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WINNERS WEAR PINK AS HOGS DEFEAT ADMIRALS 3-1

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 03:42:00 +0000

01/28/2012 7:05 PM

By: Stephen Nelson

Photo by Greg Hamil

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.

BLACKHAWKS ASSIGN HAYES TO ROCKFORD

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 15:42:00 +0000

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.

ALL-STAR D-MAN CONNELLY DEALT TO CALGARY

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 15:23:00 +0000

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.

LEBLANC LEADS ANOTHER COMEBACK WIN FOR ROCKFORD

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 15:22:00 +0000

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”

LINCOLN MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT DESIGNS GOALIE MASK

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 22:32:00 +0000

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.

HOT HOGS LOOK TO AVOID CHECKERS

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 22:32:00 +0000

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”

ROCKFORD OVERCOMES THREE-GOAL DEFICIT TO EARN A POINT

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 15:22:00 +0000

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”

PINK IN THE RINK NIGHT SET FOR SATURDAY

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 22:31:00 +0000

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.

BLACKHAWKS ASSIGN PIRRI AND SMITH TO ROCKFORD

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 22:31:00 +0000

01/25/2012 9:46 AM

By: Nate Haeni

Photo by Greg Hamil

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.

CONNELLY NAMED TO SECOND STRAIGHT ALL STAR GAME

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 22:30:00 +0000

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.

BLACKHAWKS RECALL PIRRI FROM ROCKFORD

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 22:30:00 +0000

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.

SVENDSEN SIGNED TO AHL CONTRACT

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 22:29:00 +0000

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.

CARTER HUTTON NAMED REEBOK/AHL PLAYER OF THE WEEK

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 22:29:00 +0000

01/23/2012 2:53 PM

By: Nate Haeni

Photo by Greg Hamil

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.

HOGS SWEEP FOUR GAMES IN WEEK 17

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 22:28:00 +0000

01/23/2012 1:08 PM

By: Kate Munson

photo by Ross Dettman

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.

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

PIRRI, POWER PLAY SINK ADMIRALS

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 22:28:00 +0000

01/22/2012 7:05 PM

By: Amy Spivey

Photo by Greg Hamil

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”

HUTTON BACKSTOPS ROCKFORD TO THIRD PERIOD COMEBACK WIN

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 16:14:00 +0000

01/21/2012 11:30 AM

By: Mike Peck

Photo by Ross Dettman

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”

HOGS BURY WOLVES 3-2 ON SNOW DAY

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 16:13:00 +0000

01/20/2012 7:05 PM

By: Amy Spivey

Photo by Greg Hamil

Rockford, Ill – Mother Nature did her best to interfere with Friday night’s matchup at the BMO Harris Bank Center, but the Rockford IceHogs snagged a 3-2 win over the Chicago Wolves.

After losing a 2-0 lead early in the second period, Rostislav Olesz—who has missed the last five games due to an injury—got the lead back for Rockford at the 10:12 mark. The winger carried the puck over the blue line and weaved around several Chicago players, trying to get a shot on goal. After Matt Climie turned away Olesz’s initial shot, he regained control of the puck and flipped it behind Chicago’s sprawling netminder to give Rockford a 3-2 lead. Chris DiDomenico and Brian Fahey factored in on the play with assists.

Carter Hutton and the IceHogs held the Wolves off the board the rest of the way to earn their second win in as many games.

Rob Flick gave Rockford an early 1-0 lead to start the game with his second goal of the season. Brandon Bollig made a pass from inside the IceHogs’ zone to Flick, who skated through the neutral zone and around two Wolves defenders before sliding the puck under Climie at 1:20 of the opening frame.

Then, at the 12:41 mark in the first period, Brandon Pirri increased the Hogs’ advantage to 2-0. Jeremy Morin carried the puck into the neutral zone and fed a pass to Pirri, who fired a shot that Climie blocked down. The second-year center picked up his own rebound in the right corner and rifled the puck to the back of the net for his team-leading 16th goal of the season.

Chicago cut the IceHogs lead in half at 6:33 of the middle frame. With a scramble in front of Hutton and the IceHogs net, Jordan Schroeder found a loose puck and poked it in to make it a 2-1 game.

Just two minutes later, Darren Haydar picked up a pass from Schroeder, and his shot bounced off the right goal post and past Hutton, tying the game at 2-2.

Neither Rockford nor Chicago converted on the power play, with the IceHogs going 0-for-5 and the Wolves failing to tally on three opportunities.

Hutton now leads all IceHogs goaltenders with seven wins after turning away 20 shots on Friday. Climie was tagged with the loss, making 22 saves.

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”

BOBBLEHEADS FRIDAY, BLACKHAWKS NIGHT SUNDAY AT THE BMO

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 23:22:00 +0000

01/19/2012 11:34 AM

By: Mike Peck

Jim Cornelison to sing the anthem on Sunday

Rockford, Ill.- Two home games and two prime promotions this weekend for the Rockford IceHogs at the BMO Harris Bank Center.

On Friday, the first 2,500 fans to the game will pick up a Ted Dent Bobblehead courtesy of Dental Dimensions. Game time 7:05 p.m. as the IceHogs resume their Illinois Lottery Cup rivalry with the Chicago Wolves.

After a road game Saturday in Chicago, the IceHogs return to the BMO Harris Bank Center on Sunday to host the Milwaukee Admirals at 5:05 p.m. on the Third Annual Blackhawks Night presented by Taco Bell. Fans can meet current Blackhawks Bryan Bickell and Nick Leddy along with assistant coach Mike Haviland.

The group will be at the game signing autographs on the main concourse beginning at 4 p.m. until 4:55 p.m. The Blackhawks players will then return to sign autographs and greet fans during the first intermission. To get an autograph, 300 wristbands for each player and coach will be dispersed at each entrance to the arena. Only fans with a wristband will be allowed into the autograph line and the bands will be available on a first come, first serve basis. The doors to the arena will open at 4 p.m.

To accommodate every fan with a wristband, each fan will be permitted one item to be autographed.

The IceHogs will also welcome Blackhawks anthem singer Jim Cornelison to the game on Sunday as he’ll sing his renowned rendition on the Star Spangled Banner before the game. Blackhawks mascot Tommy Hawk will be on hand as well on Sunday when the IceHogs take on the Admirals.

With the two games this weekend, fans can take advantage of half-price tickets to Sunday’s Blackhawks Night with the purchase of tickets to Friday’s game against the Wolves. The offer is good at the BMO Harris Bank Center Box Office or by calling 815-968-5222.

Tickets for either game can also be purchased on-line through icehogs.com.

ICEHOGS RECALL PAUL ZANETTE FROM TOLEDO

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 23:21:00 +0000

01/18/2012 10:30 AM

By: Amy Spivey

Photo by Greg Hamil

Rockford, Ill - The Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League have recalled forward Paul Zanette from loan to the ECHL’s Toledo Walleye.

Zanette, 23, appeared in three preseason games with the IceHogs before being loaned to the Walleye. In 13 games with Toledo this season, he has 3g-3a-6pts. Zanette missed 23 games due to an injury.

The Nobleton, Ontario native made his AHL debut in 2010-11 with the Hamilton Bulldogs, tallying one goal in seven regular season contests and two goals in 11 playoff tilts.

Before joining Hamilton, Zanette completed his senior season at Niagara University, notching 55 points (29g-26a) in 35 games. In four seasons with Niagara, Zanette played in 128 games, earning 53g-52a-105pts. He was also a Hobey Baker Memorial Award Finalist last season.

Next Home Game: Friday, Jan. 20 vs. Chicago Wolves. The puck drop is at 7:05 p.m. It’s Ted Dent bobblehead night as Rockford squares off against Chicago for the sixth time this season. The first 2,500 fans in attendance will receive a Ted Dent bobblehead, sponsored by Dental Dimensions. It is also another Illinois Lottery Cup tilt.

HARD WORK PAYS OFF FOR HUTTON

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 23:20:00 +0000

01/17/2012 4:42 PM

By: Kate Munson

Photo by Steve Christy

Carter Hutton isn’t the youngest skater on the Rockford IceHogs roster. In fact, the goalie turned 26 in December, making him the sixth oldest player in the Hogs current locker room.

While his age might be on the older end of the IceHogs roster, the fact that he’s in his second full pro season is much more typical among his teammates. Even there, Hutton isn’t average, though.

Unlike Blackhawks draft picks and second year skaters like Brandon Pirri, Jeremy Morin or Kyle Beach who have spent most of their young pro careers in Rockford, Hutton has backstopped three different American Hockey League teams. And the goalie has also made stops in both the NHL and ECHL already in his brief pro campaign.

Click here for Hutton's video profile.

Road to Rockford
Following a season that included a call up from the Worcester Sharks to back up Antti Niemi in San Jose, Hutton found himself the odd man out in a goalie log jam.

“I just kind of got pushed out in San Jose. Because I was 24, turned 25, I signed a one-year contract. So my entry level deal was done and they had eight goalies already on contract,” Hutton said. “I could have signed an American league deal, but I didn’t know where I’d fit in the system.”

That’s when Chicago Blackhawks General Manager of Minor League Affiliations Mark Bernard had a conversation with Hutton’s agent.

After having a taste of the NHL life in his first pro campaign, the goalie was looking for a contract that would give him the best shot of making a return appearance. With only Corey Crawford, Alexander Salak and Alec Richards on contract with Chicago at the time – Ray Emery was signed in October – the Blackhawks organization appealed to Hutton.

“I knew I’d get an opportunity sooner or later, and that was like the biggest reason I came here. Up front, (Mark Bernard) was real honest with me and really helped me out with my decision and encouraged me,” Hutton said.

With Emery on the roster in Chicago and Alexander Salak joining the IceHogs as a result, Hutton was assigned to the Toledo Walleye (ECHL) in early October.

But even in Toledo, IceHogs Developmental Goaltending Coach Andrew Allen liked what he saw from Hutton.
“When he did go down right away it was disappointing, as it would be to anybody, but I think he really stayed focused down there. I talked to him a lot and he was frustrated that he was there, but he was working hard while he was there and it really showed,” Allen said.

“I watched a lot of his games down there, and he’s at his best when he’s just reacting. And that’s what he brought up when he came. He didn’t think too much about it. He knew how to play in this league.”

Even though Hutton started preparing himself for a possible trip to the ECHL when the Blackhawks signed Emery, the move still wasn’t one he was happy about.

“Getting sent down kind of cuts you down a bit, but at the same time, you know that you can get back there and you just work hard and let the rest take care of itself,” Hutton said. “I think it really spring boarded me into my season to get into a rhythm and start playing well. It was tough because obviously the dream is to play in the NHL.”

In 14 games with Toledo this season, Hutton has compiled a .900 save percentage and a 3.15 goals against average. But it wasn’t smooth sailing for the goalie at the beginning.

“Early on I kind of struggled a bit,” Hutton said. “I think because I got sent down, because I didn’t want to be there, I was trying to force it too much. But then I found a rhythm, started playing well, had success.”

Valuing Hard Work
Hutton’s effort to make the most of his opportunities hasn’t been lost on his coaches or teammates, either.

“He’s a hard worker and he really is a great teammate,” Allen said. “I think the guys kind of rallied around that right away.”
IceHogs captain Brandon Segal is one of the guys Hutton credits with making his transition to Rockford easier. But the veteran winger gives the goalie credit for keeping the game in perspective, despite his changing surroundings.

“Right from camp he’s had a great attitude. He wants to be here and he’s shown that he deserves to stay. He’s a great team guy. I’ve never seen a goalie work so hard on and off the ice,” Segal said.

For Segal, watching a goalie put in that effort only adds motivation for the whole team.

“We want to make it a little easier on him, so we’re going to step up our play and try to do whatever it takes so he’s not getting peppered in net,” Segal said. “I’m really, really impressed with him. When he went down to Toledo, he stayed positive and worked his way back up.”

Hard work is nothing new for Hutton, though.

Growing up in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Hutton watched his father, a sheet metal worker, travel four hours outside of town for work.
“I’ve just kind of seen the way my dad works,” Hutton said. “You respect everything that you had growing up and how hard he worked for us and stuff like that, so that’s why you want to be successful in whatever you do.”

Even though he’s afraid of heights, Hutton joined his dad to do some roofing one summer when he was looking for a job after the conclusion of his season in juniors. But it was more than just the height that bothered Hutton when he got to the job site.

“I wasn’t used to 10 hour days, so I was tired. I could do all the labor and stuff like that, but it was hard work. I definitely realized how much harder I wanted to work at hockey after doing that for a little while,” Hutton said.

When it came to balancing the demands of a job that by its very nature required him to face his fears, Hutton’s solution was simple: stay away from the edge.

“I wasn’t working the edge too much. It was flat roofs, though, so it wasn’t too bad. It was at a mill and there were flat roofs and they had this tar you had to lay down,” Hutton said. “I think I had more stuff on me than I had actually on the ground.”

That same work ethic served Hutton well when it was time to make the jump from juniors to college.

“We had to work for what we had. My parents were great to me. I was spoiled growing up, but at the same time I learned some discipline,” Hutton said. “When I went to school I was a little more focused on getting my education because I had seen what you could do with school.”

Photo by Greg Hamil

College Days
A self-admitted “late bloomer,” Hutton found himself just growing into his craft at the junior level at the age of 19, past his prime for playing major junior. So at 20 years old, Hutton was at the end of his junior career and had yet to talk to a school.

With UMass Lowell the only scholarship offer, Hutton picked the River Hawks without ever visiting campus.

“My last resource was Lowell and it ended up kind of saving my whole career and changing my life for sure,” Hutton said.

Hutton recorded a school-high 10 shutouts in his four years backstopping the River Hawks, posting a .911 save percentage and a 2.36 goals against average. As a senior, the netminder set a school record with a .928 save percentage.

But Hutton wasn’t expecting to make it into the River Hawks record books when he first arrived on campus.

“I had no clue really what I was getting in to. And then it was kind of trial by error. Early on I had some success and then I had some bad games,” Hutton said. “I’m pretty proud of records and things like that, but it’s also a team credit, too.

“I really enjoyed my four years there. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

As a 20-year-old college freshman, Hutton had a little different perspective when it came to work on the ice and in the classroom, where he majored in business finance and entrepreneurship.

“Everybody wants to go out and have fun in college. But at the same time, playing Division 1 hockey, you’re pretty fortunate to be there, so you have to take it pretty serious. It’s a fulltime job,” Hutton said.

“Teachers would help you out, give you extra time if you need it, but you still have to get the work done. That helped me out being a little bit older, a little more mature.”

It was right after college when Hutton got his first stab at pro hockey – a four game stint with the Adirondack Phantoms immediately after his senior year that saw Hutton record his first professional win.

Swimming with the Big Fish
The professional opportunities kept coming after Adirondack when Hutton signed with the San Jose Sharks prior to the 2010-11 campaign. Hutton spent much of the season with the Worcester Sharks, where he appeared in 22 games and recorded 11 wins.
But the real excitement came when Hutton got the call to the NHL to back up Antti Niemi in San Jose for 12 games.

“I kind of knew there was the possibility of getting called up because I’d been through training camp and everything,” Hutton said. “Getting to live the lifestyle and see how they do it was a great experience. And at the same time seeing how close we are to being in the NHL, it makes you want to work that much harder to stick there and make it a lifestyle instead of just a quick little visit.”

Hutton’s motivation from the experience came from more than just having a team plane and meals catered in, though. Despite never appearing in an NHL game, he still saw firsthand how skaters at that level handle their business.
It’s no secret to Allen what Hutton’s goals are.

“He’s proven that he can play at this level and he’s got NHL aspirations. He’s the type of goalie that guys want to play for and he works hard, so I hope for him that he does get the shot at the next level,” Allen said. “For the moment, he’s focused on playing here.”

In the meantime, Segal can attest to the fact that Hutton is enjoying his Rockford teammates.

“He’s always hooting and hollering in the dressing room. You always know when he’s in the room because you can always hear him. Sometimes you want to see if there’s an off switch,” Segal joked.

Segal has had his own experience with shuttling between the NHL and AHL during a nine-year professional career. His advice for Hutton: stay positive.

“It’s such a weird game. You don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow, so you’ve just got to relax and take it one game at a time and make sure you’re playing hard and keep working hard.”

It was the injury to Salak that opened the door for Hutton’s current role with Rockford, proving that tomorrow is always uncertain in professional sports. It’s a lesson Hutton knows well.

“That’s the way hockey is,” Hutton said. “It’s about getting opportunities and taking advantage of them.”

BLACKHAWKS RECALL BEN SMITH

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 23:19:00 +0000

01/17/2012 10:16 AM

By: Nate Haeni

Rockford, Ill. – The Chicago Blackhawks have recalled forward Ben Smith from the American Hockey League’s Rockford IceHogs

Smith, 23, has recorded two goals in nine regular-season games with Chicago this season. Additionally, the Avon, Connecticut, native has notched points (3g-2a) in four-straight games for the IceHogs. The winger shares second on the IceHogs with 12 goals, including a team-high 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.

Next Home Game: Friday, Jan. 20 vs. Chicago Wolves. The puck drop is at 7:05 p.m. It’s Ted Dent bobblehead night as Rockford squares off against Chicago for the sixth time this season. The first 2,500 fans in attendance will receive a Ted Dent bobblehead, sponsored by Dental Dimensions. It is also another Illinois Lottery Cup tilt.

DEFENSE LOCKS DOWN IN WEEK 16, HOGS PICK UP A WIN

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 23:18:00 +0000

01/16/2012 8:40 AM

By: Mike Peck

Photo by Darren Abate

Four-game Week 17 starts on Monday against Texas

Week 16 Recap:
Goals against have been a problem for Rockford IceHogs in 2011-12 as the team ranks last in the AHL in that category. But during Week 16, the IceHogs allowed just seven goals in three games, their stingiest stretch of the season. Rockford earned one win in three outings and now faces another four-game week in Week 17 starting with a Monday matinee against the Texas Stars.

Week 16 Results
Wednesday, Jan. 11: Rockford IceHogs 2 at Chicago Wolves 4
Friday, Jan. 13: Rockford IceHogs 2 at Oklahoma City Barons 1 OT
Saturday, Jan. 14: Rockford IceHogs 1 at San Antonio Rampage 2

Week 17 Schedule
Monday, Jan. 16 vs. Texas, 1:05 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 20 vs. Chicago, 7:05 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 21 at Chicago, 7 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 22 vs. Milwaukee, 5:05 p.m.

Bacon Bits:

    After a penalty kill rut of allowing 15 power-play goals on 37 short-handed situations (59.5%), Rockford has killed off 13-straight penalties.

    Rockford finished their season-high seven-game road swing 3-4-0-0 and alternated wins and losses throughout the trip

    Winger Ben Smith has tallied a goal in three straight games for Rockford dating back to 1/8/12, matching a team season high

    Week 17 is Rockford’s second of four, four-game weeks of 2011-12

    The IceHogs hit the halfway mark of the regular season after Friday’s game in Oklahoma City with a record of 14-20-1-3

    Rockford’s 2-1 overtime win over the Barons on Friday marked just their second win in nine all-time meetings with Oklahoma City

    Eight of Rockford’s last nine games have been decided by one goal or featured an empty net goal to make it a two goal game

    The IceHogs were held without a power-play chance for the first time this season on Saturday in San Antonio

    Over their last four games, Rockford has earned two victories while trailing after two periods

    Before the IceHogs 6-5 come-from-behind win over Texas on 1/8/12, Rockford was 0-16-1-0 when trailing after 40-minutes

    Rockford lost a game for just the second time this season (11-2-0-1) when leading after the second period when their 1-0 advantage didn’t hold up in San Antonio on Saturday

    Rockford has allowed 17 goals over their past six games, a goals against average of 2.71

    The IceHogs are last in the AHL with an overall GAA of 3.64

    Seven of Rockford’s next 11 games are against either Chicago (5) or Milwaukee (2).

Hot Hog: Week 16:
Carter Hutton Goalie
Carter Hutton split his two starts in Week 16, but allowed just three goals in the two games. On Friday night, Hutton backstopped the IceHogs past the Western Conference leading Oklahoma City Barons, making 18 saves in Rockford’s 2-1 overtime win. Hutton came back on Saturday and made 28 saves in Rockford’s 2-1 loss at San Antonio. Hutton finished the week 1-1-0- with a .939 save percentage and a 1.48 goals against average.

Upcoming Games:
Monday, Jan. 16 vs. Texas Stars. Game time is 1:05 p.m. The IceHogs return home for the first time in over two weeks for the annual Martin Luther King Jr. matinee game to take on the Stars for the second and final time at the BMO Harris Bank Center. The first 1,500 kids 14 and under will pick up an IceHogs Drawstring Bag courtesy of Frito Lay.

Friday, Jan. 20 vs. Chicago Wolves. Game time is set for 7:05 p.m. Rockford and Chicago open their second home-and-home series this season at the BMO Harris Bank Center. The first 2,500 fans to the game will pick up a Ted Dent Bobblehead courtesy of Dental Dimensions. The game is the sixth of 12 on the season and is another Illinois Lottery Cup showdown.

Saturday, Jan. 21 at Chicago Wolves. Face off is slated for 7 p.m. The IceHogs and Wolves complete a home-and-home series at the Allstate Arena as the Illinois Lottery Cup series continues. Rockford searches for their first win of the season at the Allstate Arena as it’s the fourth of six match-ups in Rosemont between the two teams.

Sunday, Jan. 22 vs. Milwaukee Admirals. The puck gets on the ice at 5:05 p.m. Sunday is Rockford’s Annual Blackhawks Night as the team welcomes former IceHogs skaters Bryan Bickell and Nick Leddy and former head coach Mike Haviland back to the BMO Harris Bank Center. Fans can get autographs and Blackhawks Night is presented by Taco Bell.

No Bud Light Hog Talk Tonight At Granite City:
There will be no Bud Light Hog Talk tonight at Granite City Food and Brewery due to the Monday afternoon game. Granite City is located at 7140 Harrison Ave. next to CherryVale Mall. Fans can join Mike Peck 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.

DEFENSE LOCKS DOWN IN WEEK 16, HOGS PICK UP A WIN

01/16/2012 8:40 AM

By: Mike Peck

Photo by Darren Abate

HUTTON SHUTS OUT TEXAS ON 31 SAVES

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 23:15:00 +0000

01/16/2012 1:05 PM

By: Nate Haeni

Photo by Greg Hamil

Rockford returns home to 2-0 win over Stars

Rockford, Ill. – It’s been more than two weeks since the Rockford IceHogs have played at home, but they gave the home crowd of 4,717 a 2-0 win over the Texas Stars at the BMO Harris Bank Center on Monday afternoon.

Carter Hutton earned the first shutout of the season for the IceHogs, turning away 31 shots from Texas. The IceHogs, last in the AHL with a 3.55 goals against average, have allowed just three goals over the team’s last three games.

Brandon Svendsen got the IceHogs on the board nearly halfway through the middle frame. Brandon Pirri carried the puck to the left of goaltender Andrew Raycroft, and then fed a pass through several Stars players to Svendsen, who tapped the puck into a wide open net to give the IceHogs a 1-0 lead at 8:49 of the second period. The goal was Svendsen’s first goal of the season in the AHL.

Jeremy Morin sealed the game with a power play tally at 16:01 of the final frame. Ben Smith tried a stuff attempt in front of the net, but the puck bounced out to a waiting Morin, who hammered home his ninth goal of the season to give Rockford a 2-0 lead.

The IceHogs went 1-for-4 on the power play, while Texas did not convert on any of their four man advantage opportunities.

Raycroft stopped 29 IceHogs shots in the loss.

Next Home Game: Friday, Jan. 20 vs. Chicago Wolves. The puck drop is at 7:05 p.m. It’s Ted Dent bobblehead night as Rockford squares off against Chicago for the sixth time this season. The first 2,500 fans in attendance will receive a Ted Dent bobblehead, sponsored by Dental Dimensions. It is also another Illinois Lottery Cup tilt.
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”

DEFENSE LOCKS DOWN IN WEEK 16, HOGS PICK UP A WIN

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 23:15:00 +0000

01/16/2012 8:40 AM

By: Mike Peck

Photo by Darren Abate

Four-game Week 17 starts on Monday against Texas

Week 16 Recap:
Goals against have been a problem for Rockford IceHogs in 2011-12 as the team ranks last in the AHL in that category. But during Week 16, the IceHogs allowed just seven goals in three games, their stingiest stretch of the season. Rockford earned one win in three outings and now faces another four-game week in Week 17 starting with a Monday matinee against the Texas Stars.
Week 16 Results
Wednesday, Jan. 11: Rockford IceHogs 2 at Chicago Wolves 4
Friday, Jan. 13: Rockford IceHogs 2 at Oklahoma City Barons 1 OT
Saturday, Jan. 14: Rockford IceHogs 1 at San Antonio Rampage 2
Week 17 Schedule
Monday, Jan. 16 vs. Texas, 1:05 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 20 vs. Chicago, 7:05 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 21 at Chicago, 7 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 22 vs. Milwaukee, 5:05 p.m.

Bacon Bits:

    After a penalty kill rut of allowing 15 power-play goals on 37 short-handed situations (59.5%), Rockford has killed off 13-straight penalties.

    Rockford finished their season-high seven-game road swing 3-4-0-0 and alternated wins and losses throughout the trip

    Winger Ben Smith has tallied a goal in three straight games for Rockford dating back to 1/8/12, matching a team season high

    Week 17 is Rockford’s second of four, four-game weeks of 2011-12

    The IceHogs hit the halfway mark of the regular season after Friday’s game in Oklahoma City with a record of 14-20-1-3

    Rockford’s 2-1 overtime win over the Barons on Friday marked just their second win in nine all-time meetings with Oklahoma City

    Eight of Rockford’s last nine games have been decided by one goal or featured an empty net goal to make it a two goal game

    The IceHogs were held without a power-play chance for the first time this season on Saturday in San Antonio

    Over their last four games, Rockford has earned two victories while trailing after two periods

    Before the IceHogs 6-5 come-from-behind win over Texas on 1/8/12, Rockford was 0-16-1-0 when trailing after 40-minutes

    Rockford lost a game for just the second time this season (11-2-0-1) when leading after the second period when their 1-0 advantage didn’t hold up in San Antonio on Saturday

    Rockford has allowed 17 goals over their past six games, a goals against average of 2.71

    The IceHogs are last in the AHL with an overall GAA of 3.64

    Seven of Rockford’s next 11 games are against either Chicago (5) or Milwaukee (2).

Hot Hog: Week 16:
Carter Hutton Goalie
Carter Hutton split his two starts in Week 16, but allowed just three goals in the two games. On Friday night, Hutton backstopped the IceHogs past the Western Conference leading Oklahoma City Barons, making 18 saves in Rockford’s 2-1 overtime win. Hutton came back on Saturday and made 28 saves in Rockford’s 2-1 loss at San Antonio. Hutton finished the week 1-1-0- with a .939 save percentage and a 1.48 goals against average.

Upcoming Games:
Monday, Jan. 16 vs. Texas Stars. Game time is 1:05 p.m. The IceHogs return home for the first time in over two weeks for the annual Martin Luther King Jr. matinee game to take on the Stars for the second and final time at the BMO Harris Bank Center. The first 1,500 kids 14 and under will pick up an IceHogs Drawstring Bag courtesy of Frito Lay.

Friday, Jan. 20 vs. Chicago Wolves. Game time is set for 7:05 p.m. Rockford and Chicago open their second home-and-home series this season at the BMO Harris Bank Center. The first 2,500 fans to the game will pick up a Ted Dent Bobblehead courtesy of Dental Dimensions. The game is the sixth of 12 on the season and is another Illinois Lottery Cup showdown.

Saturday, Jan. 21 at Chicago Wolves. Face off is slated for 7 p.m. The IceHogs and Wolves complete a home-and-home series at the Allstate Arena as the Illinois Lottery Cup series continues. Rockford searches for their first win of the season at the Allstate Arena as it’s the fourth of six match-ups in Rosemont between the two teams.

Sunday, Jan. 22 vs. Milwaukee Admirals. The puck gets on the ice at 5:05 p.m. Sunday is Rockford’s Annual Blackhawks Night as the team welcomes former IceHogs skaters Bryan Bickell and Nick Leddy and former head coach Mike Haviland back to the BMO Harris Bank Center. Fans can get autographs and Blackhawks Night is presented by Taco Bell.

No Bud Light Hog Talk Tonight At Granite City:
There will be no Bud Light Hog Talk tonight at Granite City Food and Brewery due to the Monday afternoon game. Granite City is located at 7140 Harrison Ave. next to CherryVale Mall. Fans can join Mike Peck 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.

FORMER ICEHOGS BURN ROCKFORD IN THE THIRD PERIOD

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 13:40:00 +0000

By: Mike Peck

Photo by Darren Abate

01/14/2012 8:29 AM - Hogs can’t hold up 1-0 third period lead

San Antonio, Tex.- It was a good night to be a former Rockford IceHogs skater on the San Antonio Rampage. The trio of Mark Cullen, Bracken Kearns and Greg Rallo led a third period comeback for the Rampage as they knocked off the IceHogs 2-1 at the AT&T Center.

In the third period, two of the former IceHogs hooked up to burn Rockford and tie the game at 1-1. Cullen found Kearns in the slot and the winger wristed his 11th goal of the season past Carter Hutton at 10:49.

A failed clear-out attempt by Philippe Paradis led to the Rampage’s go-ahead goal later in the third period. Scott Timmons knocked down Paradis’ clear out and Rallo’s second chance effortr off of a rebound beat Hutton five-hole at 13:31.

Ben Smith has made a living in front of opposing teams’ goalies this season and late in period one, the second-year winger cashed in again. Joe Lavin’s shot from the left point was redirected by Smith over
the shoulder of Dov Grumet-Morris at 19:44 of the first for a 1-0 Rockford lead. That was all Rockford could get past the Rampage backstop.

A night after coming back from a 1-0 third period deficit, the IceHogs coughed up a 1-0 lead of their own. Hutton made 28 saves in the loss and Grumet-Morris turned away 26 Rockford shots.

The IceHogs were held without a power-play chance for the first time this season while holding the Rampage to 0-3.

Next Home Game: Monday, Jan. 16 vs. Texas Stars. Game time is 1:05 p.m. The IceHogs return home for the first time in more than two weeks for the annual Martin Luther King Jr. matinee game to take on the Stars for the second and final time at the BMO Harris Bank Center. The first 1,500 kids 14 and under will pick up an IceHogs Drawstring Bag courtesy of Frito Lay.

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”