM UNVEILED

10/22/2008 9:01 AM - Many popular features remain in same location on the site.

Rockford, Ill.- The Rockford IceHogs unveiled a new look to icehogs.com on Wednesday. Many of the previous features have remained on the site while the design has been updated to improve navigability and give the site a fresh new look.

New visitors to the site now have an easy way on the front page to sign up for the IceHogs newsletter, which sends game stories, player transactions and weekly updates directly to your mailbox. Also new on the front page are links to the “Listen to the Game” and “Watch the Game” pages.

Popular page like the game and promotion schedules, photo galleries and player pages have remained the same, while new features such as the 10th Anniversary page, Blog Hogs, and the Media Center have also remained in their easy-to-find locations.

Now in its 10th year, icehogs.com is the best source for information about ticket packages, merchandise, upcoming promotions and team news.

Next Home Game: Friday, Oct. 24 vs. Norfolk Admirals: Game time is 7:30 p.m. The Norfolk Admirals come into the Rockford MetroCentre for the first of two straight against the IceHogs. The weekend set marks the only time during the 2008-09 regular season that the Hogs will face an Eastern Conference team at home.

HAWKS SWAP: BROUWER HEADS TO CHICAGO, SKILLE TO ROCKFORD

HAWKS SWAP: BROUWER HEADS TO CHICAGO, SKILLE TO ROCKFORD
10/21/2008 2:00 PM

Troy Brouwer was recalled by the Blackhawks on Tuesday. The winger leads the IceHogs in assists, points, penalty minutes and plus/minus rating.(Photo by Jim Orlando)
10/21/2008 2:00 PM -
Third-year winger earns first recall of the season

Rockford, Ill.- Chicago Blackhawks General Manager Dale Tallon announced on Tuesday that the National Hockey League club has recalled winger Troy Brouwer from the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League. Tallon also announced that winger Jack Skille was reassigned to Rockford.

Brouwer is currently skating in his third professional season. After five games in Rockford with the IceHogs, Brouwer was leading the club with 2g-6a-8pts, 20 penalty minutes and a plus/minus rating of +4.

The Delta, British Columbia native has appeared in 12 career games with Chicago, including two last season. Brouwer has one career NHL point, an assist, and seven PIMs.

Skille began the 2008-09 season with the Blackhawks. In his second full season at the professional level, Skille appeared in six games with the Blackhawks this season and contributed a goal with a -2 plus/minus rating.

The Madison native has played in 22 overall games with the Blackhawks dating back to the 2007-08 season. In 22 games, Skille has accumulated 4g-2a-6pts with Chicago. The winger played in 59 games in the AHL with Rockford last season chipping in 16g-18a-34pts.

In other IceHogs news, Chicago Blackhawks General Manager of Minor League Affiliates Mark Bernard announced that winger Adam Berti has been re-assigned to the IceHogs ECHL affiliate Fresno Falcons. In four games with Rockford this season, Berti has a goal.

Next Home Game: Friday, Oct. 24 vs. Norfolk Admirals: Game time is 7:30 p.m. The Norfolk Admirals come into the Rockford MetroCentre for the first of two straight against the IceHogs. The weekend set marks the only time during the 2008-09 regular season that the Hogs will face an Eastern Conference team at home.

ROCKFORD ROLLS TO TWO DIVISION WINS

ROCKFORD ROLLS TO TWO DIVISION WINS
10/20/2008 12:51 PM

IceHogs take two on the road in Week 2

Week 2 Recap
A season-beginning five game stretch against West Division foes came to a close for the Rockford IceHogs. The American Hockey League club skated away with two wins in Week 2 to start the season 4-1-0-0. The IceHogs have jumped out to the solid start despite ranking last in shots per game in the league but tenth in goals scored. Rockford has three more games on the schedule for Week 3.

Week 2 Results
Friday, Oct. 17 Rockford IceHogs 6 at Iowa Chops 3
Saturday, Oct. 18 Rockford IceHogs 4 at Milwaukee Admirals 3 SO

Week 3 Schedule
Friday, Oct. 24 vs. Norfolk, 7 30 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 25 vs. Norfolk, 7:05 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 26 at Chicago, 3 p.m.

Bacon Bits:
-The IceHogs have not outshot an opponent yet this season, but are 4-1-0-0 after five games

-Rockford is being outshot 162-124 overall and are ranked last with 24.80 shots on goal per game

-The IceHogs are ranked 10th scoring 3.40 goals per game

-Rockford’s 2.40 goals against average is fifth best in the AHL

-The IceHogs have at least one power-play goal in each of their first five games, going 10-37 (27.0%) ranking them third in the AHL

-Troy Brouwer assisted on three goals on Friday in Iowa for the first time since Dec. 15, 2006, his rookie season with the Norfolk Admirals

-Defenseman Cam Barker has a goal in three straight games

-After starting the season with five straight games within the division, Rockford will play six of its next eight outside the division

Winger Rob Klinkhammer (1g-2a) chipped in his second career three point game on Friday against Iowa

Antti Niemi has recorded 34 saves in two of his first three starts with the IceHogs

Defenseman Jason Lepine was released from his PTO on Sunday after getting loaned to Rockford from the Bloomington PrarieThunder (IHL) on Saturday

Hot Hog Week 2:
Troy Brouwer helped lead Rockford to a 2-0-0-0 week during Week 2 of the AHL regular season. Brouwer began the weekend with a “Gordie Howe Hat Trick” against the Iowa Chops accumulating four points overall in Rockford’s 6-3 win. On Saturday, Brouwer set up a goal as the IceHogs ruined the Milwaukee Admirals home opener 4-3 in a shootout.

Upcoming Games:
Friday, Oct. 24 vs. Norfolk Admirals: Game time is 7:30 p.m. The Norfolk Admirals come into the Rockford MetroCentre for the first of two straight against the IceHogs. The weekend set marks the only time during the 2008-09 regular season that the Hogs will face an Eastern Conference team at home. The first 2,500 fans will pick up an IceHogs Proud Supporter Sticker.

Saturday, Oct. 25 vs. Norfolk Admirals. The puck drops at 7:05 p.m. For the second straight night the IceHogs and Admirals face-off at the MetroCentre. The game is the second of four on the season between the two clubs. The first 3,500 fans to the game will pick up a red long sleeve T-shirt courtesy of Lincoln Rent-All, Rock River Bank, Dental Dimensions and Guerilla Graffix.

Sunday, Oct. 26 at Chicago Wolves. The rivalry resumes at 3 p.m. This seasons first edition of the IceHogs-Wolves rivalry commences at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont. After 17 games between the two clubs in 2007-08, Sunday’s game is the first of 10 between the two teams in 2008-09.

The IceHogs Broadcasting Network:
Rockford IceHogs fans can catch all of the IceHogs regular and post-season games on the Hogs flagship radio station Rockford’s Voice, WNTA-AM 1330 and 30 regular season games on ESPN Radio 1380-AM, WTJK. Fans can also watch and listen to the Hogs on the World Wide Web with AHL Live! Visit the IceHogs Web site (icehogs.com) and click on the “click here to watch the AHL Live” icon, and for just $6, you can catch all of the IceHogs action on your computer. Also, fans with Comcast Cable television can tune in to Channel 57 for all the IceHogs hockey action this season. The broadcast begins with the Pregame Show 30 minutes before the puck drops. Make sure to give your opinion during the Comcast Post-Game Call-In Show following each game at (815) 874-8255.

Hog Talk Returns Tonight At Cousin’s Bar and Grill:
Bud Light Hog Talk returns for its second show of the season tonight at Cousin’s Bar and Grill. Join Jim Stone from 6-7 p.m. at Cousin’s as he chats IceHogs hockey and Hogs head coach Bill Peters. Tonight’s show will also feature winger Troy Brouwer and rookie defenseman Mike Brennan. Stop out to Cousin’s, located on the corner of East State St. and Perryville in Rockford, and take advantage of some great food and Bud Light specials. If you can’t make it out to Cousin’s, tune into 1330 AM, WNTA.

Where to Watch the IceHogs:
IceHogs fans can now catch every IceHogs regular season game live on TV! Every IceHogs home game during the 2008-09 season can be viewed on Comcast Cable Channel-57. When the IceHogs are on the road log onto the IceHogs official team Web site, www.icehogs.com, and watch the IceHogs through AHL Live for just $6. Fans can also stop out to the Sports Page, located on Broadway St in Rockford, and watch the IceHogs when the team is on the road.

Tickets Now On Sale!
IceHogs individual game tickets are now on sale! Call (815) 968-5222 to reserve your seats for any IceHogs regular season game during the 2008-09 season. Tickets can also be purchased in person at the Rockford MetroCentre Box Office in downtown Rockford, at Hogs Headquarters inside Cherryvale Mall or on the Web at www.metrocentre.com. Tickets start at just $10.

HOGS BEAT MILWAUKEE 4-3 IN SHOOTOUT

HOGS BEAT MILWAUKEE 4-3 IN SHOOTOUT
10/18/2008 7:28 PM

Photo by jeff Hanisch
First shootout in 2008-09 results in two points

Milwaukee, Wis.- A last-minute goal from Petri Kontiola to tie the game late in the third period for the Rockford IceHogs (4-1-0-0) led to a 4-3 shootout win on Saturday against the Milwaukee Admirals (1-2-0-1) at the Bradley Center.

With the clock winding down, the center popped the puck past Drew MacIntyre on a 6-on-4 with 16 seconds left with helpers from Tim Brent and Pascal Pelletier.

"(Pelletier) hit the post and the guys on the bench thought it was a goal," Peters said. "But you can hang your head or you can dig in. They got the puck back to the net and (Kontiola) took a whack at it."

Then after a scoreless overtime, Kontiola and Pascal Pelletier scored on MacIntyre and Antti Niemi only let one through from Mike Santorelli in the shootout to steal a win from the Admirals.

"It was a roll the dice on a shootout and I'll take that anytime," Peters said. "(Santorelli's shot) went through the five hole and I think it pissed Niemi off and he shut it down."

The Rockford IceHogs led twice in the game but fell behind the Admirals 3-2 in the third frame. Cody Franson gave the Admirals their first lead of the game at 8:22 in the third with helpers from Cal O'Reilly and Alexander Sulzen.

In the second frame, Cam Barker gave the Rockford IceHogs a 2-1 lead with his third goal of the season, a low-flying one-timer at 6:59 from the blue line that went past Drew Macintyre. Newcomer Jason Lepine recorded his first career AHL assist on the goal. Evan Brophey also added a helper.

Lepine, who finished with an assist and an a +2 in his AHL debut, joined the IceHogs late this afternoon to fill in for defenseman Adam Archer, who is missing tonight's game due to a family emergency. The native of Cornwall, Ontario is signed with the Bloomington Prairie Thunder of the International Hockey League this season. He has played in one game so far in 2008-09 and split time between the Corpus Christi Rayz (CHL) and Knoxville Ice Bears (SPHL) in 2007-08, his second professional season.

Antti Pihlstrom tied the score at two at 18:33 on the power play with assists from Santorelli and Sulzer. All three of Milwaukee's goals came on the advantage. They finished 3-for-6 on the power play.

The IceHogs, who brought a league-leading 33.3 power play percentage into the Bradley Center, finished 1-for-10 against the Admirals.

"We were soft," Peters said. "And everything was little saucer passes. Everything was way too cute on the power play and you can't do that."

In the first period, Bryan Bickell notched his first goal fo the season with a blast around MacIntyre at 8:13. A night after getting a goal and three assists against Iowa, Troy Brouwer recorded his sixth assist of the season. Barker also was credited with a helper.

But Milwaukee got the point back at 15:56, with a marker from O'Reilly. Pihlstrom and Nick Spaling had the helpers on the first goal that Rockford has allowed in the first period in 2008-09.

After seven straight power-play goal to start the season, the IceHogs combined for two even-strength goals on Saturday and four on on Friday.

Next Home Game: Friday, Oct. 24 vs. Norfolk Admirals: Game time is 7:30 p.m. The Norfolk Admirals come into the Rockford MetroCentre for the first of two straight against the IceHogs. The weekend set marks the only time during the 2008-09 regular season that the Hogs will face an Eastern Conference team at home.

ICEHOGS SLIP PAST CHOPS, FINISH FIRST WEEKEND OF 2008-09

ICEHOGS SLIP PAST CHOPS, FINISH FIRST WEEKEND OF 2008-09

10/12/2008 7:26 PM - Rockford hands Iowa first loss of the 2008-09 season

Rockford, Ill.- Eventually the IceHogs will have to score an even-strength goal.

But with two wins in three games to start the season, the power play seems to be working just fine for them.

The Rockford IceHogs put two more man-advantage goals into the net en route to a 2-1 win over the Iowa Chops Sunday at the Rockford MetroCentre. The Hogs now have seven total goals in the short season, all of which came on the power play.

The Hogs took an early 1-0 lead thanks to a Cam Barker power-play blast from the blue line at 2:25 in the first period, assisted by Troy Brouwer and Pascal Pelletier, and carried the lead into the middle of the second frame.

But Iowa's T.J. Trevelyan tied the game at one when his shot bounced off of Antti Niemi's pad and underneath Tim Brent as he inadvertantly slid into the goal at 10:23 in the second period.

In the third frame, the IceHogs scored with a couple of different faces on the special teams. Adam Berti got his turn to put up a tally on the power play at 10:43 with helpers from Rob Klinkhammer and Tim Brent.

"It's nice to get an opportunity to be on the power play," Berti said. "(Peters) doesn't really know us well, so we get a chance to showcase ourselves a little bit. He's just getting used to us too, so every time I get a chance, I want to prove that I can be out there."

The IceHogs now have six different players scoring on the power play and finished 2-for-7 on the advantage on Sunday. They also killed all seven of Iowa's opportunities.

"Special teams is always a big thing," Berti said. "When you're a top team on the power play and a top team on the penalty kill you're going to be a top team in the league."

After putting up 34 saves in his North American debut on Saturday, Niemi finished Sunday's contest with another 26 in his first win in the AHL. Already the IceHogs have put their strong goaltending on display this season.

"We know we're going to have stellar goaltending in every game," Berti said. "Niemi played really good tonight like he did last night and so did (Crawford) the night before. So every time we play a game we know we're going to have a number one goaltender who can keep us in games."

The IceHogs will take the next four days off now and then head out to Iowa for a rematch against the Chops on Friday.

Next Home Game: Friday, Oct. 24 vs. Norfolk Admirals: Game time is 7:30 p.m. The Norfolk Admirals come into the Rockford MetroCentre for the first of two straight against the IceHogs. The weekend set marks the only time during the 2008-09 regular season that the Hogs will face an Eastern Conference team at home.

NIEMI SHINES, BUT FLAMES SLIP BY ROCKFORD

NIEMI SHINES, BUT FLAMES SLIP BY ROCKFORD

10/11/2008 12:40 PM - Niemi's 34 saves not enough for Rockford

Moline, Ill.- The Chicago Blackhawks signed goalie Antti Niemi late last spring after his third year blocking pucks in Finland. Niemi made his North American debut on Saturday for the Rockford IceHogs against the Quad City Flames and it appears Niemi was quite the find.

The Vantaa, Finland native turned away 34 Quad City shots, but the IceHogs fell 3-1 to the Flames at the I Wireless Center.

The IceHogs and Flames skated to a scoreless first period. Niemi was tested nine times in the opening period in goal for Rockford and made a nice glove save on Dan Ryder in the high slot to keep Quad City off the board.

Unlike Friday night, penalties were scarce as both teams had one power play opportunity after 20 combined a night ago.

The game wouldn’t remain scoreless long in the second period as both teams tallied on the power play. Hugo Carpentier was first to strike for the Flames, netting his first career AHL goal. On the doorstep of the Rockford goal, Carpentier was able to jar a loose puck past Niemi at 2:33. Kyle Greentree and Adam Cracknell helped.

Rockford responded to tie the score at 1-1. Mike Blunden was set up perfectly by Tim Brent for his first goal of the season at 4:32, beating Matt Keetley. Danny Groulx also assisted on the goal.

Niemi kept Rockford in the game in the early stages of third period, keeping Quad City off the board on three 5-on-3 power plays. The Flames, however, would break the stalemate at 12:25 of the frame while skating even strength. Cracknell knocked a rebound past Niemi for his first goal of the season and a 2-1 lead.

Later in the period with Niemi on the bench, the Flames finished off the IceHogs when Warren Peters shot home his first marker of the season into the empty net 19:23

Next Home Game: Sunday, Oct. 12 vs. Iowa Chops. Game time is slated for 4:05 p.m. The IceHogs and Chops meet for the first of 10 times this season on a Sunday Fundae at the MetroCentre courtesy of Culver’s, Pepsi, Rockford Library, U Gotta Jump, Comcast and 101 WQFL. Also, Patrick Star from the hit Nickelodeon series "SpongeBob Squarepants" will be making a guest appearance to visit with IceHogs fans!

GS AND FLAMES GET TO DO IT AGAIN TONIGHT

GS AND FLAMES GET TO DO IT AGAIN TONIGHT

10/11/2008 12:40 PM -
Back end of home-and-home in Quad City

Moline, Ill.- With Opening Night behind the Rockford IceHogs (1-0-0-0), the American Hockey League club gets to take the show on the road. The IceHogs travel to Moline to take on the Quad City Flames (0-1-0-0) for a second consecutive night, this time at the I Wireless Center at 7:05 p.m.

Rockford came away victorious last night powered by four power-play goals and a 4-2 win over the Flames at the Rockford MetroCentre. Last night’s game was the 100th all-time between the Rockford and Quad City professional hockey markets.

Antti Niemi is expected to get the nod in net for Rockford and make his North American professional hockey debut. Niemi, a Vantaa, Finland native, has played the past three seasons in his home country with the Lahti Pelicans.

Special teams were the clear story in the first game between the Hogs and Flames. Rockford went 4-9 on the power play while the Flames registered just one power-play goal on 11 opportunities against the IceHogs penalty kill.

Tonight’s game can be heard live on the IceHogs flagship radio station 1330 AM, WNTA beginning at 6:35 p.m. with the pregame show and on Comcast channel-57 in Rockford. Fans can also tune in on line and listen by clicking here or watch the web through AHL Live by clicking here.

Next Home Game: Sunday, Oct. 12 vs. Iowa Chops. Game time is slated for 4:05 p.m. The IceHogs and Chops meet for the first of 10 times this season on a Sunday Fundae at the MetroCentre courtesy of Culver’s, Pepsi, Rockford Library, U Gotta Jump, Comcast and 101 WQFL. Also, Patrick Star from the hit Nickelodeon series "SpongeBob Squarepants" will be making a guest appearance to visit with IceHogs fans!

HOGS POWER THROUGH FIRST WIN OF 2008-09

HOGS POWER THROUGH FIRST WIN OF 2008-09

10/10/2008 10:44 AM - IceHogs and Flames open up at the MetroCentre

Rockford, Ill.- The power play statistics show the story of Friday's 2008-09 Opening Night game between the Rockford IceHogs and Quad City Flames.

All four of Rockford's goals in the 4-2 win came on the man advantage as the IceHogs finished 4-for-9 in their first game of the season, while Quad City could not put a point on the board in their first nine power plays and finished 1-for-11.

"It was a good game for us, except we had way to many penalties," said Kontiola, who finished with two goals and an assist. "But it just seemed like we played half the game under the penalty kill."

The two teams combined for 76 minutes on 32 whistles.

"We're happy that we were able to go 10-for-11," Peters said. "But some of those penalties are definitely avoidable. We took a penalty after the whistle and we took a couple of (offensive) penalties and a bench penalty. But we will get sharper and when we get shaper we'll be able to play more guys and play five guys."

After a scoreless first period, the IceHogs took a 1-0 lead thanks to a Petri Kontiola power-play goal in the second period. The center picked up the rebound off of goalie Matt Keetley's pad and poked it into the back of the net at 7:12 in the second period. Tim Brent and Troy Brouwer had the assists.

But Kris Chucko put a blast past Corey Crawford at 17:04 to tie the game with assist from Brett Palin and Dan Ryder. Then Chucko found the back of the net on the man advantage, assisted by Matt Pelech and Adam Cracknell, at 7:25 in the second period to give the Flames a 2-1 advantage.

But the IceHogs responded with two power play goals of their own. The first came from Kontiola at 8:21, with a helper from Pascal Pelletier, and the second from Pelletier, with helpers from Evan Brophey and Brent.

Brouwer scored the IceHogs final power-play goal at 19:20 in the third with helpers from Aaron Johnson and Kontiola.

Goaltender Corey Crawford returned to Rockford with 27 saves in his first win of the season, including shutting out the Flames on 14 attempts in the first period.

"He was outstanding," Peters said. "He's an elite goaltender and is very good technically and was very good on the penalty kill. On any team, your gaoltender has to be your top penalty killer and he was tonight."

Keetley had 25 saves on 29 opportunities.

In their 100th meeting with Quad City, the IceHogs improved to 44-46-0-10 and 24-23-0-6 at home in the ten-year history between the two teams.

"Everyone wants to win on their opening night," Peters said. "But we have a tough task tomorrow night; we have to go on the road and play this team again."

The IceHogs head out to Quad City on Saturday to finish the second half of the home-at-home series in the I Wireless Center. Listen to the game on 1330 WNTA or on the Web at www.icehogs.com.

Next Home Game: Sunday, Oct. 12 vs. Iowa Chops. Game time is slated for 4:05 p.m. The IceHogs and Chops meet for the first of 10 times this season on a Sunday Fundae at the MetroCentre courtesy of Culver’s, Pepsi, Rockford Library, U Gotta Jump, Comcast , Comcast and 101 WQFL. Also, Patrick Star from the hit Nickelodeon series "SpongeBob Squarepants" will be making a guest appearance to visit with IceHogs fans!

RIVERMAN TOP ROCKFORD 5-3

RIVERMAN TOP ROCKFORD 5-3
10/04/2008 7:35 PM

The Rockford IceHogs fell 5-3 in the final exhibition game before opening night on
IceHogs close out preseason schedule

Rockford, Ill.- A short two-game preseason slate came to a close for the Rockford IceHogs on Saturday as they fell to the Peoria Rivermen 5-3 at the Rockford MetroCentre.

It was Rockford’s first loss to Peoria in exhibition since the IceHogs joined the American Hockey League.

The Rivermen nailed down the win by scoring three second-period goals. Trent Whitfield and Thomas Kana were responsible for Peoria first four tallies of the night, including all three in the second frame.

Whitfield started the scoring just 1:34 into the contest, slipping in his first of two goals of the night past Ryan Nie. Rockford responded and tied the score in the second frame with a Evan Brophey power-play tally at 2:01.

Peoria then notched three straight markers to grab a 4-1 lead.

Whitfield's second goal of the night at 9:45 of the second period made it 2-1 before Kana pushed the lead to 3-1 at 12:36. On the same shift Kana scored his second tally of the night, this time at 13:04.

“We could have had a lot more intensity,” said coach Bill Peters. “We were soft on the puck in the offensive zone and that was a little bit disappointing. But after we got on our feet and went to work it was a little bit better of a hockey game.”

In the third period Rockford offense picked up with a pair of lamp-lighters from Adam Hobson around a Nikolay Lemtyugov marker. Hobson's goals came at 2:20 and 10:39 of the third, both past Ben Bishop. Lemtyugov beat Joe Fallon at 7:20 of the final frame.

Despite the loss, Peters said he saw some good things from a couple of players that split time between Rockford and Pensacola (ECHL).

“It’s a good statement for him,” Peters said of Hobson’s two goals. “Both him and Adam Berti, (who) gets in a fight and then his line come back after that and scores two goals.”

Nie made 16 saves on 20 shots faced in the first two frames for the loss, while Fallon played the third period and turned away seven of eight Peoria shots. Bishop went the distance for the Rivermen and made 24 saves in the win.

Next Home Game: Friday, Oct. 10 vs. Quad City Flames. Game time is 7:30 p.m. The IceHogs begin its tenth season of professional hockey as the 2008-09 season gets underway. The first 5,000 fans to the game will receive an IceHogs Magnet Schedule from Dental Dimensions, Speedway Auto Mall, Guerilla Graffix and WTVO.

BRENT AND ARCHER ADDED TO ICEHOGS ROSTER

BRENT AND ARCHER ADDED TO ICEHOGS ROSTER
10/04/2008 2:49 PM

Center Tim Brent was assigned to the Rockford IceHogs on Saturday by the Blackhawks.

Brent assigned to Rockford from Chicago

Rockford, Ill.- Chicago Blackhawks General Manager Dale Tallon announced on Saturday that the National Hockey League club has assigned center Tim Brent to the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League. The IceHogs also announced the addition of defenseman Andrew Archer to its training camp roster.

Brent was acquired during the offseason by the Blackhawks from the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for defenseman Danny Richmond. The centerman played a huge role in the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins march to the AHL’s Calder Cup Finals last spring. Brent tied for the league lead in postseason scoring, netting 12g-15a-27pts in 23 Calder Cup Playoff games.

The Cambridge, Ontario native is entering his fourth season in the pro ranks. During his first three campaigns, Brent has skated in 16 career NHL contests, 15 with the Anaheim Ducks and one with Pittsburgh. In 74 regular season games with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in 2007-08, Brent notched 18g-43a-61pts.

Archer, a 6-4, 213-pound defenseman was also added to the IceHogs preseason roster today. The Calgary native spent most of the past five seasons with the Hamilton Bulldogs. Archer has played in 220 career AHL contests, all with the Bulldogs.

The blue-liner was a member of Hamilton’s 2007 Calder Cup Championship team, appearing in 19 contests in the postseason. During the 2006-07 season, Archer was the defensive partner of current IceHogs d-man Danny Groulx on that championship club.

Both Brent and Archer are expected to be in Rockford for tonight’s final preseason game against the Peoria Rivermen at 7:05 p.m. at the Rockford MetroCentre.

ICEHOGS INTRODUCE 10TH ANNIVERSARY PAGE ON WEB SITE

ICEHOGS INTRODUCE 10TH ANNIVERSARY PAGE ON WEB SITE
10/02/2008 3:30 PM

Fans can check out link on www.icehogs.com

Rockford, Ill.- In honor of their Tenth Anniversary season, the Rockford IceHogs introduce a “Tenth Anniversary” page on the team’s official Web site, www.icehogs.com. The 2008-09 season marks a decade of professional hockey in Rockford and second in the American Hockey League as the top affiliates of the Chicago Blackhawks.

Beginning on Monday, Oct. 6, the page will feature Top Ten lists from the IceHogs first nine seasons in Rockford, a “Today In IceHogs Hockey” segment, past player profiles, photos and much more. The link is located under the "Team" tab on www.icehogs.com.

The team was originally established prior to the 1999-2000 season and played its first eight seasons as members of the United Hockey League. Throughout the course of the ’08-09 campaign, the IceHogs will celebrate its tenth season of professional hockey in the Forest City at games and in the community.

The IceHogs Tenth Anniversary season officially begins on Friday, Oct. 10 when Rockford hosts the Quad City Flames at 7:30 p.m. at the Rockford MetroCentre.

Season Tickets And Individual Tickets Now On Sale: The Rockford IceHogs have a variety of season ticket packages available for the 2008-09 season. To find a package that works for you, call (815) 986-6465 and speak with a season ticket sales executive. Individual game tickets are also on sale. Call (815) 968-5222, visit www.metrocentre.com, at the MetroCentre Box Office or in Hogs Headquarters in CherryVale Mall to purchase your tickets for the IceHogs 10th Anniversary season.

THREE RELEASED FROM ICEHOGS CAMP

THREE RELEASED FROM ICEHOGS CAMP
10/02/2008 3:27 PM

Hogs roster trimmed to 25

Rockford, Ill.- Chicago Blackhawks General Manager of Minor League Affiliates Mark Bernard announced on Thursday that the American Hockey League team has released forwards Kenny Bernard and Igor Gongalsky, as well as defenseman Trevor Glass.

Glass was returned to his junior team, the Spokane Chiefs (WHL), while Bernard and Gongalsky were sent to the IceHogs ECHL affiliate, the Fresno Falcons.

Rockford’s training camp roster now stands at 24 heading into the final weekend of camp.