01/31/2012 10:10 AM
By: Jason Chaimovitch
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Photo courtesy PhotoGraphics Photography/AHL
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ATLANTIC CITY, N.J.- Down by four goals early, the Western Conference rallied for an 8-7 shootout victory over the Eastern Conference at the 2012 AHL All-Star Game at historic Boardwalk Hall on Monday.
Chris Terry of the Charlotte Checkers led the West offense with two goals and an assist and Ben Bishop of the Peoria Rivermen stopped 10 of 11 shots in the third period before denying all four East shootout attempts. Bishop, who is 18-12-0 with a league-leading six shutouts for Peoria this season, was named the 2012 AHL All-Star Game MVP.
IceHogs center Brandon Pirri notched an assist in the Western Conference’s win in his first career AHL All-Star Game. Defenseman Brian Connelly, who was traded to the Calgary Flames last Friday and was representing the Abbotsford Heat, also tallied an assist.
The Eastern Conference raced out to a 6-2 lead after one period and held a 7-5 advantage before Peoria’s T.J. Hensick and Chicago’s Kevin Connauton scored late in the third period to tie the game. Hensick and Texas rookie Matt Fraser scored in the shootout to lift the West to victory.
Rookie Cory Conacher of the Norfolk Admirals recorded two goals and an assist for the East, and Connecticut Whale teammates Mats Zuccarello and Jonathan Audy-Marchessault notched a goal and an assist apiece.
Corey Locke of the Binghamton Senators and Keith Aucoin of the Hershey Bears both tied an American Hockey League record, appearing in their sixth career All-Star Games.
The road to the 2012 Calder Cup Playoffs continues when the American Hockey League’s 76th season resumes on Thursday.
Next Home Game: Wednesday, Feb. 8 vs. Lake Erie Monsters. Game time is 7:05 p.m. The IceHogs return to the BMO Harris Bank Center for the first time since the All-Star break to play their first home game in the month of February. It’s a Taco Bell Dollar Day. Fans can purchase beers, hot dogs, soft drinks and companion tickets for just one dollar a piece.
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01/30/2012 4:28 PM
By: Amy Spivey
Rockford, Ill- The Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League have returned forward Paul Zanette on loan to the ECHL’s Toledo Walleye.
The Nobleton, Ontario native has been held scoreless in five games with Rockford this season, registering one shot on goal and garnering a plus/minus rating of -1.
In 13 games with Toledo, Zanette has tallied six points on 3g-3a. The winger missed 23 games earlier in the campaign due to an injury.
The 23-year-old made his AHL debut last season with the Hamilton Bulldogs, tallying one goal in seven regular season contests and two goals in 11 playoff tilts.
Before joining Hamilton, Zanette played four seasons at Niagara University, notching 53g-52a-105pts in 128 contests. He was a Hobey Baker Memorial Award Finalist during his senior season in 2010-11.
Next Home Game: Wednesday, Feb. 8 vs. Lake Erie Monsters. Game time is 7:05 p.m. The IceHogs return to the BMO Harris Bank Center for the first time since the All-Star break to play their first home game in the month of February. It’s a Taco Bell Dollar Day. Fans can purchase beers, hot dogs, soft drinks and companion tickets for just one dollar a piece.
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01/30/2012 2:17 PM
By: Amy Spivey
Rockford earns five of six possible points
Week 18 Recap:
January was incredibly good to the IceHogs as they continued their success from Week 17 by earning five out of six possible points in Week 18 to close out the month. Peter LeBlanc led the charge against Charlotte, tallying four goals in two games to help Rockford garner three out of four points against the top team in the Midwest Division. Joe Lavin (1g-1a) and Brandon Pirri (2a) helped lift the IceHogs over Milwaukee, and goalie Carter Hutton continued his dominant play at home to end January with a win.
Week 18 Results
Thursday, Jan. 26: Rockford 3 at Charlotte 4 SO
Friday, Jan. 27: Rockford 3 at Charlotte 2
Saturday, Jan. 28: Milwaukee 1 vs. Rockford 3
Week 19 Schedule
Friday, Feb. 3 at Chicago, 7:30 p.m.Bacon Bits:
Rockford has picked up points in a season-high seven-straight games (6-0-0-1) dating back to Jan. 16
Rockford finished January 9-3-0-1 after entering the month with 11 wins
The nine wins ties an IceHogs AHL-record for most wins in a month, last accomplished in March 2011
Seven of the nine wins came in regulation with the other two coming in overtime
Eight of Rockford’s 13 games in January were one-goal games and four were two-goal contests
Rockford had eight different players record game-winning goals in January with Brandon Pirri being the only skater with two game winners
Carter Hutton and Alec Richards combined for a .927 save percentage and a 2.20 goals against average in January
Rockford is still last in the AHL with a 3.35 GAA
Hutton went 7-1-0-1 in January with a 1.86 GAA and a .934 SPCT
All-Star center Brandon Pirri is riding a team season-high seven-game point streak dating back to Jan 16, totaling 3g-5a-8pts
Winger Rostislav Olesz has points in six-straight games (3g-5a-8pts) and nine out of his last 11 contests (4g-9a-13pts)
dating back to Jan. 6
All-Star defenseman Brian Connelly was traded to Calgary on Friday and leaves as the organization’s all-time assists leader (105), fourth in games played (211) and fifth in points (126)
Connelly was scratched from Friday’s game in Charlotte, breaking a 125 consecutive game streak, with his last missed game coming on April 3, 2010
Rockford went 4-0-0-1 in January when trailing after the second period
Before January, the IceHogs were 0-16-1-0 when trailing after 40-minutes of hockey
Hot Hog: Week 18:
Peter LeBlanc, Center
Center Peter LeBlanc helped lead a pair of Rockford comebacks during Week 18 in Charlotte against the Midwest Division’s top team. On Thursday, with Rockford trailing 3-0 to the Checkers, LeBlanc scored a pair of goals to pull the IceHogs within one in a game that they would eventually pick up a point in with a 4-3 shootout loss. Then on Friday, with Rockford trailing 2-0 in Charlotte, LeBlanc bagged two more tallies to tie the game and help lead Rockford to a 3-2 come-from-behind victory. LeBlanc garnered first star honors on Friday.
Upcoming Games:
Friday, Feb. 3 at Chicago Wolves. The puck drops at 7:30 p.m. Rockford comes back from the All-Star break hoping to continue their hot streak as they faceoff against the Wolves in an Illinois Lottery Cup showdown. It is the eighth of 12 meetings between the Midwest Division rivals this season. The IceHogs are 4-3-0-0 versus Chicago in 2011-12.
Bud Light Hog Talk Returns To Granite City on Mon., Feb. 6:
There will not be a Bud Light Hog Talk this week due to the AHL All-Star Break, but it will return to Granite City Food and Brewery next Monday, Feb. 6. Mike Peck will be joined by IceHogs Assistant Coach Ben Simon and forwards Chris DiDomenico and Brandon Svendsen. Granite City is located at 7140 Harrison Ave. next to CherryVale Mall. Fans can join Mike Peck or Stephen Nelson from 6-7 p.m. most Mondays as he chats with IceHogs skaters and coaches. Stop by to take advantage of food and Bud Light specials. If you can't make it to Granite City, tune into 100.5 NTA FM or 1330 AM WNTA.
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 100.5 NTA FM and 1330 AM WNTA, 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 website (icehogs.com) and click on the “click here to watch the AHL Live” icon, and for just $7 you can catch all of the IceHogs action on your computer. Also, fans with Comcast Cable television in Rockford can tune in to Channel 57 for all the IceHogs hockey action at the BMO Harris Bank Center this season. All Saturday home games will also be televised on My Network TV digital subchannel 17.2 along with Comcast and Charter Cable channel 16. The broadcast begins with the U.S. Cellular 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.
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 2011-12 season. Tickets can also be purchased in person at the BMO Harris Bank Center Box Office in downtown Rockford or on the Web at www.theBMOHarrisBankCenter.com. Tickets start at just $7.
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llinois Lottery Cup Series Standings
Teams Record Points
Peoria 9-6-0-1 19
Chicago 8-4-0-0 16
Rockford 6-9-1-0 13
Rockford vs. Peoria 3-5-1-0
Rockford vs. Chicago 3-4-0-0
Upcoming Illinois Lottery Cup Games:
Feb. 3 at Chicago
Feb. 10 vs. Chicago
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01/30/2012 10:31 AM
By: Nate Haeni
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Photo by Greg Hamil
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Rockford, Ill. – The Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League hosted their third annual Pink in the Rink night on Saturday, raising over $21,000 to help fight breast cancer.
A packed house of 6,287, the largest crowd of the season and fourth largest in the IceHogs AHL era, came out to the BMO Harris Bank Center to see the IceHogs defeat the Milwaukee Admirals 3-1 while skating on pink ice and wearing special pink jerseys.
The pink jerseys were auctioned and raffled off during the game and combined for a total of $21,548. The highest jersey auctioned off was Carter Hutton’s sweater and it went for $1,930.
The proceeds from this year’s Pink in the Rink Night will benefit breast cancer research and awareness, including the American Cancer Society and Mary Kay Foundation.
Last season, the IceHogs Charitable Foundation raised $111,250 for charity through various team functions. In the club’s 12 year history, the IceHogs have raised over $770,000 through the team’s Charitable Foundation.
The American Cancer Society is the nationwide, community-based, voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy, and service.
For more information about the American Cancer Society, visit cancer.org.
Next Home Game: Wednesday, Feb. 8 vs. Lake Erie Monsters. Game time is 7:05 p.m. The IceHogs return to the BMO Harris Bank Center for the first time since the All Star break to play their first home game in the month of February. It’s a Taco Bell Dollar Day. Fans can purchase beers, hot dogs, soft drinks and companion tickets for just one dollar a piece.
Don’t forget to follow the IceHogs on Twitter (@goicehogs) and Facebook.
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01/28/2012 7:05 PM
By: Stephen Nelson
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Photo by Greg Hamil
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Rockford, Ill.- Through the first three months of the season, the Rockford IceHogs only garnered 11 wins. But the IceHogs nearly matched that total in January alone, notching nine wins and ending the month on a seven game point streak with a record of 6-0-0-1 after a 3-1 win over the Milwaukee Admirals on Saturday night in front of a sell-out crowd at the BMO Harris Bank Center.
It was the third annual Pink in the Rink night on Saturday, and a crowd of 6,287 came out to see the IceHogs win, the fourth largest attendance in IceHogs AHL history.
Knotted up at 1-1 heading into the middle frame, Joe Lavin broke the tie with his second goal of the season. The rookie defenseman started a rush up the ice after receiving a pass from Jeremy Morin, and blasted a shot from the Milwaukee blue line past Jeremy Smith to give the IceHogs a 2-1 lead.
Brandon Pirri earned his second helper of the night on the play and is now riding a season-high seven game point streak. The centerman has 3g-4a-7pts in that span and leads Rockford with 45 points (19g-26a) on the campaign.
With less than two minutes to go in the second period, the IceHogs took advantage of a power play opportunity to increase their lead to 3-1. Byron Froese and Ben Smith set up Brian Fahey, who fired a shot from the right side past Jeremy Smith to give Rockford a two goal lead heading into the second intermission.
Carter Hutton held the Admirals off the board the rest of the way to earn his 10th win of the season on 27 saves, while Jeremy Smith kicked away 27 IceHogs shots in the loss.
Rostislav Olesz put the IceHogs on the board first less than five minutes into the opening period. Lavin ripped a shot from the blue line that Olesz redirected, and Jeremy Smith could not react fast enough as the puck slipped past him at 4:15 of the opening frame. The marker was Olesz’s 10th of the season, and the winger now has eight points (3g-5a) in his last six games.
Milwaukee tied the game at the 12:44 mark of the first frame. Taylor Beck tipped in a point shot from Scott Valentine over the glove of Hutton to make it a 1-1 game.
After giving up four power play goals against Charlotte on Thursday and Friday, Rockford’s penalty kill stopped all four Milwaukee attempts on Saturday. The IceHogs were 1-for-5 on their man advantage opportunities.
Next Home Game: Wednesday, Feb. 8 vs. Lake Erie Monsters. Game time is 7:05 p.m. The IceHogs return to the BMO Harris Bank Center for the first time since the All Star break to play their first home game in the month of February. It’s a Taco Bell Dollar Day. Fans can purchase beers, hot dogs, soft drinks and companion tickets for just one dollar a piece.
Don’t forget to follow the IceHogs on Twitter (@goicehogs) and Facebook.
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01/28/2012 3:26 PM
By: Nate Haeni
Rockford, Ill.- The Chicago Blackhawks announced on Saturday that they have returned forward Jimmy Hayes on loan to the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League.
Hayes, 22, has tallied four goals and three assists in 13 games with the Blackhawks this season. The Dorchester, Mass. Native earned his first NHL recall on Dec. 29, becoming the 45th different IceHogs skater to get recalled to the National Hockey League and fourth during 2011-12 to the call from Chicago.
The rookie winger ranks ninth on the IceHogs in scoring with 18 points (5g-13a) in 28 games this season.
Hayes was held scoreless in seven tilts with Rockford in 2010-11 after joining the team following his junior season at Boston College. In 117 contests for the Golden Eagles, Hayes recorded 42 goals and 39 assists.
The Blackhawks acquired Hayes from the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for a second round pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft after being selected by Toronto in the second round (#60 overall) of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.
Next Home Game: Wednesday, Feb. 8 vs. Lake Erie Monsters. Game time is 7:05 p.m. The IceHogs return to the BMO Harris Bank Center for the first time since the All Star break to play their first home game in the month of February. It’s a Taco Bell Dollar Day. Fans can purchase beers, hot dogs, soft drinks and companion tickets for just one dollar a piece.
Don’t forget to follow the IceHogs on Twitter (@goicehogs) and Facebook.
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01/27/2012 7:46 PM
Chicago, Ill.-The Chicago Blackhawks have acquired center Brendan Morrison from the Calgary Flames in exchange for defenseman Brian Connelly.
Morrison, 36, has appeared in 923 career National Hockey League regular-season games over parts of 15 seasons, collecting 200 goals, 601 points and 446 penalty minutes. The Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, native, has spent each of the last two years with the Calgary Flames, which includes notching seven assists and 11 points in 28 contests this season. He collected his 200th career NHL goal on January 1 against Nashville and his 600th career NHL point on December 29, 2011 against New Jersey. Morrison also tied a career-high earlier this season with a four-point effort on December 6 against Carolina.
Morrison has reached the Stanley Cup Playoffs nine times during his career, racking up 29 points (8G, 21A) and 40 penalty minutes in 58 postseason tilts. He has skated for the New Jersey Devils (1998-2000), Vancouver Canucks (2000-08), Anaheim Ducks (2008-09), Dallas Stars (2008-09), Washington Capitals (2009-10) and Flames (2010-12). Morrison has collected at least 51 points six times in his career and has reached the 20-goal plateau four times.
Prior to turning pro late in 1998, Morrison played four seasons at the University of Michigan (CCHA), amassing 284 points (102G, 182A) in 155 career games, which includes helping the school to a National Championship in 1996 an winning the Hobey Baker Award in 1998 after finishing as a finalist in 1996 and 1997. Morrison’s career marks in points and assists are still a school record. He netted the overtime winner to clinch Michigan’s National Championship in 1996 and was named NCAA Tournament MVP.
Connelly, 25, has spent parts of the last four seasons as a member of the American Hockey League’s Rockford IceHogs, tallying 126 points (21G, 105A) in 211 regular-season games. He originally signed with the Blackhawks on June 8, 2009. Connelly is Rockford's all-time leader for assists and points by a defenseman and was recently selected to his second-straight AHL All-Star Game.
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01/27/2012 10:15 AM
By: Mike Peck
Center tallies second straight-two goal night, Richards earns the win in goal
Charlotte, N.C.-Comebacks are becoming the norm for the Rockford IceHogs in the month of January. For the fourth time since Jan. 8, the IceHogs earned a 3-2 come-from-behind victory over the Charlotte Checkers at the Time Warner Cable Arena on Friday night.
Rockford is 4-0-0-1 when trailing after the second period since Jan. 8 and have now picked up points in six straight games (5-0-0-1).
Down 2-0, Peter LeBlanc began the comeback midway through the second period. On a power play, LeBlanc cranked his 14th goal of the year past John Muse at 11:00 of the frame from the right point to pull Rockford back within a goal.
LeBlanc struck again for Rockford midway through the third period. Brian Fahey’s shot was blocked down and LeBlanc picked up the rebound and tucked his 15th goal of the season under the cross bar and in at 9:10 for his second straight two-goal night.
Rockford snagged their first lead of the weekend on the Checkers with a Dylan Olsen marker at 11:47. Rostislav Olesz saucered a cross-ice feed to Olsen at the left point and the d-man blasted his third tally of the season past a screened Muse for a 3-2 advantage.
Rockford staved off a late Charlotte power play and held on for the win. Five of the six games between the IceHogs and Checkers this season finished in a one-goal outcome. Rockford is 2-2-0-2 against the Midwest Division leaders this season.
The IceHogs penalty kill coughed up the first goal on Friday. Bobby Sanguinetti blasted his fourth goal of the season off of the shoulder of Alec Richards and in at 13:15 for a 1-0 lead. The power-play goal came after Rockford failed to convert on a 1:40 five-on-three power play earlier in the period.
In the second period, Charlotte extended their lead to 2-0. Rasmus Rissanen ripped a shot from the left point and Riley Nash redirected the shot over Richards top shelf for his seventh goal of the season at 9:59.
Richards, making his first start since Jan. 11, made 23 saves to pick up the win. Rockford finished 1-4 on the power play while holding the Checkers to 1-3.
Next Home Game: Saturday, Jan. 28 vs. Milwaukee Admirals: The puck drops at 7:05 p.m. Rockford and Milwaukee meet up once again at the BMO Harris Bank Center for the IceHogs Annual Pink in the Rink Night. The ice will be pink and the IceHogs will be wearing special pink jerseys that will be auctioned off to benefit breast cancer research and awareness.
For every goal that the Rockford IceHogs score in 2011-12, IceHogs head coach Ted Dent will make a donation to children’s cancer research. BMO Harris Bank will also make a donation for every goal to the “BMO Harris Bank Goals For Grades”
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01/26/2012 1:38 PM
By: Nate Haeni
Rockford, Ill. – When Rockford IceHogs goaltender Alexander Salak returns to the ice after recovering from an injury, he will be sporting a new goalie mask thanks to Gregory Roskowic.
The IceHogs held a contest for the art classes at Lincoln Middle School to design a mask for Salak to wear for the remainder of the 2011-12 season. The teachers and staff at Lincoln narrowed all the submissions down to 10 finalists. After reviewing the finalists, Salak selected Roskowic’s design as the winner. With the winning design, Roskowic’s name is featured on the back of the helmet.
Salak visited with the students at Lincoln in November to go over some items of interest that they could include on the mask, but left the overall design in the hands of the students and their creativity.
Beginning in February, the IceHogs will sell raffle tickets for the mask at every IceHogs home game. The tickets are $5 each or five for $20. A portion of the proceeds from the raffle will benefit the Sydney Ives Foundation.
Sydney Ives was made an honorary IceHogs team member on May 20, 2009. Ives was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor the year prior. She passed away on Nov. 7, 2009 and the foundation is in her memory. For more information about the Sydney Ives Foundation or to donate, visit sydneyives.com
Next Home Game: Saturday, Jan. 28 vs. Milwaukee Admirals: The puck drops at 7:05 p.m. Rockford and Milwaukee meet up once again at the BMO Harris Bank Center for the IceHogs Annual Pink in the Rink Night. The ice will be pink and the IceHogs will be wearing special pink jerseys that will be auctioned off to benefit breast cancer research and awareness.
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01/26/2012 8:52 AM
By: Mike Peck
Rockford in Charlotte for two-game set
Charlotte, N.C.-The standings say the first place team against the last place team, but the way the Rockford IceHogs have been playing, they don’t care who they’re playing. The IceHogs are in Charlotte tonight to take on the first place Checkers at 6 p.m. at Times Warner Cable Arena.
Tonight’s game can be heard on 100.5 NTA FM, 1330 AM WNTA, 1380 AM WTJK, nta.fm or on Comcast Cable channel-57. To watch, visit AHLlive.com
Rockford has won four in a row and six of their last eight and they’re getting defensive in the process. Over their past eight games, the IceHogs have scored just 21 goals (2.63 goals per game), but have allowed 17 (2.13 goals per game).
Carter Hutton has been the rock between the pipes lately as he garnered the AHL’s Player of the Week last week after going 4-0-0-0 with a .960 save percentage and a 1.25 goals against average.
The offense should get a healthy shot in the arm tonight as both Brandon Pirri (18g-23a-41pts) and Ben Smith (12g-9a-21pts) were returned to the IceHogs from the Blackhawks on Wednesday.
In four games against the Checkers this season, Rockford is 1-2-0-1, but three of the four games have been decided by one goal and the other by two tallies. The Midwest Division foes will face off again on Friday in Charlotte and then two more during the final week of the regular season in Rockford.
January has been kind to Rockford so far as the team is 7-3-0-0 during the first month of 2012 with three games left in the month. The seven wins is three more than the club’s season high for most wins in a month in 2011-12 as Rockford won four times in both October and November.
Next Home Game: Saturday, Jan. 28 vs. Milwaukee Admirals: The puck drops at 7:05 p.m. Rockford and Milwaukee meet up once again at the BMO Harris Bank Center for the IceHogs Annual Pink in the Rink Night. The ice will be pink and the IceHogs will be wearing special pink jerseys that will be auctioned off to benefit breast cancer research and awareness.
For every goal that the Rockford IceHogs score in 2011-12, IceHogs head coach Ted Dent will make a donation to children’s cancer research. BMO Harris Bank will also make a donation for every goal to the “BMO Harris Bank Goals For Grades”
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01/26/2012 3:52 PM
By: Mike Peck
LeBlanc nets two markers in 4-3 shootout loss in Charlotte
Charlotte, N.C.-A sluggish start had the Rockford IceHogs down 3-0 against the Charlotte Checkers on Thursday, but the IceHogs were able to steal a point from the Midwest Division leaders at the Time Warner Cable Arena in a 4-3 shootout loss.
Rockford climbed on the board 1:01 before the second intermission to start their comeback. Peter LeBlanc batted his 12th goal of the season past John Muse off a Rositisalv Olesz rebound to make it 3-1 Charlotte after two periods.
LeBlanc struck again for Rockford in the third period to pull the IceHogs within a goal. The second-year winger out-raced the Checkers defense to a loose puck in the Charlotte zone and he flipped his second goal of the night over Muse at 7:32 to make it 3-2.
With just 1:30 remaining in regulation, Brandon Pirri would tie the game and force extra hockey. Brandon Segal fed Pirri over the Checkers line and Pirri ripped his 19th tally of the season over the glove of Muse.
After a scoreless overtime, Charlotte picked up goals from Drayson Bowman, Chris Terry and Matthew Pistilli to out distance the IceHogs who had tallies from Brandon Bollig and Olesz in the shootout.
Entering Thursday’s game, Rockford had killed off 27 straight penalties, but the Checkers made quick work of that streak. Riley Nash tipped in a Drayson Bowman centering feed 5:46 into the first period to put Charlotte up 1-0 on the power play.
In the second period the Checkers made it 2-for-2 on the advantage as the same combo hooked up to give Charlotte a 2-0 lead. Bowman set Nash up for a one-timer from on top of the left face-off circle and the centerman buried his second goal of the night at 2:59.
Another second-period power play strike extended Rockford’s deficit to 3-0. Zac Dalpe tipped a Zach Boychuk pass under Carter Hutton at 8:57 of the second frame for his tenth goal of the season.
Hutton made 26 saves in the shootout loss while Muse turned away 29 Rockford shots to pick up the win. The two teams will engage in a rematch in Charlotte on Friday as three of the five games head-to-head this season have finished in a shootout.
Next Home Game: Saturday, Jan. 28 vs. Milwaukee Admirals: The puck drops at 7:05 p.m. Rockford and Milwaukee meet up once again at the BMO Harris Bank Center for the IceHogs Annual Pink in the Rink Night. The ice will be pink and the IceHogs will be wearing special pink jerseys that will be auctioned off to benefit breast cancer research and awareness.
For every goal that the Rockford IceHogs score in 2011-12, IceHogs head coach Ted Dent will make a donation to children’s cancer research. BMO Harris Bank will also make a donation for every goal to the “BMO Harris Bank Goals For Grades”
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01/25/2012 4:06 PM
By: Nate Haeni
Rockford, Ill. – Fans coming to watch the Rockford IceHogs take on the Milwaukee Admirals on Saturday, Jan. 28 will notice the BMO Harris Bank Center will be decked out in pink as the IceHogs have teamed up with the American Cancer Society to host Pink in the Rink Night at 7:05 p.m.
The IceHogs will dye the ice pink and also wear special jerseys which will be raffled and auctioned off during the game. Three of the player’s jerseys will be raffled off during the game. Raffle tickets will be available for $5 per ticket or five tickets for $20.
The rest of the IceHogs special pink game worn jerseys will be available for bid during a silent auction where fans can submit bids for their favorite player.
Winners of the jerseys will be announced during the third period and all winners will be presented with their jersey on the ice immediately following Saturday’s game.
A portion of the proceeds from this year’s Pink in the Rink Night will benefit the American Cancer Society.
The first 5,000 fans to the game will receive an IceHogs pink rally towel courtesy of Rasmussen College, Dickerson and Nieman Realtors, and Metroplitan Title Agency.
For tickets to Saturday’s tilt, or any IceHogs game, call (815) 968-5222, visit icehogs.com or stop by the BMO Harris Bank Center Box Office, open 12-5 p.m.
The American Cancer Society is the nationwide, community-based, voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy, and service.
For more information about the American Cancer Society, visit cancer.org.
Next Home Game: Saturday, Jan. 28 vs. Milwaukee Admirals: The puck drops at 7:05 p.m. Rockford and Milwaukee meet up once again at the BMO Harris Bank Center for the IceHogs Annual Pink in the Rink Night. The ice will be pink and the IceHogs will be wearing special pink jerseys that will be auctioned off to benefit breast cancer research and awareness.
Don’t forget to follow the IceHogs on Twitter (@goicehogs) and Facebook.
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01/25/2012 9:46 AM
By: Nate Haeni
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Photo by Greg Hamil
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Center David Gilbert reassigned to Toledo
Rockford, Ill.- The Chicago Blackhawks announced on Wednesday that they have returned forwards Brandon Pirri and Ben Smith on loan to the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League. Additionally, center David Gilbert has been reassigned to the ECHL’s Toledo Walleye.
Pirri, 20, has registered two assists and a +2 plus/minus rating in five contests with the Blackhawks this year and paced Chicago with four goals and five points in four games during the 2011 preseason. The Toronto native leads the IceHogs with 18 goals and a +12 plus/minus rating. He also ranks eighth in the AHL with 41 points (18g-23a) in 41 tilts this season.
Last season, Pirri led all IceHogs rookies with 31 assists and 43 points in 70 games. Before turning pro, Pirri played one season with RPI (NCAA) and accumulated 11g-32a-43pts in 32 games with the Engineers.
Smith, 23, has recorded two goals in 13 regular-season games with Chicago this season. Additionally, the Avon, Connecticut, native shares second on the IceHogs with 12 goals and five power-play markers in 22 AHL tilts.
Originally selected by the Blackhawks in the sixth round (169th overall) of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, Smith has tallied 21 points (12G, 9A) and a +2 plus/minus rating this year with Rockford.
Smith skated in 63 games for the IceHogs during the 2010-11 season, finishing the campaign with 19 goals and 31 points (19g-12a) during his first professional season. For his efforts, Smith was named the IceHogs 2010-11 Rookie of the Year.
Gilbert, 20, has registered five points (1g-4a) in 23 games for the IceHogs this season. The Chateauguay, Quebec native has also tallied seven points (1g-6a) in 10 games for the Walleye in 2011-12.
Prior to 2011-12, the Blackhawks seventh round (209th overall) pick in 2009 played six total games with the IceHogs over two campaigns following his seasons in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, scoring two goals and two assists.
Next Home Game: Saturday, Jan. 28 vs. Milwaukee Admirals: The puck drops at 7:05 p.m. Rockford and Milwaukee meet up once again at the BMO Harris Bank Center for the IceHogs Annual Pink in the Rink Night. The ice will be pink and the IceHogs will be wearing special pink jerseys that will be auctioned off to benefit breast cancer research and awareness.
Don’t forget to follow the IceHogs on Twitter (@goicehogs) and Facebook.
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01/24/2012 12:01 PM
By: Kate Munson
Rockford, Ill.- The American Hockey League announced that Rockford IceHogs defenseman Brian Connelly has been added to the 2012 AHL All-Star Game. Connelly will make his second straight All-Star Game appearance when he joins IceHogs center Brandon Pirri representing Rockford in Atlantic City on Sunday, Jan. 29 and Monday, Jan. 30.
The honor isn’t the first for Connelly, who was named to the Western Conference All-Star team in 2011 and registered two assists in the contest. Connelly is the first member of the AHL-era IceHogs to be named to multiple All-Star teams.
Skating in his fourth season with the IceHogs, Connelly leads Rockford with 31 assists, which is also good for second among AHL d-men. The Bloomington, Minn., native also ranks second in overall scoring from the blueline with 36 points, including five goals in 2011-12.
Connelly, 25, finished the 2010-11 season sixth in scoring among AHL defensemen with 52 points and second among his fellow d-men with four game-winning goals. The alternate captain was the only IceHogs skater to play in all 80 games a season ago, setting Rockford AHL records in points (52), goals (11) and assists (41) by a defenseman. Connelly is Rockford's all-time assists leader and defensemen points leader.
Tickets for the 2012 AHL All-Star Classic – which include admission to both the 2012 AHL All-Star Skills Competition at 3 p.m. on Sunday, January 29, and the 2012 AHL All-Star Game at 7 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 30 – are on sale now at the Boardwalk Hall box office, all Ticketmaster locations, by calling (800) 736-1420 or at www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets are also available for the Post-Skills Party (January 29, 5:30 p.m.) and the 2012 AHL Hall of Fame Induction & Awards Ceremony (January 30, 11 a.m.) at Caesars Atlantic City.
The 2012 AHL All-Star Classic will feature the top young talent in the American Hockey League competing in an internationally televised showcase from historic Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. Of the 562 players to take part in the AHL All-Star Classic since 1995, more than 93 percent have competed in the National Hockey League, including Patrice Bergeron, Dan Boyle, Daniel Briere, Ryan Callahan, Brian Campbell, Zdeno Chara, Jimmy Howard, Miikka Kiprusoff, Ryan Miller, Zach Parise, Pekka Rinne, Bobby Ryan, Martin St. Louis, Jason Spezza, Eric Staal, P.K. Subban and Tomas Vokoun.
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01/24/2012 10:20 AM
By: Nate Haeni
Rockford, Ill. - The Chicago Blackhawks have recalled forward Brandon Pirri from the American Hockey League’s Rockford IceHogs.
Pirri, 20, has registered two assists and a plus-3 rating in four contests with the Blackhawks this year and paced Chicago with four goals and five points in four games during the 2011 preseason. The Toronto native leads the IceHogs with 18 goals and a plus-12 plus/minus rating. He also ranks eighth in the AHL with 41 points (18G, 23A) in 41 tilts this season.
Last season, Pirri led all IceHogs rookies with 31 assists and 43 points in 70 games. Before turning pro, Pirri played one season with RPI (NCAA) and accumulated 11g-32a-43pts in 32 games with the Engineers.
Next Home Game: Saturday, Jan. 28 vs. Milwaukee Admirals: The puck drops at 7:05 p.m. Rockford and Milwaukee meet up once again at the BMO Harris Bank Center for the IceHogs Annual Pink in the Rink Night. The ice will be pink and the IceHogs will be wearing special pink jerseys that will be auctioned off to benefit breast cancer research and awareness.
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01/24/2012 8:10 AM
By: Amy Spivey
Rockford, Ill- Chicago Blackhawks General Manager of Minor League Affiliations Mark Bernard announced Tuesday that the American Hockey League’s Rockford IceHogs have signed forward Brandon Svendsen to a one-year AHL contract.
The Maplewood, Minn. native has played in seven games for Rockford in 2011-12 notching one goal and six penalty minutes. Svendsen has also appeared in five games with the Binghamton Senators this season, tallying one assist.
Before joining the IceHogs, the winger led the Kalamzoo Wings of the ECHL with 35 points (13g-22a) in 28 games. Svendsen was with Rockford during training camp on a try-out before going to Kalamazoo to start the season.
An alumnus of Bowling Green State University, Svendsen has appeared in 144 AHL games since 2009-10, compiling 15g-23a-38pts as a member of the Senators, Bridgeport Sound Tigers and IceHogs.
Next Home Game: Saturday, Jan. 28 vs. Milwaukee Admirals: The puck drops at 7:05 p.m. Rockford and Milwaukee meet up once again at the BMO Harris Bank Center for the IceHogs Annual Pink in the Rink Night. The ice will be pink and the IceHogs will be wearing special pink jerseys that will be auctioned off to benefit breast cancer research and awareness.
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01/23/2012 2:53 PM
By: Nate Haeni
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Photo by Greg Hamil
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Rockford, Ill. - The American Hockey League announced on Monday that Rockford IceHogs goaltender Carter Hutton has been named the Reebok/AHL Player of the Week for Week 17 and the period ending on Jan. 22, 2012.
(Click Here for Carter Hutton interview)
Rockford’s netminder was perfect in Week 17, picking up wins in all four of his starts (4-0-0) and allowing just five goals in the four contests to backstop the IceHogs their longest winning streak of the season.
The 26 year old stopped 121 of the 126 shots he faced giving him a 1.25 goals against average and .960 save percentage for the week.
Hutton got off to a hot start on Monday, blanking the league’s 10th best offense and stopping all 31 shots he faced to earn his first shutout of the season and a 2-0 victory over the Texas Stars. The shutout was the first for the IceHogs since Hannu Toivonen held the Milwaukee Admirals off the board on Feb. 11, 2011 at the Bradley Center.
The Thunder Bay, Ontario native then stopped 20-of-22 shots on Friday to lift the IceHogs over Chicago 3-2 on home ice. The second year pro came right back the following night and made 37 saves to help Rockford pick up their first win of the season at the Allstate Arena over the Wolves. In his third start in as many days, Hutton turned away 33 shots and allowed just one goal to give the IceHogs a 2-1 win over the Milwaukee Admirals at the BMO Harris Bank Center on Sunday, his third win in less than 48 hours.
Despite getting only 2.50 goals per contest of offensive support during the week, Hutton backstopped the IceHogs to their first winning streak of the season of more than two games. Hutton has now made six consecutive starts for Rockford and allowed just eight goals, helping the IceHogs to within six points of a playoff spot in the Western Conference standings.
In his second professional season, Hutton has made 17 appearances for Rockford this season and posted a record of 9-5-1 with a 2.69 goals-against average and a .911 save percentage. The native of Thunder Bay, Ont., made his pro debut with Adirondack (AHL) after completing his senior season at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell in 2009-10, and spent his rookie campaign with Worcester last year. He shows a career mark of 21-14-4 with three shutouts in 43 AHL contests.
In recognition of his achievement, Hutton will be presented with an etched crystal award prior to an upcoming IceHogs home game.
Rockford’s puckstopper is the fourth IceHogs player to earn the award during the team’s AHL era. Goaltender Corey Crawford last won the award for his performance during Week 14 of the 2008-09 season.
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01/23/2012 1:08 PM
By: Kate Munson
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photo by Ross Dettman
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Hutton blanks Texas, allows just five goals in four games
Week 17 Recap:
Two unlikely categories combined to lead the IceHogs to a perfect record in Week 17. Rockford continued to be perfect on the penalty kill, having now shut down opponents on all 27 opportunities dating back to Jan. 11 in Chicago. Goalie Carter Hutton allowed just five goals in four games and went 4-0-0, including a shutout, and posted a .960 save percentage on the week. Entering Week 17, Rockford was last in both areas.
Week 17 Results
Monday, Jan. 16: Texas 0 vs. Rockford 2
Friday, Jan. 20: Chicago 2 vs. Rockford 3
Saturday, Jan. 21: Rockford 3 at Chicago 2
Sunday, Jan. 22: Milwaukee 1 vs. Rockford 2
Week 18 Schedule
Thursday, Jan. 26 at Charlotte, 6 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 27 at Charlotte, 6 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 28 vs. Milwaukee, 7:05 p.m.Bacon Bits:
The IceHogs went through Week 17 unblemished and are a riding a four game win streak for the first time this season
Goaltender Carter Hutton turned away all 31 shots he faced against then 10th ranked offense in the AHL to earn his first and the team’s first shutout of the season on Monday against the Texas Stars
The last IceHogs shutout was recorded Feb. 11, 2011 at Milwaukee by Hannu Toivonen
Hutton has won a season-high four-straight games, all coming during Week 17
Over his last seven games dating back to Jan. 8, Hutton is 6-1-0-0 with a .935 save percentage and a 1.80 goals against average
Despite ranking last in the AHL with a 3.42 goals against average, Rockford is averaging just 1.11 goals against over their past seven games
Since the turn of the calendar to 2012, Rockford is giving up just 1.88 goals per contest in 11 games
Rockford snapped a 4-48 (8.3%) power play slump on Sunday by going 2-5 against Milwaukee
Brandon Pirri had both of Rockford’s power-play strikes and now leads the IceHogs with seven power-play goals
Pirri also leads Rockford with 18 goals, 41 points and four game-winning goals
With two tallies in the IceHogs 2-1 win over Milwaukee on Sunday, Pirri has 13 multi-point games on the campaign, six more than the next closest Rockford skater.
Pirri’s two goals on Sunday also ties him with Andrew Shaw for a team-best three multi-goal games in 2011-12.
The Hogs penalty kill unit hasn’t allowed a goal in six straight games, killing off their last 27 penalties dating back to Jan. 11 at Chicago.
Five of Rockford’s last six games have been decided by one-goal and the IceHogs won four of five of them
Rockford has scored 15 goals over their past seven games, but have a record of 5-2-0-0 during that stretch
In the seven prior tilts the IceHogs notched 23 markers and went 2-4-0-1
Rockford earned their third, third period come-from-behind victory on Saturday in their last seven games with a 3-2 win at Chicago and are now 3-16-1-0 when trailing after two periods
Defenseman Brian Fahey and forward Brandon Segal both skated in their 600th career pro game Sunday against Milwaukee
Hot Hog: Week 17:
Carter Hutton Goalie
Rockford’s netminder Carter Hutton was perfect in Week 17, picking up wins in all four of his starts and allowing just five goals in all four contests to give the IceHogs their longest winning streak of the season. The 26 year old got off to a hot start on Monday, blanking the league’s 10th best offense and stopping all 31 shots he faced to earn his first shutout of the season and a 2-0 victory over the Texas Stars. The Thunder Bay, Ontario native then stopped 20-of-22 shots on Friday to lift the IceHogs over Chicago, 3-2. The second year pro came right back the following night, making 37 saves to help Rockford pick up their first win of the season at the Allstate Arena over the Wolves. In his third start in as many days, Hutton turned away 33 shots and allowed just one goal, to give the IceHogs a 2-1 win over the Milwaukee Admirals at the BMO Harris Bank Center on Sunday. Hutton finished the week with a perfect 4-0-0 record and a 1.25 goals against average to go with his .960 save percentage.
Upcoming Games:
Thursday, Jan. 26 at Charlotte Checkers. Game time is 6 p.m. The IceHogs travel to Charlotte for the fifth of eight meetings between the Midwest Division rivals this season. Rockford owns a 1-2-0-1 record against the Checkers in 2011-12.
Friday, Jan. 27 at Charlotte Checkers. The puck drops at 6 p.m. Rockford squares off against the Checkers for the second straight night in Charlotte. It’s the last time this season the two teams matchup on the Checkers’ home ice, with the last two times the teams face off in 2011-12 slated for April 10 and April 14 at the BMO Harris Bank Center
Saturday, Jan. 28 vs. Milwaukee Admirals. Face off is slated for 7:05 p.m. The IceHogs return to the BMO Harris Bank Center to take on the division rival Admirals for the fifth time this season. It’s Pink in the Rink Night with the first 5,000 in the door receiving a pink rally towel courtesy of Rasmussen College, Dickerson & Niemen Realtors and Metropolitan Title Agency.
Bud Light Hog Talk Returns To Granite City:
Bud Light Hog Talk returns to Granite City Food and Brewery after a two-week hiatus. Stephen Nelson will be joined by IceHogs Head Coach Ted Dent and rookie forwards Rob Flick and Byron Froese. Granite City is located at 7140 Harrison Ave. next to CherryVale Mall. Fans can join Mike Peck or Stephen Nelson from 6-7 p.m. most Mondays as he chats with IceHogs skaters and coaches. Stop by to take advantage of food and Bud Light specials. If you can't make it to Granite City, tune into 1330-AM WNTA or 100.5 NTA FM.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 100.5 NTA FM, 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 website (icehogs.com) and click on the “click here to watch the AHL Live” icon, and for just $7 you can catch all of the IceHogs action on your computer. Also, fans with Comcast Cable television in Rockford can tune in to Channel 57 for all the IceHogs hockey action at the BMO Harris Bank Center this season. All Saturday home games will also be televised on My Network TV digital subchannel 17.2 along with Comcast and Charter Cable channel 16. The broadcast begins with the U.S. Cellular 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.
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 2011-12 season. Tickets can also be purchased in person at the BMO Harris Bank Center Box Office in downtown Rockford or on the Web at www.theBMOHarrisBankCenter.com. Tickets start at just $7.
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llinois Lottery Cup Series Standings
Teams Record Points
Peoria 9-5-0-0 18
Chicago 6-4-0-0 12
Rockford 6-9-1-0 12
Rockford vs. Peoria 3-5-1-0
Rockford vs. Chicago 3-4-0-0
Upcoming Illinois Lottery Cup Games:
Feb. 3 at Chicago
Feb. 10 vs. Chicago
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01/22/2012 7:05 PM
By: Amy Spivey
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Photo by Greg Hamil
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Rockford, Ill.- Special teams have been a sore spot for the Rockford IceHogs this season, but Brandon Pirri lead a power play charge to give the IceHogs a 2-1 victory over the Milwaukee Admirals on Sunday at the BMO Harris Bank Center.
Rockford is now on a season-high four-game winning streak dating back to Jan. 16 against the Texas Stars. Carter Hutton has backstopped the IceHogs in all four games.
Tied at 1-1 after the opening frame, the trio of Pirri, Brian Connelly and Rostislav Olesz utilized another power play opportunity to give Rockford a 2-1 lead. Olesz received a pass from Connelly and sent it over to Pirri, who ripped his team-leading 18th goal of the season past Jeremy Smith glove-side at 8:17 of the middle frame. With his two helpers on the night, Connelly now has 31 assists in 2011-12, leading all Rockford skaters and good for second among all AHL defensemen.
The IceHogs went 2-for-5 on the man advantage while killing off all three Milwaukee power play opportunities. Rockford has killed off their last 27 penalties dating back to January 11 at Chicago.
Aaron Marvin got the Admirals on the board first at 5:49 of the opening frame. Jonathon Blum fired the initial shot from blue line, and Marvin, who was stationed in front of the IceHogs goal, redirected the puck past Hutton for his first goal of the season.
Later in the first, Pirri capitalized on an IceHogs power play with his first goal of the night to tie the game at 1-1. Connelly fed Pirri a pass from the blue line that the centerman one-timed past Smith from the right faceoff circle at the 12:48 mark. Olesz also earned his first helper of the night on the play.
Hutton earned his eighth win of the season after turning away 33 Milwaukee shots and is 5-1-0-0 in his last six starts. The IceHogs netminder has not allowed more than two goals in any of those games.
Smith was tagged with the loss, making 24 saves.
Next Home Game: Saturday, Jan. 28 vs. Milwaukee Admirals: The puck drops at 7:05 p.m. Rockford and Milwaukee meet up once again at the BMO Harris Bank Center for the IceHogs Annual Pink in the Rink Night. The ice will be pink and the IceHogs will be wearing special pink jerseys that will be auctioned off to benefit breast cancer research and awareness.
For every goal that the Rockford IceHogs score in 2011-12, IceHogs head coach Ted Dent will make a donation to children’s cancer research. BMO Harris Bank will also make a donation for every goal to the “BMO Harris Bank Goals For Grades”
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01/21/2012 11:30 AM
By: Mike Peck
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Photo by Ross Dettman
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Hogs win third straight with 3-2 in over Wolves
Rosemont, Ill.- Carter Hutton is playing huge for the Rockford IceHogs. The goalie turned away 37 Chicago Wolves shots on Saturday to help lead Rockford to their third come-from-behind win in seven games as Rockford topped Chicago 3-2 at the Allstate Arena.
Rockford has won a season-high three straight and four of their last five contests after the home-and-home sweep of the Wolves this weekend.
Down 2-1 entering the final frame Brian Connelly tied the game off of a face off win. Brandon Pirri swiped the draw back to Shawn Lalonde and he found his d-partner Connelly who beat Eddie Lack in traffic at 1:55 of the third frame for his fifth goal of the season.
Rookie center Byron Froese then cashed in on a Sebastian Erixon turnover. Froese picked Erixon’s pocket just inside the Wolves blueline and beat Lack for his fourth goal of the season at 10:01 of the final frame.
The Wolves pressured Hutton and the IceHogs late in the third, including a power play, but Rockford staved off the rally to earn the win. Rockford held Chicago to 0-4 on the power play and have now killed off 24 straight penalties dating back to Jan. 11.
A patient Rostislav Olesz put Rockford up early in period one on Saturday. Jeremy Morin moved a puck to Olesz in the neutral zone on the left wing and the Hogs forward skated into the Wolves zone, got Chicago Lack to commit to a deek and wrapped his ninth goal into an open net at 2:01.
Off of a face-off win in the IceHogs zone, the Wolves would tie the score at 14:11 of the first frame. Defenseman Kevin Connauton picked up a Michael Davies pass and fired home his tenth goal of the season to make it 1-1.
In the second period the Wolves grabbed a 2-1 lead with Tim Miller’s 11th goal of the season. Hogs goalie Hutton fanned on a poke-check in front of his own goal and Miller was there to dump in the go-ahead marker at 13:53.
Next Home Game: Sunday, Jan. 22 vs. Milwaukee Admirals. Rockford battles the Milwaukee Admirals on Blackhawks Night at the BMO Harris Bank Center. Game time is 5:05 p.m. Current Blackhawks players Bryan Bickell and Nick Leddy, along with Assistant Coach Mike Haviland, will be on hand to sign autographs and meet with fans. Jim Cornelison will sing the National Anthem.
For every goal that the Rockford IceHogs score in 2011-12, IceHogs head coach Ted Dent will make a donation to children’s cancer research. BMO Harris Bank will also make a donation for every goal to the “BMO Harris Bank Goals For Grades”
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