03/31/2012 10:22 PM
By: Nate Haeni
 |
Photo by Scott Paulus
|
Rockford, Ill. – For the fourth straight game, the Rockford IceHogs found themselves in a shootout and unlike the previous night against San Antonio, Rockford was able to steal a 2-1 victory away from the Milwaukee Admirals at the Bradley Center.
Kyle Beach put the IceHogs on the board first with his fifth goal of the season and second since returning from an injury that had him sidelined for 57 games. Terry Broadhurst pushed the puck up ice for Beach to fire a shot from the right faceoff circle and past Milwaukee’s Jeremy Smith to give the Hogs a 1-0 lead at 6:04 in the opening frame.
The middle frame saw an interesting sequence of events. After a media timeout midway through the period, Rob Flick and Smith got in an altercation in front of the Milwaukee net, which resulted in both benches being cleared. After the melee, Flick, Carter Hutton, Shawn Lalonde, Ryan Stanton, and head coach Ted Dent were given all given game misconducts and ejected from the game. Milwaukee’s Jeff Foss, Michael Latta, Smith, Zack Stortini, and head coach Ian Herbers also received game misconducts and were removed from the contest. Alexander Salak came into the game to replace Hutton in net and Atte Engren took over in goal for Milwaukee.
After things settled back down on the ice, Mark Van Guilder potted his 12th goal of the season to tie the game at 1-1 at the 2:42 mark in the third period. Van Guilder was setup by Ryan Flynn and Kevin Henderson on the play.
Then, following a scoreless extra session, the IceHogs received goals from Terry Broadhurst and Brandon Pirri while Salak stopped four of Milwaukee’s five shooters to seal the victory for Rockford as the IceHogs have now knocked off the Admirals eight straight times.
Salak earned his first win since Feb. 10 against Chicago, stopping 24 of the 25 shots he faced. Hutton turned away all 13 Milwaukee chances he faced.
Both teams failed to convert a power play opportunity as the IceHogs had seven chances and Milwaukee had four-man advantages.
Next Home Game: Tuesday, April 10 vs. Charlotte Checkers. Puck drop is set for 7:05 p.m. It's the last Taco Bell Dollar Day at the BMO Harris Bank Center as the IceHogs welcome the Checkers. Fans can get hot dogs, beers, sodas and companion tickets for just one dollar a piece.
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”
|
03/31/2012 7:05 PM
By: Amy Spivey
 |
Photo by Greg Hamil
|
Rockford, Ill.- For the third consecutive game, 65 minutes was not enough time to determine a victor, so the Rockford IceHogs played in another shootout, this time against the San Antonio Rampage. While Rockford came out on top in the previous two, San Antonio grabbed the all-important second point on Saturday, taking a 4-3 victory over the IceHogs at the BMO Harris Bank Center.
The IceHogs had a 3-2 lead going into the third period, but the Rampage stomped it out with a tally from Jon Matsumoto, who blasted his 21st goal of the season past Carter Hutton at the 12:18 mark of the final frame to make it 3-3. Tyson Strachan and Drew Shore earned assists on the play.
Neither team could muster a goal during the five-minute overtime, so Rockford went to yet another shootout. Mark Cullen and James Wright tallied for San Antonio to give them the win, while Terry Broadhurst was the only IceHogs skater to light the lamp in the seven round affair.
Rostislav Olesz put Rockford on the board first with a power-play marker. Kyle Beach carried the puck into the San Antonio zone and got it to Peter LeBlanc behind the Rampage net. The second-year center then sent a pass to Olesz, who was parked right in front of Jacob Markstrom, and the winger slipped in his 16th goal of the season past the San Antonio netminder five-hole at 13:52 of the opening frame.
The Rampage came back in the second period with two quick tallies to take a 2-1 lead. First, while on the man advantage, former IceHogs forward Bracken Kearns redirected a Sean Sullivan blast from the blue line and past Carter Hutton to tie the game at the 7:11 mark.
Then, just 30 seconds later, Michal Repik fired a point blank shot that Hutton thought he had covered, but the puck slipped out of his grasp and Repik was there to clean up his own rebound, putting the Rampage up 2-1. Matsumoto and James Wright garnered helpers on the play.
Later in the frame, the IceHogs reclaimed the lead with two goals of their own. At the 12:13 mark, Matt Fornataro set up Brandon Pirri in the slot, and the centerman let go of a blast that beat Markstrom to tie the game. Fornataro’s helper was his 100th career professional assist.
Olesz continued his red-hot streak with his second goal of the night at the 14:48 mark to give Rockford a 3-2 advantage. The winger redirected a Ryan Stanton shot from the blue line and past the San Antonio backstopper, putting the IceHogs back on top. The 26-year-old, who notched 2g-1a last night against Peoria, now has five points on the weekend.
The IceHogs went 1-for-3 on the power play and San Antonio converted on one of two man advantage opportunities.
Hutton made 28 saves in the shootout loss while Markstrom turned away 46 of 49 Rockford shots to earn the win.
|
03/31/2012 12:57 PM
By: Stephen Nelson
Rockford, Ill.- Chicago Blackhawks General Manager of Minor League Affiliations Mark Bernard announced on Saturday that the American Hockey League’s Rockford IceHogs have signed goaltender Kent Simpson to an amateur try-out agreement.
Simpson, 20, was drafted by the Blackhawks in the second round (58th overall) of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. He has spent the past four seasons with the Western Hockey League’s Everett Silvertips. In 60 games this year, Simpson posted a record of 20-31-5-7 with two shutouts to go along with a 3.33 goals against average and .909 save percentage.
The Edmonton, Alberta native ranked seventh among all WHL goaltenders in minutes played during the 2011-12 season, totaling 3,481. In 175 career WHL contests, Simpson has compiled a 71-71-10-21 record with six shutouts and a .909 save percentage.
In 2009-2010, the backstop was named the Everett Silvertips Scholastic Player of the Year. He also represented Team Canada at the 2010 Under-18 World Championship and won a Silver Medal with Team Pacific at the 2009 World U-17 Hockey Challenge.
Next Home Game: Tuesday, April 10 vs. Charlotte Checkers. Game time is set for 7:05 p.m. The final week of the 2011-12 regular season begins as the IceHogs host the Checkers for the first of two meetings in Week 28. Tuesday’s game is this season’s final Taco Bell Dollar Days presented by WXRX which includes $1 beers, hot dogs, soft drinks and companion tickets.
|
03/30/2012 9:42 AM
By: Nate Haeni
 |
Photo by Greg Hamil
|
Rockford, Ill.- Things did not look good for the Rockford IceHogs as they trailed the Peoria Rivermen 3-2 late in the third period on Friday night at the BMO Harris Bank Center. But a Brian Fahey goal with just four seconds left in regulation pushed the game into overtime, and the IceHogs eventually took a 4-3 shootout victory over their Midwest Division rivals. The win inched Rockford one point closer in the Western Conference playoff race.
With one minute to go in the third period, Rockford went on a power play after Brennan Evans was called for a hooking penalty. Carter Hutton came to the bench to give the IceHogs a 6-on-4 advantage, and with just 4.1 seconds left in regulation, Fahey found the back of the net to tie the game at 3-3.
After a scoreless overtime, Brandon Pirri, Jeremy Morin and Matt Fornataro tallied three straight goals for Rockford in the shootout, while Hutton stopped three of five shots to propel the Hogs over Peoria.
Rockford struck first at 9:10 of the opening frame. Peter LeBlanc battled for the puck to the left of Jake Allen and flipped it in the air towards the slot. Rostislav Olesz, who was waiting in front of the Peoria net, took a swing at the puck in midair and netted his 14th goal of the season. Rookie defenseman Connor Goggin earned a helper on the play, his first professional point.
In the middle period, the Rivermen tied the game with a power-play goal. Jonathan Cheechoo fired a shot on goal that Hutton stopped, but the puck then bounced above the IceHogs netminder and came back down behind him, crossing the goal line to make it a 1-1 game at the 4:35 mark. Cheechoo was credited with his 22nd goal of the season while Patrick O’Sullivan and Shaun Heshka earned the assists.
Olesz put Rockford back on top at the 1:26 mark of the third period, capitalizing on a man advantage opportunity. Ben Youds and Morin set up the winger, who slipped his second goal of the night past Allen to give the Hogs a 2-1 advantage.
Then, five minutes later, Cade Fairchild evened the score again. The Peoria defenseman blasted the puck from the blueline and it lit the lamp to make it a 2-2 contest. Cheecho and Heshka factored in with the helpers.
Cheechoo continued to give the Hogs headaches as he put the Rivermen up 3-2 at the 12:48 mark of the final frame. David Shields gathered the puck in the right corner and fed a pass to Cheechoo, who was stationed right in front of the Rockford net. The winger picked up the pass and flipped the puck over Hutton’s glove to give Peoria their first lead of the night.
The IceHogs converted on two of their six power play opportunities while Peoria went 1-for-4 on the man advantage.
Hutton earned his 22nd win of the season on 25 saves and three more in the shootout. Allen was tagged with the shootout loss, stopping 27 Rockford shots.
Next Home Game: Saturday, March 31 vs. San Antonio Rampage. The puck hits the ice at 7:05 p.m. The Hogs host the Rampage for the final time on the campaign. The first 1,500 fans into the building will get an IceHogs t-shirt thanks to Anderson Toyota/Scion.
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”
|
03/30/2012 9:19 AM
Chicago, Ill.-The Chicago Blackhawks have assigned forward Phillip Danault to the American Hockey League’s Rockford IceHogs.
Danault, 19, was selected by Chicago in the first round (26th overall) of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft and signed a three-year contract with the Blackhawks on Jan. 2, 2012. The captain of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League’s Victoriaville Tigres ranked second on the club with a career-high 53 assists and registered a career-best 71 points in 62 regular-season contests. He closed the campaign with points in 15 of his last 16 regular-season contests (8G, 14A), and paced the Tigres with three assists in four QMJHL postseason tilts.
The Victoriaville, Quebec, native ranked second in the QMJHL with 830 faceoff wins during the regular-season and paced the league with 66 wins in the faceoff circle through the first four games of the 2012 postseason. Danault was honored with the 2011 Guy Carbonneau Award given annually to the best defensive forward in the QMJHL.
Over parts of three seasons (2009-12) with the Tigres, Danault posted 166 points (51G, 115A) and a +47 plus/minus rating in 187 regular-season contests, and 19 points (5G, 14A) in 29 QMJHL postseason games. He represented Canada at the 2010 Under-18 Ivan Hlinka tournament and Team Quebec at the 2010 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge.
Next Home Game: Friday, March 30 vs. Peoria Rivermen. The puck drops at 7:05 p.m. The IceHogs and Rivermen meet for a 12th and final time this season when they square off at the BMO Harris Bank Center. It is also Rockford’s final Illinois Lottery Cup matchup of 2011-12. The first 1,500 fans to the game will receive an IceHogs Fitness Towel courtesy of Peak Fitness and the band The Sensations will perform before the game, during each intermission, and after the contest ends.
|
03/29/2012 1:14 PM
By: Stephen Nelson
Rockford, Ill.- Eight games are all that is left for the Rockford IceHogs in the 2011-12 American Hockey League regular season, including two this weekend at the BMO Harris Bank Center.
On Friday night, the Peoria Rivermen visit town for another Illinois Lottery Cup contest. The first 1,500 fans to the game will receive an IceHogs fitness towel courtesy of Peak Fitness. There will also be live music from "The Sensations" before the game, during each intermission and following the contest. Game time is 7:05 p.m. for the first of back-to-back home tilts for the IceHogs.
Then on Saturday, the first 1,500 fans through the doors will pick up an IceHogs T-shirt presented by Anderson Toyota/Scion. Puck drop scheduled for 7:05 p.m. as Rockford hosts the San Antonio Rampage.
All fans are welcome to come to the BMO Harris Bank Center early to watch the Rockford area Police take on the Rockford area Fire Departments. The puck will drop at 3:30 p.m. for the Guns and Hoses Charity game. Tickets for the IceHogs game can be used for admission to the Guns and Hoses game.
For tickets call (815) 968-5222, online at icehogs.com or at the BMO Harris Bank Center Box Office.
Fans can also take advantage of Family Four Packs on Friday, including four tickets, hot dogs and soft drinks for just $49.
For a complete listing of IceHogs games and promotions, visit icehogs.com.
|
03/29/2012 12:59 PM
By: Mike Peck
 |
Photo by Greg Hamil
|
Rockford, Ill. - A Rockford RiverHawk is facing off with a Rockford IceHog to support a wounded Stateline veteran.
RiverHawks catcher Gabe DeMarco and IceHogs left winger Paul Zanette will each race to be the first to finish a giant Big Kahuna Cheesesteak at 12:30 p.m. Friday at Jersey Mike’s Subs, 6284 E. State St.
The competition is part of Jersey Mike’s support of Dixon, Ill. Marine Adam Devine, who lost both his legs in a bomb blast last year in Afghanistan. Jersey Mike’s will donate $2 from any giant cheesesteak sold after 4 p.m. to “Elbows for Adam.” The top eight qualifiers will advance to an “Eatoff” at 7 p.m. Saturday at Park Lanes, 5318 N. Second St. in Loves Park. The winner will receive free Jersey Mike’s subs for a year.
“It’s our way of giving back to the community and to a Marine who has given so much to his country,” Jersey Mike’s owner Frank Tarara said. “We are happy to have the help of two athletes from Rockford’s professional sports teams to promote this great cause.”
The giant Big Kahuna is a 15-inch sub stacked with sirloin steak, mushrooms, onions, jalapenos and sweet peppers. The current record for quickest consumption is 3 minutes, 2 seconds.
Next Home Game: Friday, March 30 vs. Peoria Rivermen. The puck drops at 7:05 p.m. The IceHogs and Rivermen meet for a 12th and final time this season when they square off at the BMO Harris Bank Center. It is also Rockford’s final Illinois Lottery Cup matchup of 2011-12. The first 1,500 fans to the game will receive an IceHogs Fitness Towel courtesy of Peak Fitness and the band The Sensations will perform before the game, during each intermission, and after the contest ends.
|
03/28/2012 1:56 PM
By: Stephen Nelson
Chicago, Ill.-The Chicago Blackhawks have assigned goaltender Carter Hutton to the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League.
Hutton, 26, has compiled a 21-10-3 record with three shutouts and a .919 save percentage in 37 regular-season games with the IceHogs this year. The second-year pro also appeared in 14 contests with the ECHL's Toledo Walleye.
The Thunder Bay, Ontario, native has a career record of 33-19-3 with four shutouts and a .910 save percentage in 63 career AHL games with Rockford, Worcester and Adirondack.
Next Home Game: Friday, March 30 vs. Peoria Rivermen. The puck drops at 7:05 p.m. The IceHogs and Rivermen meet for a 12th and final time this season when they square off at the BMO Harris Bank Center. It is also Rockford’s final Illinois Lottery Cup matchup of 2011-12. The first 1,500 fans to the game will receive an IceHogs Fitness Towel courtesy of Peak Fitness and the band The Sensations will perform before the game, during each intermission, and after the contest ends.
|
03/28/2012 10:34 AM
By: Mike Peck
Rockford, Ill.- Looking for Rockford IceHogs breaking news, final scores or special promotional offers? Fans can sign up for the IceHogs Text Club, powered by U.S. Cellular.
From your mobile phone, text “ICEHOGS” to 88572 to receive breaking news, final score alerts, special promotional offers and contests.
Standard message and data rates may apply and the IceHogs will not share your information. This program is only used to communicate messages from the Rockford IceHogs.
Fans can sign up for special concert announcements, presale ticket information and contests from the BMO Harris Bank Center by texting “EVENTS” to 88572. By opting into the BMO Harris Bank Center’s text club, you will only receive messages regarding the arena.
You can also follow the IceHogs on the team’s official Facebook page at facebook.com/rockfordicehogs or on Twitter at twitter.com/goicehogs. For more information on the IceHogs, visit icehogs.com.
Next Home Game: Friday, March 30 vs. Peoria Rivermen. The puck drops at 7:05 p.m. The IceHogs and Rivermen meet for a 12th and final time this season when they square off at the BMO Harris Bank Center. It is also Rockford’s final Illinois Lottery Cup matchup of 2011-12. The first 1,500 fans to the game will receive an IceHogs Fitness Towel courtesy of Peak Fitness and the band The Sensations will perform before the game, during each intermission, and after the contest ends.
|
03/26/2012 12:00 PM
By: Amy Spivey
Rockford earns six of eight possible points in Week 25Week 25 Recap:
Three straight victories to close out Week 25 kept the Rockford IceHogs’ playoff hopes alive as they are now four points out of eighth place in the Western Conference. Rockford started the week on a sour note, dropping a 3-1 decision to Hamilton on Tuesday, but came back on Friday to take a 2-1 win versus Houston thanks to goals from Brian Fahey and Rostislav Olesz. Then on Saturday, Rockford found themselves in a 1-0 hole versus the Aeros early on, but Rob Flick (1g-1a) and Philippe Paradis (2g) helped lift the Hogs to a 4-1 victory. On Sunday, the IceHogs gave up the tying goal to Milwaukee late in the third, but came back to take a 3-2 shootout win. Rockford faces three playoff rivals in Week 26, including home tilts against Peoria and San Antonio before traveling to Milwaukee again.
Week 25 Results
Tuesday, March 20: Hamilton 3 vs. Rockford 1
Friday, March 23: Houston 1 vs. Rockford 2
Saturday, March 24: Houston 1 vs. Rockford 4
Sunday, March 25: Rockford 3 at Milwaukee 2 SOWeek 26 ScheduleFriday, March 30 vs. Peoria, 7:05 p.m.Saturday, March 31 vs. San Antonio, 7:05 p.m.Sunday, April 1 at Milwaukee, 3 p.m.
Bacon Bits:
Rockford is three games over .500 for the first time this season
Following the team’s shootout win over Milwaukee on Sunday, Rockford is tied with the Admirals for fourth place in the Midwest Division, the first time since Oct. 29 that the IceHogs were not in fifth place
Rookie winger Rob Flick has 4g-2a-6pts with a +4 in nine March games
In Flick’s prior 31 contests, he tallied 2g-3a-5pts with a -5
Rookie forward Philippe Paradis has 3g-4a-7pts with a +4 over his last nine games
Over his past 14 starts dating back to Feb. 24, Carter Hutton is 11-2-0-1 with a 1.31 GAA and a .951 SPCT
Since suffering a 7-3 loss to the Milwaukee Admirals on Dec. 26, Rockford is 7-0-0-0 against their Midwest Division rivals
Since Feb. 24, Milwaukee is 0-3-0-2 against the IceHogs and 9-3-0-0 against the rest of the AHL
Wade Brookbank tallied his first goal of 2011-12 on Sunday in Milwaukee, his first tally since Feb. 4, 2011, also in Milwaukee
Winger Kyle Beach returned on Friday after missing 57 games due to injury and notched a goal and an assist in three contests over the weekend
Mark McNeill and Terry Broadhurst made their pro debuts with Rockford during Week 25, making seven different players to do so in 2011-12
14 of the 20 skaters in Rockford’s lineup on Sunday in Milwaukee were first or second year players
Since Jan. 7 when Rockford was 12-19-1-3, the team has gone 20-10-1-2 (.651)
On Jan. 12th, Rockford’s GAA was last in the AHL at 3.76 after giving up 139 goals in 37 games
In the 31 games since, Rockford GAA is 2.13, allowing 67 goals, lowering the team’s GAA to 3.03 (24th in the AHL)Hot Hog: Week 25:
Carter Hutton, Goaltender
Carter Hutton continued his impressive play in goal in the second half of the 2011-12 season with three more wins for Rockford in Week 25. After giving up a pair of goals on Tuesday against Hamilton in a loss to the Bulldogs, Hutton rebounded to sweep the weekend. On Friday, the backstop made 27 saves in a 2-1 win over Houston. Saturday featured a rematch with the Aeros, and again Hutton held them to just one goal in a 17 save performance. Hutton and the IceHogs needed a shootout to top Milwaukee on Sunday as he made 29 saves for his seventh straight win over the Admirals.
Upcoming Games:
Friday, March 30 vs. Peoria Rivermen. The puck drops at 7:05 p.m. The IceHogs and Rivermen meet for a 12th and final time this season when they square off at the BMO Harris Bank Center. It is also Rockford’s final Illinois Lottery Cup matchup of 2011-12. The first 1,500 fans to the game will receive an IceHogs Fitness Towel courtesy of Peak Fitness and the band The Sensations will perform before the game, during each intermission, and after the contest ends.
Saturday, March 31 vs. San Antonio Rampage. Game time is 7:05 p.m. Rockford continues their three-game weekend against San Antonio. It is the fourth and final matchup between the two teams this season. The first 1,500 fans in attendance will receive an IceHogs T-shirt sponsored by Anderson Toyota Scion.
Sunday, March 25 at Milwaukee Admirals. Puck drop is scheduled for 3 p.m. Rockford and Milwaukee faceoff for the 11th of 12 contests in 2011-12. The IceHogs have won seven straight games versus the Admirals dating back to Jan. 22 and have an overall record of 8-1-0-1 against their Midwest Division rivals this season.
Bud Light Hog Talk is Back Tonight:
Bud Light Hog Talk makes its weekly appearance at Granite City Food and Brewery tonight as Mike Peck hosts IceHogs head coach Ted Dent, rookie forward Terry Broadhurst and rookie defenseman Connor Goggin. 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 they chat 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.
|
llinois Lottery Cup Series Standings
Teams Record Points
Peoria 12-7-1-0 25
Chicago 10-10-1-0 21
Rockford 10-12-1-0 21
Rockford vs. Peoria 4-6-1-0
Rockford vs. Chicago 6-6-0-0Upcoming Illinois Lottery Cup Games:
March 30 vs. Peoria
|
03/26/2012 10:03 AM
By: Mike Peck
 |
Photo by Jim Orlando
|
Chicago, Ill.-The Chicago Blackhawks have recalled goaltender Carter Hutton from the American Hockey League’s Rockford IceHogs.
Hutton, 26, has compiled a 21-10-3 record with three shutouts and a .919 save percentage in 37 regular-season tilts with the IceHogs this year and also made 14 appearances with the ECHL’s Toledo Walleye.
Since signing a one-year contract with the Blackhawks on Feb. 24, Hutton has posted an 11-2-1 record in 14 AHL contests. The Thunder Bay, Ontario, native has compiled a 33-19-3 record with four shutouts and a .910 save percentage in 63 career AHL games with Rockford, Worcester (2010-11) and Adirondack (2009-10) following a collegiate career at the University of Massachusetts – Lowell.
Next Home Game: Friday, March 30 vs. Peoria Rivermen. The puck drops at 7:05 p.m. The IceHogs and Rivermen meet for a 12th and final time this season on Friday when they square off at the BMO Harris Bank Center. The first 1,500 fans to the game will receive an IceHogs Fitness Towel courtesy of Peak Fitness.
|
03/25/2012 1:29 PM
By: Mike Peck
IceHogs top Milwaukee 3-2 in a shootout
Milwaukee, Wis.- Three straight wins over the weekend still have the Rockford IceHogs playoff hopes flickering. Despite a late third period tally by the Milwaukee Admirals on Sunday, forcing overtime, Rockford was able to rebound and knock off the Admirals 3-2 in a shootout at the Bradley Center.
Carter Hutton was solid again against the Admirals, picking up his eighth on the season against the Midwest Division rivals after making 29 saves. Rockford is now three games over .500 (32-29-2-5) for the first time this season and have beaten Milwaukee seven straight games.
With Rockford hanging on late in the third period, the Admirals would tie the contest with just 32-seconds remaining in regulation to force overtime. With Atte Engren on the bench, Brodie Dupont redirected a point shot from Jonathan Blum and in past Hutton for his fourth goal of the season.
After a scoreless overtime, Hutton stopped four of the five Admirals shooters in the shootout while Philippe Paradis and Rostislav Olesz tallied for Rockford to help them earn the extra point.
Playing just over 24-hours after the birth of his son, winger Wade Brookbank would put Rockford up 1-0. The veteran winger poked home a rebound off of a Paradis shot 8:04 into the opening frame standing in front of Engren. Rob Flick stayed hot with an assist on the goal.
Milwaukee countered to tie the game 1-1 late in the first period. Mark Van Guilder won a battle for a loose puck behind the Rockford goal and set up Ryan Thang on the backdoor for his 15th goal of the season at 19:07.
In the second period, the IceHogs reclaimed the lead. Rookie winger Terry Broadhurst led a transition rush up ice for Rockford, feeding center Brandon Svendsen who then found Kyle Beach wide open in the slot. The forward would blast home his fourth tally of the season at 3:01 of the middle frame.
The IceHogs are now off until Friday when they return home against Peoria at 7:05 p.m.
Next Home Game: Friday, March 30 vs. Peoria Rivermen. The puck drops at 7:05 p.m. The IceHogs and Rivermen meet for a 12th and final time this season on Friday when they square off at the BMO Harris Bank Center. The first 1,500 fans to the game will receive an IceHogs Fitness Towel courtesy of Peak Fitness.
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”
|
|
03/24/2012 7:05 PM
By: Mike Peck
 |
Photo bt Greg Hamil
|
Rockford, Ill.- A lackluster first period put the Rockford IceHogs in a 1-0 hole just minutes into Saturday’s contest against the Houston Aeros. The IceHogs took over in the middle frame, however, outshooting Houston 16-2 and potting the game-tying goal, ultimately scoring four unanswered markers en route to a 4-1 victory at the BMO Harris Bank Center, effectively sweeping the weekend series against the Aeros.
With the game tied 1-1 in the third period, Rob Flick broke through to give Rockford their first lead of the night. Brandon Svendsen forced a turnover in the Houston zone and got the puck to Flick, who slipped it past Scott Greenham five-hole at the 6:01 mark to give the Hogs a 2-1 advantage.
Then, at the 12:31 mark of the final frame, Philippe Paradis found the back of the net to give Rockford a two-goal lead. The rookie winger ripped a slapshot from between the faceoff circles and in to make it 3-1. Flick was credited with an assist on the play and earned a Gordie Howe hat trick on the night with a goal, an assist and a fight. Svendsen also picked up his second assist of the night on Paradis’ goal.
The Aeros pulled their goalie in favor of the extra attacker with less than three minutes to go, but just seconds after Greenham left the net, Paradis put home his second goal of the night into the empty net to seal the game for Rockford.
Houston got on the board early in the opening frame with their first power-play opportunity of the night. Just 30 seconds into their man advantage, Chay Genoway and Jon DiSalvatore set up former IceHogs forward Jeff Taffe, who fired the puck over Carter Hutton’s glove and into the top right corner to give the Aeros a 1-0 lead at the 2:35 mark.
In the second period, Jeremy Morin tied the game at 1-1 with less than 30 seconds to go. Brandon Pirri carried the puck into the Aeros zone but was tied up by two Houston skaters and lost control of the puck. Morin, however, came in and rifled it up and over Greenham for his 16th goal of the season to put the IceHogs on the board.
Hutton made 17 saves in his 20th win on the campaign, while Greenham stopped 37 IceHogs shots in the loss.
Rockford could not capitalize on six man advantage opportunities on the night while Houston went 1-for-3 on the power play.
Next Home Game: Friday, March 30 vs. Peoria Rivermen. The puck drops at 7:05 p.m. The IceHogs and Rivermen meet for a 12th and final time this season on Friday when they square off at the BMO Harris Bank Center. The first 1,500 fans to the game will receive an IceHogs Fitness Towel courtesy of Peak Fitness.
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”
|
|
03/24/2012 10:17 AM
By: Mike Peck
 |
Photo bt Greg Hamil
|
Hogs and Aeros set for rematch
Rockford, Ill.- It should come as no surprise that Friday’s game between the Rockford IceHogs and Houston Aeros totaled just three combined goals. The contest featured the last two Reebok AHL Player of the Week award winners in Carter Hutton and Joe Fallon.
Tonight the two clubs engage in a rematch with their fourth and final meeting of the campaign at the BMO Harris Bank Center at 7:05 p.m. The 2,500 fans to the game will receive a Ben Smith Bobblehead courtesy of T6 Broadband. For tickets call 815-968-5222, online through icehogs.com or at the BMO Harris Bank Center Box Office.
The game can be heard on 100.5 NTA FM, 1330 AM WNTA, 1380 AM WTJK or on the web at nta.fm. To watch, tune into Rockford’s My Network TV, channel 17.2, Comcast Cable channels 16 or 57, Charter Cable channel 16 or through AHLlive.com.
Rockford has a 2-1-0-0 season series edge on the Aeros heading into tonight’s final matchup with Houston. The game is the third of four during a busy Week 25 for the IceHogs which concludes tomorrow in Milwaukee.
A 2-0 lead helped the Hogs against the Aeros on Friday and Carter Hutton did the rest, stopping 15 of 16 third period shots to lead Rockford to the 2-1 victory. Hutton has allowed two or fewer goals in 11 of his last 12 starts, going 9-2-0-1 in that stretch with a .952 save percentage and a 1.41 goals against average.
With 10 games remaining on the regular season slate, Rockford still sits six points out of the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. Houston is in fourth in the playoff picture, nine points ahead of the IceHogs.
Kyle Beach made his return to the IceHogs lineup last night after missing 57 games due to injury. The winger notched an assist in the first period.
Next Home Game: Friday, March 30 vs. Peoria Rivermen. The puck drops at 7:05 p.m. The IceHogs and Rivermen meet for a 12th and final time this season on Friday when they square off at the BMO Harris Bank Center. The first 1,500 fans to the game will receive an IceHogs Fitness Towel courtesy of Peak Fitness.
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”
|
03/23/2012 7:05 PM
By: Nate Haeni
 |
Photo by Greg Hamil
|
Rockford, Ill.- In the third period alone, the Houston Aeros put up 16 shots on goal to Rockford’s three as they worked to overcome a two-goal deficit. But goaltender Carter Hutton stood tall, only letting in one marker as the Rockford IceHogs held on for a 2-1 victory on Friday night at the BMO Harris Bank Center.
Down 2-0 late in the game, Chad Rau gave Houston life when he tallied with just two minutes to go in the third period. A bouncing puck resulted in a scramble in front of the IceHogs net, and Rau corralled the puck just enough to slip it past Hutton and make it a one-goal game.
The Aeros then pulled Joe Fallon in favor of the extra attacker, but Hutton and the Hogs shut the door in the final minutes, enduring a 6-on-5 flurry to take a 2-1 victory.
Rockford’s first marker came on the power play with less than a minute to go in the opening frame. Just four seconds into the man advantage, Kyle Beach fed a pass to Brian Fahey on the blue line, and the veteran defenseman blew his fourth goal of the season past Fallon to give the IceHogs the 1-0 lead at the 19:30 mark. Beach earned his first point in his first game back since suffering an injury on Oct. 28. Peter LeBlanc earned the secondary assist on the play.
Rostislav Olesz put the IceHogs up by two with another late period tally, this time with under four minutes to go in the middle stanza. Chris DiDomenico gathered the puck behind the Houston net and found Olesz open in front, and the winger flipped his 13th goal on the campaign over Fallon’s shoulder to push the IceHogs lead to 2-0.
Hutton turned away 27 Aeros shots to earn his 19th win of 2011-12, while Fallon made 15 saves in the loss.
Rockford went 1-for-3 on the power play while killing off all five of Houston’s man advantage opportunities.
Next Home Game: Saturday, March 24 vs. Houston Aeros. Puck drop is at 7:05 p.m. The IceHogs and Aeros wrap up their season series at the BMO Harris Bank Center. The first 2,500 fans into the building will pick up a Ben Smith Bobblehead thanks to T6 Broadband.
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”
|
03/22/2012 12:50 PM
By: Mike Peck
Rockford home Friday and Saturday
Rockford, Ill.- Just four weeks remain in the 2011-12 American Hockey League regular season and the Rockford IceHogs have seven home games left on their slate. The team will host two of those games this weekend when the Houston Aeros make a visit to the the BMO Harris Bank Center.
On Friday night, the first 2,500 fans to the game will pick up an IceHogs water bottle courtesy of Rock Valley Culligan and 97ZOK. Game time is 7:05 p.m. for the front end of the back-to-back home tilts against the Aeros.
Then on Saturday’s rematch with Houston at 7:05 p.m., the first 2,500 fans will receive a Ben Smith Bobblehead, sponsored by T6. It’s the third and final bobblehead giveaway night of the season for the IceHogs.
Doors for both games with open at 6 p.m. For tickets call (815) 968-5222, online at icehogs.com or at the BMO Harris Bank Center Box Office.
Fans can also take advantage of Family Four Packs on Friday, including four tickets, hot dogs and soft drinks for just $49.
For a complete listing of IceHogs games and promotions, visit icehogs.com.
|
03/21/2012 8:52 AM
By: Nate Haeni
 |
Photo by Steven Christy
|
Rockford, Ill.- The Chicago Blackhawks announced on Wednesday that the National Hockey League club has reassigned winger David Gilbert from the American Hockey League’s Rockford IceHogs to the Toledo Walleye (ECHL). Additionally, the IceHogs have released forward Marc-Olivier Vallerand from his professional try-out (PTO).
In 28 games with Rockford this season, Gilbert has a goal and four assists. Chicago’s seventh round selection (#209 overall) in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, Gilbert has played 34 career games with the IceHogs, amassing three goals and six assists.
The Chateauguay, Quebec native has also appeared in 23 contests with Toledo this season where he has notched six goals and nine helpers for the Walleye.
Prior to turning pro, Gilbert, 21, skated in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League with Quebec and Acadie-Bathurst, totaling 70g-86a-156pts in 209 games.
Vallerand, 22, appeared in seven games for Rockford, recording two assists and eight shots on goal. The winger has spent the majority of the 2011-12 campaign with the Greenville Road Warriors in the ECHL. The Longueuil, Quebec native notched 27 goals and 23 assists in 54 games with the Road Warriors. Vallerand has also skated in two contests with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers in 2011-12, recording one shot on goal.
In 70 games with Greenville during his rookie campaign in 2010-11, the winger registered 28 goals and 25 assists.
Prior to turning pro, Vallerand spent four seasons with the Quebec Remparts in the QMJHL, tallying 190 points (83g-107a) in 258 tilts.
Next Home Game: Friday, March 23 vs. Houston Aeros. Puck drop is at 7:05 p.m. for the first of back-to-back contests between Rockford and Houston at the BMO Harris Bank Center and the second of three meetings between the two teams in a nine-day span. The first 2,500 fans in attendance will receive an IceHogs water bottle sponsored by Rock Valley Culligan and 97ZOK.
|
03/20/2012 7:37 PM
By: Mike Peck
 |
Photo by Greg Hamil
|
Morin notched lone goal in loss to Bulldogs
Rockford, Ill.- Outshooting doesn’t man outscoring. Despite outshooting the Hamilton Bulldogs 36-19, the Rockford IceHogs dropped a 3-1 decision at the BMO Harris Center on Tuesday.
Hamilton netminder Robert Mayer was solid in net, turning away 35 Rockford shots and the IceHogs were held to just one power-play goal on seven chances. Down 2-1 late in the third period, Rockford had a chance on the power play, but Hamilton iced the game with an empty net goal from Gabriel Dumont at 18:58.
Brian Willsie put the Bulldogs up 1-0 halfway through the opening frame after Joonas Nattinen won a battle for the puck along the boards in the Rockford zone. Nattinen found Willsie open near the right faceoff circle, and the winger fired his 11th goal of the season past Carter Hutton to give Hamilton the lead at 8:37 of the first.
Five minutes into the middle frame, Hamilton increased their advantage with a power-play tally from Nattinen. Willsie and Alexander Avtsin set up the centerman, who rifled a one-timer that beat Hutton to give the Bulldogs a 2-0 advantage.
Rockford then cut Hamilton’s lead in half with a 5-on-3 power-play goal at the 9:55 mark of the second period. After several good scoring chances, Jeremy Morin finally elevated the puck above a sprawling Mayer and in to make it a 2-1 game. Matt Fornataro and Philippe Paradis earned helpers on the play.
With the loss, Rockford fell back to the .500 mark and failed to gain ground in the Western Conference playoff race. Hutton was tagged with a loss after turning away 16 Hamilton shots.
Next Home Game: Friday, March 23 vs. Houston Aeros. Puck drop is at 7:05 p.m. for the first of back-to-back contests between Rockford and Houston at the BMO Harris Bank Center and the second of three meetings between the two teams in a nine-day span. The first 2,500 fans in attendance will receive an IceHogs water bottle sponsored by Rock Valley Culligan and 97ZOK.
|
03/20/2012 12:52 PM
By: Mike Peck
McNeill and Broadhurst added to Rockford’s roster
Rockford, Ill.-The Chicago Blackhawks announced on Tuesday that the National Hockey League club has loaned center Mark McNeill to the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League. In addition, the IceHogs have signed winger Terry Broadhurst to an Amateur Try Out.
McNeill, 19, was Chicago’s first selection (#18 overall) in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. The 6-2, 210-pound center recently completed his third full season with the Prince Albert Raiders (WHL), where he compiled 31g-40a-71pts in 69 games. His 71 points were second most on the Raiders.
The Edmonton, Alberta native inked a three-year entry-level contract with the Blackhawks on Jan. 3, 2012. In his three seasons with Prince Albert, McNeill totaled 72g-104a-176pts in 211 games.
Broadhurst, 22, just completed his junior season at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. The Orland Park, Ill. native was captain of the Mavericks and ranked second on the team in scoring with 36 points and 16 goals in 2011-12. The winger also chipped in 20 assists.
Undrafted, Broadhurst signed a two-year entry-level contract with the Blackhawks on Monday. In three seasons at Nebraska-Omaha, the 5-11, 162-pound winger totaled 40g-50a-90pts in 110 games.
Next Home Game: Tuesday, March 20 vs. Hamilton. The Bulldogs are in town for the second and final matchup against the IceHogs in 2011-12. Game time is 7:05 p.m. Taco Bell Dollar Days continue Tuesday night with beers, hot dogs, soft drinks and companion tickets available for just one dollar a piece.
|
03/19/2012 12:05 PM
By: Amy Spivey
Hogs go 1-2-0-0 on three-game road tripWeek 24 Recap: Looking to extend their season-high eight game point streak in Week 24, the Rockford IceHogs came up a bit short, losing to Oklahoma City and Houston before finding their winning touch again versus San Antonio on Saturday. On Tuesday, Peter LeBlanc and Rostislav Olesz gave the IceHogs life after going down 3-0 against OKC, but the Barons got two more for the eventual 5-2 win. Then on Friday in Houston, Rockford trailed the Aeros 4-1 late in the third period when Rob Flick tallied two goals less than 30 seconds apart, but Houston held on to win 4-3. The Hogs found their stride on Saturday against San Antonio asCarter Hutton stopped all 26 shots he faced to earn his third shutout of the season and lead the IceHogs to a 3-0 victory. Rockford plays four games in Week 25, including three straight contests at home before finishing the week in Milwaukee.
Week 24 Results
Tuesday, March 13: Rockford 2 at Oklahoma City 5
Friday, March 16: Rockford 3 at Houston 4
Saturday, March 17: Rockford 3 at San Antonio 0
Week 25 Schedule
Tuesday, March 20 vs. Hamilton, 7:05 p.m.
Friday, March 23 vs. Houston, 7:05 p.m.
Saturday, March 24 vs. Houston, 7:05 p.m.
Sunday, March 25 at Milwaukee, 3 p.m.
Bacon Bits:
Goaltender Alexander Salak faced his first penalty shot of the season and denied Carson McMillian in the second period on Friday in Houston
The Hogs have now faced three penalty shots on the season with Alec Richards turning away the other two on Oct. 14 and 16, both against Abbotsford
The IceHogs play their last four-game week of the season and their second to last weekend with three games in three nights
Winger Rob Flick became the 10th different IceHogs skater to record a two-goal game in 2011-12 with his first professional multi-goal game on Friday in Houston
Center Peter LeBlanc matched a season-best three-game goal scoring streak as he notched markers in all three of Rockford’s games in Week 24
The feat has been accomplished several times for the IceHogs in 2011-12. The last skater with three tallies in three games was Ben Smith from Jan. 8 to Jan. 14
Netminder Carter Hutton became the eighth player recalled to the Chicago Blackhawks after he was called up to backup Corey Crawford on Friday
After his brief stint with the Blackhawks, Hutton stopped all 26 shots he faced against San Antonio on Saturday to register his third shutout of the season
The shutout tied the IceHogs single season record set by Hannu Toivonen (10-11) and Corey Crawford (07-08)
Defenseman Brian Fahey recorded his 250th career point with an assist on Saturday
Fahey is a +8 over his last five games and shows a plus/minus rating of +11 over his last nine contests
Jeremy Morin tallied Rockford’s third short-handed goal of the season on Saturday
Defenseman Wade Brookbank chipped in his first multi-point game in an IceHogs sweater with two assists on Friday
Brookbank’s last multi-point night came on Dec. 26, 2009 when he dished out two assists in Wilkes-Barre’s 2-1 win
Hot Hog: Week 24:
Peter LeBlanc, Center
Center Peter LeBlanc tallied goals in all three of Rockford’s contests in Week 24 and finished the week with four points (3g-1a). The Hamilton, Ontario native got the week started with his ninth multi-point game of the season, notching a goal and an assist in the IceHogs 5-2 loss to the Western Conference’s top team, the Oklahoma City Barons. Then, on Friday night, with the IceHogs in an early 2-0 hole to Houston, LeBlanc put the IceHogs on the board with his 21st marker on the campaign. The next night in San Antonio, LeBlanc slapped in his 22nd goal to seal the game and give Rockford a 3-0 win against the Rampage.
Upcoming Games:
Tuesday, March 20 vs. Hamilton Bulldogs. Game time is 7:05 p.m. as the Bulldogs are in town for the second and final matchup against the IceHogs in 2011-12. Taco Bell Dollar Days continue Tuesday night with beers, hot dogs, soft drinks and companion tickets available for just one dollar a piece.
Friday, March 23 vs. Houston Aeros. Puck drop is at 7:05 p.m. for the first of back-to-back contests between Rockford and Houston at the BMO Harris Bank Center and the second of three meetings between the two teams in a nine-day span. The first 2,500 fans in attendance will receive an IceHogs water bottle sponsored by Rock Valley Culligan and 97ZOK.
Saturday, March 24 vs. Houston Aeros. Rockford and Houston finish up their season series at 7:05 p.m. at the BMO Harris Bank Center in the second of back-to-back contests between the two clubs. Saturday is also Ben Smith bobblehead night. The first 2,500 fans through the doors will pick up the bobblehead courtesy of T6.
Sunday, March 25 at Milwaukee Admirals. Game time is 3 p.m. Sunday’s contest is the 10th of 12 matchups between Midwest Division rivals Rockford and Milwaukee in 2011-12. The IceHogs are 7-1-0-1 against the Admirals this season and have claimed wins in six straight games versus Milwaukee dating back to Jan. 22.
Bud Light Hog Talk Returns Tonight:
Bud Light Hog Talk is back at Granite City Food and Brewery tonight as Mike Peck hosts IceHogs developmental goaltending coach Andrew Allen, defenseman Ben Youds and forward Paul Zanette. 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 they chat 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.
|
llinois Lottery Cup Series Standings
Teams Record Points
Peoria 12-7-1-0 25
Chicago 10-10-1-0 21
Rockford 10-12-1-0 21
Rockford vs. Peoria 4-6-1-0
Rockford vs. Chicago 6-6-0-0
Upcoming Illinois Lottery Cup Games:
March 30 vs. Peoria
|
