RADJA'S TWO GOALS PUSH HOGS PAST PEORIA

RADJA'S TWO GOALS PUSH HOGS PAST PEORIA

Rockford newest skaters, Pete MacArthur and Mike Radja, have combined for four goals and three assists in the last three games. (Photo by Greg Hamil)
11/29/2008 1:05 PM -
Rockford finished 2-2-0-1 against Peoria in November

Rockford, Ill.- No need for a comeback on Saturday. The Rockford IceHogs put four unanswered goals on the board to start the game en route to a 5-2 win over the Peoria Rivermen at the Rockford MetroCentre.

A night after needing two two-goal comebacks to snag a point in the shootout, the Hogs came out gunning and put up four goals in the back end of the home-at-home against Peoria in front of 4,435.

Rookie recall Mike Radja led the way with two goals, pushing him to three goals and an assist in his last three games.

"I'm just trying to stay focused and try to do what the coaches say," said Radja. "I try to work hard when I have to and it seems to be working out well for me right now."

The red-hot Pascal Pelletier extended his goal streak to four games (6g-1a-7pts), a season long for the IceHogs and ties Kris Versteeg for the AHL IceHogs record. The Hogs finish the week with five points on the back of 15 goals in the last three games.

"Everyone seems to be clicking," Radja said. "Pelts (Pelletier) is on fire and the lines are clicking. Mac (MacArthur), Kontiola and I seem to be clicking. Everyone is working hard and trusting in each other."

The scoring started with an Evan Brophey marker at 15:57. The winger found the back of the net after a pretty give-and-go sequence set up by Jake Dowell and Rob Klinkhammer.

Skille sent the puck past Peoria goaltender Ben Bishop later in the second to give the Hogs a two-goal lead. Skille's seventh goal of the season came at 3:13 in the second period and was helped by Pelletier and Brent.

Radja then solved Bishop for his first goal at 6:50 in the second frame to put the Hogs up 3-0. Niklas Hjalmarsson has the assist.

"We were starving for five-on-five scoring for the longest time," Rockford coach Bill Peters said. "So we're trying different guys on different lines. We were searching for it. Radja has done a good job with his call up and so had MacArthur. Pro sports are played on an interim basis, so if you continue to produce you continue to get opportunities."

Pelletier recorded his 13th goal of the season at 9:53 in the second. Danny Groulx and Brent helped.

"Our five-on-five offense is coming around," Peters said. "It's a good thing to see because we needed it. We're scoring the right way -- we're going to the net and have guys driving to the middle and finally putting pucks on net."

The Rivermen were finally able to figure out Rockford netminder Antti Niemi at 15:14 in the second period while on the power play. Peoria forward Josh Soares chipped in the loose puck with helpers from Jeff Cowan and Julian Talbot.

Radja responded just minutes later with his second goal of the night. Pete MacArthur and Petri Kontiola recorded the assists at 17:28 in the second frame.

In the intermission, Bishop was replaced by Marek Schwarz. Bishop finished with 24 saves, while Schwarz had five. Niemi rebounded from a difficult night on Friday to stop 23 shots and get the win.

"He's a proud guy and it was important for him to bounce back," Peters said. "I knew he would. We didn't have any concerns about that at all."

The second goal for the Rivermen came at 12:21 in the third period thanks to another score from Soares. His second of the night came with assists from Jim Jackson and Ivan Vishnevskiy.

Rockford penalty kill kept Peoria to 1-for-4 on the man advantage. Rockford was scoreless on the power play in four attempts.

Next Home Game: Thursday, Dec. 11 vs. Iowa Chops: Game time is slated for 7:05 p.m. The Rockford IceHogs return from a brief weekend road swing to face the Iowa Chops for the third time in 2008-09 and the first of three meetings in December. Harlem Globetrotters tickets will be given away throughout the night and MembersAlliance Credit Union will be celebrating their 70th Anniversary.

COMEBACK HALTED IN SHOOTOUT

COMEBACK HALTED IN SHOOTOUT

Photo by Sievers Photography
11/28/2008 5:03 PM -
Rockford picks up point in the extra session

Peoria, Ill.- Twice the Rockford IceHogs dug themselves into two, two-goal deficits against the Peoria Rivermen on Friday night, but were able to scratch out a point after eventually falling 5-4 in the shootout at Carver Arena.

Trailing 4-2 entering the third period, Rockford battled back to force overtime and an eventual shootout. Defenseman Jordan Hendry put the comeback in motion when he knocked in his first goal of the season off of a Jake Dowell feed at 4:58 of the final frame. Winger Dan Bertram chipped in his first professional point with an assist on the goal.

Then Pascal Pelletier, coming off of a four-goal performance on Wednesday, would tie the game at four when he finished a give-and-go with Tim Brent at 14:40 for his team leading 12 goal of the season. Rockford outshot Peoria 17-3 in the third period.

After a scoreless overtime, the IceHogs found themselves in their sixth shootout of the season. In the shootout Peoria outscored Rockford 3-2, including two goals from Nikolay Lemtyugov, to skate away with the extra point after six rounds.

The first period has been the stingiest for the IceHogs all season long, but on Friday night Peoria would strike twice in the opening frame. Defenseman Jonas Junland fired in his third goal of the season past Antti Niemi on a five-on-three power play at 9:07. The goal was set up by Julian Talbot and Lemtyugov.

Peoria extended the lead to 2-0 at 11:15 after Ross Carlson beat Niemi for his first goal of the campaign. Andy Wozniewski added an assist. The two goals allowed marked the first time this season in which Rockford gave up two goals in the first period.

The IceHogs fought back, however, to tie the game at two heading into the intermission. Center Petri Kontiola potted his seventh goal of the season at 12:05 after Pete MacArthur set him up on the doorstep at 12:05. Mike Radja also helped with an assist.

MacArthur than tied the game with his first career AHL goal at 13:27 on the power play. Center Nathan Davis dumped the puck into the Peoria zone and a funny bounce off the glass found MacArthur and he disposed it into the open net.

More special team’s goals in the second period gave Peoria the advantage after two. Winger Ryan Reaves deflected a Junland blast past Niemi at 12:45 to put the Rivermen back on top. Josh Soares then pushed Peoria’s advantage back to two goals when he beat Niemi on the power play for his first goal of the season at 10:58 and a 4-2 lead.

Rockford outshot Peoria 39-28 in the game and the IceHogs league-leading power play went 1-5.

Next Home Game: Saturday, Nov. 29 vs. Peoria Rivermen: The game starts at 7:05 p.m. The Hogs and Rivermen wrap up a home-and-home series at the Rockford MetroCentre. The IceHogs along with Dental Dimensions and KTEL Construction welcome Jennette McCurdy, co-star of the Nickelodeon hit show iCarly to the MetroCentre. Jennette will sign autographs during the game.

BLACKHAWKS RECALL CRAWFORD FROM ROCKFORD, PLACE JOHNSON ON INJURED RESERVE

BLACKHAWKS RECALL CRAWFORD FROM ROCKFORD, PLACE JOHNSON ON INJURED RESERVE
11/28/2008 1:21 PM

11/28/2008 1:21 PM -
Chicago, Ill.-The Chicago Blackhawks have recalled goaltender Corey Crawford (6-2, 201) from the American Hockey League’s Rockford IceHogs and have placed defenseman Aaron Johnson on Injured Reserve.

Crawford, 23, leads the IceHogs with six wins (6-3-0) and has registered a 2.75 goals-against average and a .914 save percentage in nine appearances this season. The Montreal, Quebec, native appeared in a National Hockey League career-high five games with the Blackhawks last season, registering a 1-2 record with a 2.14 goals-against average and a .929 save percentage. He spent the majority of the 2007-08 campaign with Rockford, posting a 29-19-5 record with 2.83 goals-against average and a .907 save percentage.

Chicago’s second choice (52nd overall) in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, Crawford also made two appearances with the Blackhawks during the 2005-06 season as a rookie. He has amassed 95 wins in 172 career AHL tilts spanning his four-year professional career with the Norfolk Admirals and IceHogs (2005-08).

Johnson ranks second among NHL defensemen and is tied for fifth overall in the league with a +13 plus/minus rating this season. The 25-year-old blueliner has already matched a career high with three goals this season – tied for second-best among team defensemen – and has collected seven points in 18 games with Chicago.

PELLETIER'S FOUR GOALS PROPEL HOGS TO 6-1 WIN

PELLETIER'S FOUR GOALS PROPEL HOGS TO 6-1 WIN
11/26/2008 8:14 PM

Pascal Pelletier recorded the third four-goal night in IceHogs history at the Hogs roll over the Rampage 6-1 on Wednesday. (Photo by Greg Hamil)
11/26/2008 8:14 PM -
Pelletier's hat trick is second in Rockford AHL history and 42nd in last ten years

Rockford, Ill. - Pascal Pelletier posted four goals in the Rockford IceHogs 6-1 feast of the San Antonio Rampage on the eve of Thanksgiving Day at the Rockford MetroCentre. The four goal performance is the third all-time in Rockford history, but first in the AHL era.

Pelletier recorded his first hat trick since Feb. 19, 2006 as a member of the Providence Bruins and second in the pro ranks. The winger's first goal came at 2:18 in the first when Pelletier knocked the puck past the left glove of Rampage goaltender Josh Tordjman. Assists came from Jack Skille and Niklas Hjalmarsson.

'It was a good night," Pelletier said. "It's always nice when the puck goes into the net."

Pelletier then netted his second goal of the night at 4:42 on the power play in the first to give the Hogs a 2-0 lead. The marker was assisted by Petri Kontiola and Tim Brent.

"If we can get on the power play real fast, we can do a lot of damage," Pelletier said. "We have a good power play here and if you want to get on the power play, you have to skate and play deep in their end. I think that's what we did tonight."

The Quebec City native's third goal came at 10:42 in the first for Rockford's first natural hat trick since Dave Paradise recorded one on April 1, 2004 at Port Huron in the United Hockey League. Skille and Brent again helped with the goal, giving Brent his first even-strength point of the season.

"It's fun," Pelletier said. "Last year I had six or seven games with two goals, but I just couldn't finish it was really nice tonight to make it. It's fun to score three goals, but really it's more important to win. We wanted to get out of the gate early and we did."

The lone Rampage goal was sent past Rockford netminder Corey Crawford by winger Jeff Hoggan at 18:39 in the first frame. Crawford finished the game with 26 saves. Trodjman ended the day with 24 saves as the Rampage fell to a team record 0-11-0-0 in the last 11 games and 0-14-0-1 in the last fifteen.

The Rampage were 1-for-5 on the power play, while the IceHogs went 2-for-5 on the man advantage.

Andrew Archer upped the score to 4-1 at 1:39 in the third frame on a floater that flew past Tordjman. The assists were given to Evan Brophey and Danny Groulx. It's Archer's third goal in six professional seasons.

And Pelletier could not stay quiet much longer, cashing in his fourth goal of the night at 2:31 in the third. With helpers from Kontiola and Groulx, Pelletier netted his 11th goal of the 2008-09 season to lead the IceHogs.

Groulx's two assists give him 100 points in the AHL in seven pro seasons.

Mike Radja also got a piece of the action scoring his second goal of the season at 16:17 in the third frame. Jake Dowell and Kontiola got the assists.


Next Game: Friday, Nov. 28 at Peoria Rivermen: Game time for 7 p.m. Rockford returns to Peoria for the front end of a home-and-home series against the Rivermen at Carver Arena. The game is the fourth of five in November between the teams.

Next Home Game: Saturday, Nov. 29 vs. Peoria Rivermen: The game starts at 7:05 p.m. The Hogs and Rivermen wrap up a home-and-home series at the Rockford MetroCentre. The IceHogs along with Dental Dimensions and KTEL Construction welcome Jennette McCurdy, co-star of the Nickelodeon hit show iCarly to the MetroCentre. Jennette will sign autographs during the game.

ICEHOGS IN THE MIDDLE OF WEST DIVISION LOG JAM

ICEHOGS IN THE MIDDLE OF WEST DIVISION LOG JAM
11/24/2008 12:04 PM

Photo by Jim Orlando
11/24/2008 12:04 PM -
Rockford splits a pair in Week 7

Week 7 Recap
There isn’t a whole lot of breathing room atop the AHL’s West Division as the Rockford IceHogs are in the middle of a six team pack battling for second place. With a win and a loss in Week 7, Rockford sits in a three-way tie for second place with Iowa and Peoria, two points ahead of Milwaukee, three in front of Quad City and four more than Houston. Thanksgiving week has three games slated for the IceHogs, all against West Division foes.

Week 7 Results
Friday, Nov. 21: Peoria 3 vs. Rockford 1
Saturday, Nov. 22: Quad City 4 vs. Rockford 5 (SO)

Week 8 Schedule
Wednesday, Nov. 26 vs. San Antonio, 7:05 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 28 at Peoria 7 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 29 vs. Peoria, 7:05 p.m.

Bacon Bits:

-When the IceHogs score three or more goals they are 9-0-0-0 this season

-Out of those nine games, Rockford has scored four or more goals in eight of them

-The IceHogs are 1-7-0-1 in games when they score two or less goals

-Rockford is 8-3-0-1 against the AHL’s West Division this season

-The IceHogs are 2-3-0-0 against teams outside the division

-Rockford’s goalies have held the opposition to 6-21 (71.4%) in the shootout this season and a 4-1 shootout record

-Rockford’s four shootout wins are the most in the AHL this season

-The IceHogs are 10-26 (38.5%) in the shootout this season

-Rockford has scored 52 goals through 18 games this season and half of them have come on the special teams including 24 power play and two shorthanded markers

-Over Rockford’s last six games, the IceHogs have held their opponents to 2-32 on the power play, a 93.8% penalty kill rate

-During that same stretch, the IceHogs power play is 7-32 (21.9%) on the power play

-Winger Tim Brent is third in the AHL with 10 power play assists and is still looking for his first even-strength point of the season

-The IceHogs have outshot their opponents in five of their last six games after doing it just twice in their first 13 contests

-Corey Crawford has received 3.63 goals per game this season of support while Antti Niemi has gotten just 2.30 goals from the IceHogs per game when he’s in goal

-Crawford has been in goal for each of Rockford’s four games in which they scored five or more goals

Hot Hog Week 7:
Rockford winger Jack Skille chipped in three goals for the IceHogs during Week 7 of the 2008-09 American Hockey League season. Skille notched Rockford’s only goal on Friday night in the Hogs 3-1 loss against Peoria then helped the IceHogs rebound on Saturday when he lit two lamps in Rockford’s 5-4 shootout win.


Photo by Jim Orlando


Upcoming Games:
Wednesday, Nov. 26 vs. San Antonio Rampage: Game time is slated for 7:05 p.m. It’s the first meeting between the Rockford and San Antonio in 2008-09. The first 5,000 fans in attendance will get a special 10th Anniversary Pin courtesy of OSF Health Care. Also, Superfan Cameron Hughes returns to the Rockford MetroCentre by popular demand courtesy of WTVO-TV and Rock Valley College. It’s another Student Rush Night presented by 104.9 FM, WXRX as any college or high school students can get the best available seat for just $10 if they come within an hour of game time.

Friday, Nov. 28 at Peoria Rivermen: Game time for 7 p.m. Rockford returns to Peoria for the front end of a home-and-home series against the Rivermen at Carver Arena. The game is the fourth of five in the month of November between the teams.

Saturday, Nov. 29 vs. Peoria Rivermen: The game starts at 7:05 p.m. The Hogs and Rivermen wrap up a home-and-home series at the Rockford MetroCentre. The IceHogs along with Dental Dimensions and KTEL Construction welcome Jennette McCurdy, co-star of the Nickelodeon hit show i Carly to the MetroCentre. Jennette will sign autographs during the game.

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

Hog Talk Returns Tonight At Cousin’s Bar and Grill:
Bud Light Hog Talk returns tonight at Cousin’s Bar and Grill. Join Jim Stone from 6-7 p.m. at Cousin’s as he chats IceHogs hockey with Hogs Head Coach Bill Peters. Tonight’s show will also feature forwards Tim Brent and Jack Skille. Stop out to Cousin’s, located on the corner of East State St. and Perryville in Rockford, and take advantage of some great food and Bud Light specials. If you can’t make it out to Cousin’s, tune into 1330 AM, WNTA.

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

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

ICEHOGS BEAT QC FLAMES 5-4 SHOOTOUT

ICEHOGS BEAT QC FLAMES 5-4 SHOOTOUT

Rockford beat Quad City in the 102nd regular season meeting between those two organizations. (Photo by Greg Hamil)
11/22/2008 1:07 PM -
Rockford improves to 4-1 in the shootout in 2008-09

Rockford, Ill. - Even in a different league and different uniforms the Rockford IceHogs still have to fight every minute to beat a team from Quad City.

Despite giving up three leads throughout the game, the IceHogs won 5-4 in a shootout on Saturday in front of 4,342 at the Rockford MetroCentre.

And after a somewhat quiet first quarter of the 2008-09 season, Bryan Bickell notched a goal and game-winning shot in the fifth frame of the shootout to give Rockford two points.

"I saw everyone deeking and Skille shot on his blocker side," Bickell said of the shootout. "(Matt Keetly) is a right-handed glove and that's my shot, so I just lined it up and it went in."

After Rockford shooters missed the first three shots, Pascal Pelleier evened the shootout with a goal that just rolled over Keetly's glove and into the net. Rockford's Corey Crawford let in a marker from Carsen Germyn in the first round, but then shut down the Quad City shooters for the rest of the shootout.

In the first frame, Pelletier scored his team-leading seventh goal at 0:46 on the power play with Keetly committed on the other side of the net to start the game off strong for Rockford. Petri Kontiola and Danny Groulx had the assists.

Then Jack Skille tacked on a short-handed goal on a breakaway at 4:50 in the second to give Rockford the two-goal advantage. Quad City responded with markers from Kris Chucko at 10:11 and John Armstrong at 17:08 to knot the game up against in the second frame.

With the score tied 2-2 in the third period, Skille recorded his second goal of the game and third of the weekend on a power play at 5:06 in the third.

"He had a good weekend and was real good in a lot of different areas," Rockford coach Bill Peters said. "He got his nose dirty and made plays with speed and he was excellent on the penalty kill and contributed offensively."

Then Flames' winger Peter Vandermeer tied the game again with his third goal of the season. The marker, which ricocheted off of Rockford defenseman Tim Hambly, came at 10:47 in the third frame with helpers from Adam Cracknell and Armstrong.

"They came back three times and that was a very resilient group over there," Peters said. "But I like the fact that we came back three times too and we showed some composure and came back to win it in the end."

Bickell gave Rockford the 4-3 lead at 15:48 in the third frame. Hambly and Mike Blunden recorded the assists.

But Flames' center Jamie Lundmark brought the game to a stalemate at 17:03 in the third frame. Anders Eriksson helped with the assist.

"They never stop and they're always working," Bickell said. "We were lucky to get those goals early, but they came back and it went back and fourth. We were just lucky to get a couple of great saves from (Corey Crawford)."

The Rockford netminder finished with 29 saves compared to 28 for Keetly. The IceHogs finished with 2-for-4 on the man advantage and remained strong on the penalty kill. Rockford finished 8-for-8 on the penalty kill and is 93.9 percent in the last six games.


Next Home Game: Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2008: San Antonio Rampage at Rockford IceHogs at 7:05 p.m. It’s the first meeting between the Rockford IceHogs and San Antonio Rampage in 2008-09. The first 5,000 fans in attendance will get a special 10th Anniversary Pin courtesy of OSF Health Care. Also, Superfan Cameron Hughes returns to the Rockford MetroCentre by popular demand courtesy of WTVO. It’s another Student Rush Night presented by WXRX as any college or high school students can get the best available seat for just $10 if they come within an hour of game time.

RIVERMEN HAND ICEHOGS 3-1 LOSS

RIVERMEN HAND ICEHOGS 3-1 LOSS

The Rockford IceHogs couldn't keep the ball rolling after two straight wins, falling 3-1 on Friday at the Rockford MetroCentre. (By Greg Hamil)
11/21/2008 2:35 PM - Hogs win streak ends at two


Rockford, Ill.- Four days after taking a loss at the hand of the Rockford IceHogs, the Peoria Rivermen returned the favor on Friday, beating the Rockford IceHogs 3-1 at the Rockford MetroCentre.

"It was a frustrating game," Rockford coach Bill Peters said. "We generated some looks at the net and I thought we were coming, but we didn't get the result we needed."

The Hogs found themselves down early after Peoria's Nicholas Drazenoic banged in a shorthanded goal on a breakaway at 6:53 in the first period. Winger Chris Conner was credited with the helper. For his fourth goal of the season, Drazenovic weaved his way in between two defenders to net a highlight-reel goal past Rockford's Antti Niemi.

The IceHogs responded to tie the game when Jack Skille blasted in a drive from the top of the circle at 11:29. Defenseman Danny Groulx and winger Petri Kontiola were marked with the assists.

The Rivermen regained the lead 2-1 when winger Alexandre Imbeault put a power play goal past Niemi at 7:47 in the second frame. Imbeault's first AHL goal of the season came with helpers from Josh Soares and Jim Jackson.

And Peoria goaltender Ben Bishop stood strong in the net for the rest of the game holding the IceHogs off the board for the next two frames. He finished with 30 saves including 16 in the third period.

"We have to find a way to play 60 minutes like we did in the last 20," Peters said. "We generated 16 shots and gave up four. In the first period we gave up five, so defensively obviously we're doing some good things. We have to find a way to score goals."

Peoria's Chris Conner sealed the deal with an empty-net goal at 18:39 in the third period.

The IceHogs went 1-for-7 on the man advantage while Peoria was 1-for-6. In Niemi's 10 starts in 2008-09, the Vantaa, Finland native has allowed three goals in just two games. He finished with 16 saves on Friday.

Next Home Game: Saturday, Nov. 22 vs. Quad City Flames. Game time is slated for 7:05 p.m. Rockford matches up with the rival Flames at the MetroCentre for the second time this season. The first 2,000 fans to the game will receive an IceHogs Winter Hat courtesy of Rasmussen College and WTVO-TV channel 17.

SINDEN, CHEEVERS, HEXTALL NAMED HONOREES FOR 2009 AHL ALL-STAR CLASSIC PRESENTED BY CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS

SINDEN, CHEEVERS, HEXTALL NAMED HONOREES FOR 2009 AHL ALL-STAR CLASSIC PRESENTED BY CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS

11/19/2008 4:26 PM -
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - The American Hockey League announced today that Harry Sinden will be the Hockey Hall of Fame honoree and Gerry Cheevers and Ron Hextall will serve as honorary captains at the 2009 AHL All-Star Classic presented by Charter Communications, to be held January 25-26 at the DCU Center in Worcester, Mass.

Harry Sinden, a 1983 inductee into the Hockey Hall of Fame, has been a familiar face in the New England hockey community for better than four decades, including a stint as a defenseman with the AHL’s Providence Reds in 1962-63. Following his playing career, Sinden became head coach of the Bruins and would guide the club to a Stanley Cup championship in 1970. He was head coach and general manager of Team Canada in the historic 1972 Summit Series against the Soviet Union, then returned to Boston to serve as GM of the Bruins for 28 seasons. He was also team president for 17 years (1989-2006) before moving into his current role as senior advisor to the owner.

Sinden will be the honored guest at the annual Hockey Hall of Fame/AHL All-Star Luncheon, which each year honors a Hockey Hall of Famer with ties to the AHL. Past honorees include Emile Francis, Andy Bathgate, Serge Savard, Larry Robinson, Billy Smith, Grant Fuhr, Rod Langway, Brad Park, George Armstrong, Glen Sather, Bill Torrey, Al Arbour, Bill Barber, Ken Dryden, Lorne “Gump” Worsley, Johnny Bower and Glenn Hall. All told, more than 100 of the Hall’s honored members are AHL alumni.

Gerry Cheevers played 181 games in the American Hockey League with the Rochester Americans and Pittsburgh Hornets before becoming an iconic player in Boston Bruins history. In 1964-65, Cheevers authored one of the best seasons ever by an AHL goaltender when he played all 72 games for Rochester, led the league in goals-against average and set a still-standing AHL record with 48 victories en route to winning the franchise’s first Calder Cup. Cheevers went on to capture two Stanley Cups in Boston and later served as the Bruins’ head coach from 1980-85.

Ron Hextall, currently the vice president and assistant general manager of the Los Angeles Kings and GM of the AHL’s Manchester Monarchs, won the Dudley “Red” Garrett Award as the AHL’s outstanding rookie in 1985-86 when he led the Hershey Bears to a division title and a trip to the Calder Cup Finals. A year later, Hextall claimed both the Vezina Trophy and the Conn Smythe Trophy as a rookie with the Philadelphia Flyers, beginning a stellar NHL career that would see him win 296 games over 13 seasons with Philadelphia, Quebec and the N.Y. Islanders. Cheevers and Hextall will serve as the honorary team captains for the 2009 AHL All-Star Classic. Previous honorary captains have included Ken Holland, Larry Pleau, Adam Oates, Steve Thomas, John Ferguson, Ab McDonald, Marcel Dionne, Dave Taylor, Adam Graves, Joe Kocur, Kevin Dineen, Gordie Clark, Lanny McDonald, Darryl Sittler, Don Cherry, Bill Dineen, Jim Craig and Al MacNeil.

The 2009 AHL All-Star Classic presented by Charter Communications will feature the top young talent in the American Hockey League competing in the annual All-Star Skills Competition and the 2009 AHL All-Star Game, a two-day event to be televised nationally in the United States and Canada. Of the 455 players to take part in the AHL All-Star Classic since 1995, more than 94 percent have competed in the National Hockey League, including Patrice Bergeron, Brad Boyes, Dan Boyle, Brian Campbell, Zdeno Chara, Rick DiPietro, Jiri Hudler, Miikka Kiprusoff, Kari Lehtonen, Ryan Miller, Zach Parise, Martin St. Louis, Jason Spezza, Eric Staal and Tomas Vokoun.

HELP CUSTOMIZE THE 2008-09 HOGMOBILE

HELP CUSTOMIZE THE 2008-09 HOGMOBILE

11/18/2008 12:39 PM -
Rockford IceHogs fans can vote on-line to add new items to the HogMobile

Rockford, Ill. – Help the Rockford IceHogs, Speedway Auto Mall, and Automotive Solutions, Inc. deck out the 2008-09 HogMobile. Throughout the 2008-09 season, fans can vote on each new feature at www.icehogs.com/hogmobile/.

Every couple of weeks IceHogs fans will have the chance to vote on a new item that will be installed on the IceHogs’ Chevy HHR provided by Speedway Auto Mall. The HogMobile will be tricked out with new features that include the graphics wrap, rims, roof, headlights and tail lights, underbody lights, seat covers, strobe lights, grill, and a stereo system.

Voting is already in progress. The first item up for selection is the car’s graphic wrap. Fans can choose from three different graphics which can be seen on the website.

The IceHogs will announce each winning item on the video board during a home game. The HogMobile will then show off its new features after they're put on by our friends at Automotive Solutions, 1910 N. State St. in Belvidere.

Fans will be able to see their rendition of the HogMobile driving around the Rockford area. The finished product will be used for IceHogs community events and appearances.

Next Home Game: Friday Nov. 21: Peoria Rivermen vs. Rockford IceHogs at 7:30 p.m. The IceHogs and Rivermen meet for the second straight game at the Rockford MetroCentre. The IceHogs welcome the Chicago Sky Drumline to the MetroCentre on Friday night as they entertain fans during the intermissions and timeouts.

THE ICEHOGS WANT TO PAY FOR YOUR WEDDING

THE ICEHOGS WANT TO PAY FOR YOUR WEDDING

11/18/2008 11:14 AM -
Clodius & Co. Jewelers and the Rockford IceHogs are planning Hammy’s Hog Wild Wedding
Rockford, Ill.- The Rockford IceHogs, proud members of the American Hockey League, are teaming up with Clodius & Co. Jewelers to give away a wedding.
One lucky couple will get Hammy’s Hog Wild Wedding, which includes a floral arrangement, wedding cake, wedding dress, tuxedo, limousine, wedding rings, hair styling for the bride, groom and bridesmaids, tanning and spa package, airfare to Las Vegas, reception, teeth whitening, D.J. service, photography and an opportunity to get married on the ice at an IceHogs game.
Up to 25 couples will be narrowed down to five over the course of five IceHogs home games in January and February. Those finalists will then compete for the grand prize during a series of home games and public events in February and March. All semi-finalists and finalists will also be invited back for a night in the Speedway Auto Mall Party Deck on March 23. The on-ice wedding ceremony will be April 4.
Apply for one of the 25 semi-finalist spots at icehogs.com/wedding/ or Clodius & Co. Jewelers at 252 S. Mulford Road (intersection of E. State St. and Mulford Road). The deadline for applications is Dec. 26. Visit icehogs.com/wedding/ for a full list of rules.
Next Home Game: Friday Nov. 21: Peoria Rivermen vs. Rockford IceHogs at 7:30 p.m. The IceHogs and Rivermen meet for the second straight game at the Rockford MetroCentre. The IceHogs welcome the Chicago Sky Drumline to the MetroCentre on Friday night as they entertain fans during the intermissions and timeouts.

ROCKFORD REBOUNDS AND GRABS FIVE OF SIX POINTS

ROCKFORD REBOUNDS AND GRABS FIVE OF SIX POINTS

Photo by Greg Hamil
11/17/2008 11:17 AM -
IceHogs bounce back to take a pair of wins in Week 6

Week 6 Recap
Coming off of five straight losses, the Rockford IceHogs righted the ship during Week 6 of the 2008-09 American Hockey League season and grabbed five out of a possible six standings points. Rockford halted the losing streak on Wednesday when they picked up a point in a shootout against Milwaukee and then snatched two straight wins to pull back into the second spot in the West Division.

Week 6 Results
Wednesday, Nov. 12: Milwaukee 2 vs. Rockford 1 SO
Saturday, Nov. 15: Rockford 5 at Milwaukee 2
Sunday, Nov. 16: Peoria 1 vs. Rockford 4

Week 7 Schedule
Friday, Nov. 21 vs. Peoria, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 22 vs. Quad City, 7:05 p.m.

Bacon Bits:

-During Rockford’s six-game winless streak, the team scored just eight goals

-In Rockford’s two wins over the weekend to end the winless drought, the club notched nine goals

-Antti Niemi is the third rated goalie in the AHL with a 1.63 goals against average and a .943 save percentage

-Overall, Rockford ranks fourth in the AHL with a 2.44 goals against average

-Niemi hasn’t allowed more than three goals in a game yet this season and has allowed three markers just twice

-Rockford has six regulation wins in 2008-09 so far and have received game-winning goals from six different players

-Defenseman Danny Groulx played in his 400th career professional game on Wednesday against Milwaukee

-After outshooting their opponent just three times in the first 13 games, the IceHogs have outshot the opposition in three straight games

-Entering Week 6, Rockford was getting outscored in the third period 16-7

-During Week 6, the IceHogs outscored their opponents 6-0 in the third period

-Rockford is one of four teams in the AHL to have a top 10 ranking in both power play and penalty kill

-The IceHogs currently rank second on the power play (23.1%) and tenth on the penalty kill (85.6%)


Photo by Greg Hamil
Hot Hog Week 6:
Defenseman Tim Hambly helped anchor down an IceHogs defense that allowed just four goals in three games during Week 6 of the American Hockey League season. Hambly also chipped in his first goal of the season, the game winner on Sunday, an assist and a plus/minus rating of +3 for the week.

Upcoming Games:
Friday Nov. 21 vs Peoria Rivermen: The puck drops at 7:30 p.m. The IceHogs and Rivermen meet for the second straight game at the Rockford MetroCentre. The IceHogs welcome the Chicago Sky Drumline to the MetroCentre on Friday night as they entertain fans during the intermissions and timeouts.

Saturday, Nov. 22 vs. Quad City Flames: Game time is set for 7:05 p.m. The IceHogs and Flames renew their rivalry at the Rockford MetroCentre on Saturday night with their third meeting of the season. The first 2,000 fans to the game on Friday will pick up an IceHogs winter hat courtesy of Rasmussen College, FOX 39 and 104.9 FM, WXRX.

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

Hog Talk Returns Tonight At Cousin’s Bar and Grill:
Bud Light Hog Talk returns tonight at Cousin’s Bar and Grill. Join Jim Stone from 6-7 p.m. at Cousin’s as he chats IceHogs hockey with Hogs Head Coach Bill Peters. Tonight’s show will also feature forwards Mike Radja and Jake Dowell. Stop out to Cousin’s, located on the corner of East State St. and Perryville in Rockford, and take advantage of some great food and Bud Light specials. If you can’t make it out to Cousin’s, tune into 1330 AM, WNTA.

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

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

ICEHOGS BEAT RIVERMEN 4-1 AT HOME

ICEHOGS BEAT RIVERMEN 4-1 AT HOME

Goalie Antti Niemi allowed one or fewer goals for the third time in the season. (Photo by Greg Hamil)
11/16/2008 12:39 PM -
Rockford takes five of six points in three game week

Rockford, Ill. - The Rockford IceHogs beat the Peoria Rivermen 4-1 at the Rockford MetroCentre on Sunday.

The IceHogs sandwiched two goals in the first and third periods to take away their second straight victory and five points on the week.

"We're getting contributions throughout the line up," Peters said. "And good teams do that."

After a scoreless second, Tim Brent with assists from Petri Kontiola and Danny Groulx scored Rockford's first insurance marker and Rob Klinkhammer tacked on an empty net goal with helpers from Mike Brennan and Pascal Pelletier at 18:19.

The IceHogs last nine goals have come from eight different skaters.

"When you start to score goals, you feel good about yourself and you're not squeezing the stick quite as much," Peters said. "It's easier to make plays when you're relaxed."

In the first frame, The Hogs scored first thanks to a rebound marker from winger Pascal Pelletier at 4:27 on a power play. The assists were credited to Jack Skille and Petri Kontiola.

But Peoria's Chris Conner knotted the game again just 30 seconds later. Jonas Junland and Nicholas Drazenovic got the assists. It was Connor's fifth goal and seventh point in five games.

Tim Hambly scored on an unassisted goal at 8:59 in the first to put the IceHogs up 2-1. The goal is Hambly's first of the 2008-09 season.

"We competed very hard this weekend," Peters said. "We had more desperation and want and if you do that it's going to go a long way."

Antti Niemi finished with 27 saves, while Ben Bishop had 25 shots. Rockford's power play was successful two out of the five attempts, while the IceHogs kept the Rivermen off the board in four attempts.


Next Home Game: Friday Nov. 21: Peoria Rivermen vs. Rockford IceHogs at 7:30 p.m. The IceHogs and Rivermen meet for the second straight game at the Rockford MetroCentre. The IceHogs welcome the Chicago Sky Drumline to the MetroCentre on Friday night as they entertain fans during the intermissions and timeouts.

ROCKFORD SNAPS COLD SPELL IN MILWAUKEE

ROCKFORD SNAPS COLD SPELL IN MILWAUKEE

11/15/2008 12:16 PM -
Five goal scorers lead Hogs to win

Milwaukee, Wis.- Offense had been an offensive word around the Rockford IceHogs over the past two weeks. Rockford shook out of an offensive slump and broke a six-game winless streak as they knocked off the Milwaukee Admirals 5-2 at the Bradley Center in Milwaukee in a rare Saturday matinee.

Milwaukee notched the game’s first marker just 51-seconds into the contest. Andreas Thuresson deflected a Cody Franson blast over the shoulder of IceHogs goalie Corey Crawford to put the Admirals on top 1-0.

Rockford countered with a pair of goals to take a 2-1 lead. Rookie forward Nathan Davis chipped in his third goal of the season at 7:21 to tie the game. Pete MacArthur picked up his first point in an IceHogs uniform with an assist. Tim Hambly also chipped in a helper on the goal.

Rob Klinkhammer then gave Rockford a 2-1 lead at 11:57. Winger Evan Brophey tipped a pass away in the Milwaukee zone right to Klinkhammer who shelved it over the shoulder of Drew MacIntyre from the high slot for his third goal of the season.

In the second period the Admirals tied the contest at 2-2 when Triston Grant beat Crawford for his first of the season, set up by Nick Spaling.

Two early third period goals gave Rockford a 4-2 lead. Rookie winger Mike Radja tipped in his first career AHL goal at 2:28 of the frame off of a Niklas Hjalmarsson blast to put Rockford up 3-2. Later in the frame, while on the power play, Jack Skille one-timed his third goal of the season past MacIntyre off of Tim Brent feed at 6:29.

The IceHogs sealed the game late in the third when Petri Kontiola blasted a Jack Skille pass past MacIntyre to make it 5-2.

Rockford outshot the Admirals 32-31 and Crawford earned the win making 29 saves. The IceHogs went 1-5 on the power play while holding the Admirals to 0-7.

Next Home Game: Sunday, Nov. 16: Peoria Rivermen vs. Rockford IceHogs at 5:05 p.m. The IceHogs welcome the Peoria Rivermen for their first game at the Rockford MetroCentre in 2008-09. Join the IceHogs as they celebrate Family Faith Night presented by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans with a special performance by American Idol finalist Chris Sligh. It’s also a Sunday Fundae with an appearance by Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants thanks to Comcast, U Gotta Jump, Culver’s, the Rockford Public Library, Pepsi and 101 QFL.

RADJA TAKES THE LONG WAY TO ROCKFORD

RADJA TAKES THE LONG WAY TO ROCKFORD

11/14/2008 4:34 PM -
Winger has logged more miles in last two weeks than IceHogs will in first 16 weeks of 2008-09

Rockford, Ill.- No Rockford IceHogs skater can probably tell you more about life in the minors right now than rookie forward Mike Radja.

The Yorkville, Illinois native is back in Rockford after a seemingly endless 11,092-mile journey in the last two weeks that has taken him to eight different cities in seven states.

“I expected to be up and down,” the University of New Hampshire graduate said. “But I didn’t expect it to be like this.”

Radja On The Road:
START OCT. 30: Fresno, California to Anchorage, Alaska (2,137 miles)
Anchorage to Phoenix, Ariz. (2,547 miles)
Phoenix to Rockford (1,526 miles, including drive to O’Hare Airport)
Rockford to Peoria and back (288 miles)
Rockford to Norfolk, Va. and back (1,546 miles)
Rockford to Boise, Idaho (1,524 miles)
END NOV. 14: Boise back to Rockford (1,524 miles)

Radja joined the Fresno Falcons to start the 2008-09 ECHL season after a typical trip through the Chicago Blackhawks and Rockford IceHogs training camps. The team’s first road trip outside of California took them to Anchorage, Alaska to play the Alaska Aces for a three-game weekend set on Oct. 31. But the Falcons didn’t return to their home arena until this week, flying from Alaska to Arizona to play the Phoenix RoadRunners and then Boise, Idaho to play the Idaho Steelheads.

After landing in Phoenix, Radja learned he was getting back on the plane to join the IceHogs for their three-game road trip starting in Peoria and ending with two games against the Norfolk Admirals in Virginia. When the team returned to Rockford, he joined the Falcons in Idaho for two games, only to learn he was coming back to Rockford.

Add it all up and it’s equivalent to a round trip between Fresno and Seoul, South Korea or Paris, France. That’s seven flights, five trips between Rockford and Chicago’s O’Hare Airport and at least one night in five different time zones – all in a little over two weeks.

“It really hasn’t been that bad,” he said. “You get to catch naps and there’s a lot of time to adjust.”

And all through his own personal tour of the United States, the winger has played well – notching seven goals and 12 points in just eight games with the Falcons as he tries to show he can play at the American Hockey League level. He also has skated in one game with the IceHogs in 2008-09.

Through all of the buses, planes and shuttles, the thing he hates the most is waiting in line to go through the X-ray machines.

“They give you your travel plans that day,” he said. “So sometimes you’re going through the security lines a lot.”

And as the clean clothes were running low, he did get a little help from his family. On Nov. 5, Radja’s brother and mother came to the game between the Rockford IceHogs and Peoria Rivermen in Peoria. He only had a little bit of time after the game to see his family, but it was enough to grab a duffle bag of clothes from his brother and get back on the Rockford team bus.

“I live out of a suitcase right now,” he said. “And I ran out of underwear a couple of days ago.”

But now after three weeks in hotels, he’s ready for a home cooked meal and a night in his own bed, both of which he’ll get when he visits family in Yorkville this weekend.

And he can at least say he knows where he’s going to be for a while. The longest road trip for Fresno in the next six weeks is a six-hour ride to Las Vegas. Rockford doesn’t play anyone more than six hours away until the Jan. 29 trip to Winnipeg, Manitoba.

RADJA RECALLED TO ROCKFORD

RADJA RECALLED TO ROCKFORD

11/13/2008 11:30 AM -
Winger heads back to IceHogs

Rockford, Ill.- Chicago Blackhawks General Manager of Minor League Affiliations Mark Bernard announced on Thursday that the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League has recalled winger Mike Radja from the team’s ECHL affiliate, the Fresno Falcons.

Radja has played in one game with Rockford this season and the recall is his second of the campaign. The Yorkville, Ill. native was loaned to Fresno on Monday and notched 2g-3a-5pts in two games with the Falcons at Idaho this week.

The winger currently leads the Falcons with seven goals and 12 points through eight games in 2008-09. The ’08-09 season marks Radja’s first full professional seasons after skating fours years at the University of New Hampshire.

Next Home Game: Sunday, Nov. 16: Peoria Rivermen vs. Rockford IceHogs at 5:05 p.m. The IceHogs welcome the Peoria Rivermen for their first game at the Rockford MetroCentre in 2008-09. Join the IceHogs as they celebrate Family Faith Night presented by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans with a special performance by American Idol finalist Chris Sligh. It’s also a Sunday Fundae with an appearance by Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants thanks to Comcast, U Gotta Jump, Culver’s, the Rockford Public Library, Pepsi and 101 QFL

ICEHOGS FALL TO ADMIRALS 2-1 IN SHOOTOUT

ICEHOGS FALL TO ADMIRALS 2-1 IN SHOOTOUT

The Rockford IceHogs are now 3-1 in shooutouts in 2008-09 thanks to a 2-1 loss to Milwaukee on Wednesday. (Photo by Greg Hamil)
11/12/2008 1:41 PM - IceHogs end a five-game pointless streak thanks to regulation tie

Rockford, Ill.- Finally a point.

The good news was that the Rockford IceHogs picked up a standings point for the first time in six games on Wednesday at the Rockford MetroCentre. The bad news was that the IceHogs are still winless in six games thanks to a 2-1 shootout loss to the Milwaukee Admirals.

"It's definitly a start," winger Mike Blunden said. "It's definitly better than getting no points, but we're still on a six-game winless streak, so we just have to bear down and find a way to win."

Ending a seven-game personal pointless streak, winger Mike Blunden found the net at 7:37 in the third period with assists from Evan Brophey and Niklas Hjalmarsson to tie the game at one. It is the second straight contest against Milwaukee that the IceHogs have tied the Ads in the third frame to go to overtime.

The goal also ended a 105:04 minute scoreless streak for the Hogs stretching back to the first frame of the Nov. 8 game against Norfolk. And the power-play tally was the first one in 13 opportunities.

The loss is also the sixth straight game that the IceHogs have failed to score more than two goals. With a shrug, Blunden said he's not sure what the team needs to do now to get the offense going.

"I don't really know," he said. "I think we've been trying to find those answers for six games. I think we just have to go out there and shoot the puck."

In the shootout, Nick Spaling and Stephan Werner solved Antti Niemi, while only Petri Kontiola was able to put one past Drew MacIntyre.

"We played a good game and this weekend we have to come out and play again," Blunden said. "The shootout didn't go our way but we have to come out and be ready for Saturday."

In the first period, Milwaukee's Hugh Jessiman put the puck past Antti Niemi in a scrum in front of the net for the first score of the game at 19:17 on the power play. Nick Spaling and Cody Franson were credited with the assists.

Milwaukee finished the game 1-for-4 on the power play, while Rockford was 1-for-7. In his first shootout loss of the season, Niemi finished with 24 saves, while MacIntyre had 36 saves.

Next Game: Saturday, Nov. 15: Rockford IceHogs at Milwaukee Admirals at 1 p.m. The IceHogs continue their all-Admirals tour with the second half of the home-and-home series with the Milwaukee Admirals. If you can’t make the trip, catch all of the action at SportsPage on Broadway in Rockford. Listen live on 1330 WNTA.

Next Home Game: Sunday, Nov. 16: Peoria Rivermen vs. Rockford IceHogs at 5:05 p.m. The IceHogs welcome the Peoria Rivermen for their first game at the Rockford MetroCentre in 2008-09. Join the IceHogs as they celebrate Family Faith Night presented by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans with a special performance by American Idol finalist Chris Sligh. It’s also a Sunday Fundae with an appearance by Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants thanks to Comcast, U Gotta Jump, Culver’s, the Rockford Public Library, Pepsi and 101 QFL.

HOGS THINKING HOLIDAYS WITH FOOD AND TOY DRIVES

HOGS THINKING HOLIDAYS WITH FOOD AND TOY DRIVES

The IceHogs' annual Teddy Bear Toss is set for Dec. 13. (By Greg Hamil)
11/11/2008 2:33 PM - Give back to the Rockford community and catch an IceHogs game

Rockford, Ill.- The Rockford IceHogs, proud members of the American Hockey League and top affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks, are teaming up with several Rock River Valley organizations to help deserving families during the upcoming holiday season.

Starting with the Wednesday, Nov. 12 game against the Milwaukee Admirals and ending with the game against the Houston Aeros on Friday, Dec. 20, the IceHogs will accept non-perishable food items at the MetroCentre Box Office to distribute to local food pantries. IceHogs fans can get $4 off of a single ticket for that night’s game for every item that is brought in on the day of the game (limit one discount per ticket).

The Rockford Hockey Club will join the IceHogs to collect food from Nov. 12 to Nov. 22 for the Rockford Rescue Mission. After that date, all items will be given to the Salvation Army’s Food for the Needy program.

Additionally, the IceHogs will also offer a $4 discount from Friday, Nov. 21 game against the Peoria Rivermen to the Saturday, Dec. 13 game against the Iowa Chops to any fan who brings a new toy to donate to the U.S. Marines’ Toys for Tots program. The food drive and toy drive offers may not be combined.

The IceHogs’ annual Teddy Bear Toss will be set for Saturday, Dec. 13. For more information about any of these programs call the Rockford IceHogs office at 815-986-6465.

About the Rockford Hockey Club: For over thirty years, the Rockford Hockey Club has grown to become one of the finest youth sports organizations in Rockford. The Rockford Icemen, a high school-level division of the Rockford Hockey Club, have won 12 straight state championships.

About the Rockford Rescue Mission: Since 1965 the Rockford Rescue Mission has provided services to Rockford’s homeless including nutritious food, safe shelter and clothing needs, as well as providing religious, educational and employment counseling. To learn more visit rockfordrescuemission.org.

About Toys for Tots: Over the last 59 years, the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program has been responsible for distributing more than 370 million toys to more than 173 million needy children at Christmas. For more information, visit toysfortots.org.

Next Home Game: Wednesday, Nov. 12 vs. Milwaukee Admirals at 7:05 p.m. The Rockford IceHogs return home from a mini-road trip after a set of games in Norfolk, Virginia. The IceHogs will be giving away three pairs of Chicago Blackhawks tickets and five pairs of penthouse suite tickets to see the Hawks at the United Center. Also, it’s a Student Rush Night. All students who show their student ID at the door can purchase the best available seat for just $10 no earlier than an hour before the game.

ROCKFORD RETURNS RADJA TO FRESNO

ROCKFORD RETURNS RADJA TO FRESNO

11/10/2008 3:05 PM -
Winger sent to Hogs ECHL affiliate

Rockford, Ill.- Chicago Blackhawks General Manager of Minor League Affiliations Mark Bernard announced on Monday that the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League have loaned winger Mike Radja to the ECHL’s Fresno Falcons.

Radja was recalled from loan Tuesday and played in one game with the IceHogs. Prior to getting recalled last week, Radja was leading the Falcons in scoring with 5g-2a-7pts in six games. The Yorkville, Ill. native made his IceHogs debut last Wednesday in Peoria against the Rivermen.

Next Home Game: Wednesday, Nov. 12 vs. Milwaukee Admirals. Rockford returns home at 7:05 p.m. The IceHogs and Admirals meet for the first of five times at the Rockford MetroCentre this season. Wednesday is this season’s first WXRX Student Rush Night as every student who presents a Student ID at the door no earlier than one hour before the game can purchase the best seat in the house for $10. Also, every fan in attendance on Wednesday can register to win Blackhawks tickets! The IceHogs will be giving away three pairs of Blackhawks tickets and five pairs of Penthouse Suite tickets to an upcoming Blackhawks game.

OFFENSE SPUTTERS THROUGH WEEK 5

OFFENSE SPUTTERS THROUGH WEEK 5

Photo by John Wright
11/10/2008 2:13 PM -
Rockford looks to break out of slump Wednesday

Week 5 Recap
A struggling offense has saddled the Rockford IceHogs with a five-game losing streak heading into Week 6 of the 2008-09 American Hockey League season. The IceHogs have managed just seven goals during the stretch, but still remain a game over .500 with the three divisional games on the slate this week.

Week 5 Results
Wednesday, Nov. 5: Rockford 1 at Peoria 3
Friday, Nov. 7: Rockford 2 at Norfolk 5
Saturday, Nov. 8: Rockford 1 at Norfolk 3

Week 6 Schedule
Wednesday, Nov. 12 vs. Milwaukee, 7:05 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 15 at Milwaukee, 1 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 16 vs. Peoria, 5:05 p.m.

Bacon Bits:

-Rockford’s five-game losing streak is the longest in its AHL era

-The IceHogs have not lost five games in a row since they closed out the 2003-04 season with seven straight losses from 3/31/04-4/9/04

-Rockford has scored just seven goals in the five-game slump including three even strength markers

-Rockford has lost two games this season when leading after two periods

-Last season, the IceHogs lost two contests the entire campaign when leading after two frames

-The IceHogs are outscoring its opponents 11-3 in the first period

-Rockford is being outscored 15-7 in the third period

-Rockford’s five game-losing streak has had the team getting outscored by just nine goals and includes two empty net goals against

-Despite the losing streak, Rockford’s goalie tandem of Corey Crawford and Antti Niemi have a combined .924 save percentage and 2.36 goals against average this season

-In this young season, Rockford has the second longest winning streak (6) in the AHL and second longest losing streak (5)


Photo by John Wright
Hot Hog Week 5:
In a week where Rockford’s offense was rather lean, winger Pascal Pelletier chipped in a pair of points for the IceHogs. Pelletier had an assist on Friday night in the IceHogs 5-2 loss to the Norfolk Admirals and scored Rockford’s only goal in the Hogs 3-1 loss to the Admirals on Saturday.

Upcoming Games:
Wednesday, Nov. 12 vs. Milwaukee Admirals. Rockford returns home at 7:05 p.m. The IceHogs and Admirals meet for the first of five times at the Rockford MetroCentre this season. Wednesday is this season’s first WXRX Student Rush Night as every student who presents a Student ID at the door no earlier than one hour before the game can purchase the best seat in the house for $10. Also, every fan in attendance on Wednesday can register to win Blackhawks tickets! The IceHogs will be giving away three pairs of Blackhawks tickets and five pairs of Penthouse Suite tickets to an upcoming Blackhawks game.

Saturday, Nov. 15 at Milwaukee Admirals: Game time is 1 p.m. A rare Saturday afternoon matinee as the IceHogs head to the Bradley Center in Milwaukee for the back-end of a home-and-home series against the Admirals. The game is the second of five in Milwaukee against the West Division rivals.

Sunday, Nov. 16 vs. Peoria Rivermen. The puck drops at 5:05 p.m. Some hockey and then a concert! The IceHogs and Rivermen face-off for the second time this season on Family Faith Night and a Sunday Fundae at the MetroCentre. The IceHogs will host a postgame concert featuring former American Idol finalist Chris Sleigh. Kids can take advantage of several activities before and during the game and can meet SpongeBob Square Pants. The game is presented by Culver’s, U Gotta Jump, 101 QFL, Rockford Public Librar, Comcast and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.

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

Hog Talk Returns Tonight At Cousin’s Bar and Grill:
Bud Light Hog Talk returns tonight at Cousin’s Bar and Grill. Join Jim Stone from 6-7 p.m. at Cousin’s as he chats IceHogs hockey with Hogs Head Coach Bill Peters. Tonight’s show will also feature forward Rob Klinkhammer and defenseman J.C. Sawyer. Stop out to Cousin’s, located on the corner of East State St. and Perryville in Rockford, and take advantage of some great food and Bud Light specials. If you can’t make it out to Cousin’s, tune into 1330 AM, WNTA.

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

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

ICEHOGS DROP ANOTHER GAME TO ADMIRALS IN NORFOLK

ICEHOGS DROP ANOTHER GAME TO ADMIRALS IN NORFOLK

The Rockford IceHogs dropped their fifth straight game 3-1 on Saturday. (Photo by John Wright)
11/08/2008 7:44 PM -
Hogs and Admirals each won their two home games in the four-game season series

Norfolk, Va.- The Rockford IceHogs have been swept in their three-game road trip thanks to a 3-1 loss to the Norfolk Admirals on Saturday at the Norfolk Scope.

The Rockford IceHogs took the lead 1-0 with a Pascal Pelletier marker at 2:33 in the first. Petri Kontiola and Jack Skille were credited with the assists.

After the two teams combined for 37 penalty minutes in the first period of last night's contest, Saturday's first frame stayed relatively quite with only one fight and a total of 18 PIMs.

Then the two teams went scoreless for almost 41 minutes. Norfolk's Brandon Segal tied the score at 3:35 in the third period with helpers from Radek Smolenak and Paul Szczechura.

Zenon Konopka gave the Admirals the lead just 12 seconds later, and then Bracken Kearns added an empty-netter at 19:13.

It is the second striaght game that the IceHogs took the lead but eventually lost the game. It is also the first time since March 31-April 9, 2004 that an IceHogs team has lost five straight games in regulation. During that stretch in 2004, the UHL IceHogs fell in seven straight in regulation to end the season 28-43-5.

Karri Ramo got his second straight win with 20 saves as the Admirals return the favor of a weekend sweep of the IceHogs. Rockford and Norfolk are now both 2-2-0-0 in their all-time and season series.

Antti Niemi took the loss with 16 saves in the first game since Oct. 25 that the IceHogs have out shot their opponent and only third time this season.

Next Home Game: Wednesday, Nov. 12 vs. Milwaukee Admirals at 7:05 p.m. The Rockford IceHogs return home from a mini-road trip after a set of games in Norfolk, Virginia. The IceHogs will be giving away three pairs of Chicago Blackhawks tickets and five pairs of penthouse suite tickets to see the Hawks inside the United Center. Also, all students who show their student ID at the door can purchase the best available seat for just $10 up to an hour before the game

ADMIRALS CRUISE PAST ICEHOGS 5-2 IN VIRGINIA

ADMIRALS CRUISE PAST ICEHOGS 5-2 IN VIRGINIA

The IceHogs fell 5-3 ito Norfolk on Friday. (Photo by John Wright)
11/07/2008 7:38 PM -
IceHogs lose four straight in regulation for first time since joining the AHL

Norfolk, Va.- The Rockford IceHogs fell 5-2 to the Norfolk Admirals on Friday in their fourth straight loss.

It is the first time this season that the IceHogs have lost when scoring first and also their first loss when leading after the first period.

In the first frame, Tim Brent put through a power-play goal at 6:34 to give the IceHogs the 1-0 lead. Pascal Pelletier and Petri Kontiola were credited with the assists.

Then a couple of scuffles resulted in two Norfolk skaters leaving the game early. Brent Henley was ejected with a match penalty for head-butting following a fight with Sean McMorrow at 2:45.

Brandon Segal was also sent to the locker room at 2:59 with a game misconduct for checking from behind. The former UHL IceHogs winger pushed Niklas Hjalmarsson into the boards near the IceHogs bench. Of the eight penalties issued in the first for 47 PIMs, only one was a minor.

But the two teams settled down in the second, and Norfolk's Bracken Kearns tied the game at one with a drive from the point at 1:49. Matt Smaby and Daryl Boyle had the helpers.

Radek Smolenak gave the Admirals the lead when he snuck the puck past Corey Crawford at 13:59 on a power play. Juraj Simek and Andrew Hutchinson had the assists.

Then Nathan Davis tied the game again with a smart play in front of the net. The center worked the puck past Karri Ramo at 16:07 on a power play with a helper from Brent.

But then just 15 seconds later, the Admirals took the lead again with a rocket of a shot from Boyle, with an assist by Kearns.

Tempers flared again in the third period, but only after Norfolk put two more markers on the board. Hutchinson put the Admirals up 4-2 at 12:44 on the power play and Zenon Konopka put the final nail in the coffin at 15:41.

Five different sets of players dropped their gloves in the game, resulting in a total of 15 major penalties. The two teams combined for 108 penalty minutes on 24 infractions.

For the first time since Oct. 25 against the Norfolk Admirals, the IceHogs finished with two power play goals. Both teams were 2-for-6 on the advantage.

Karri Ramo had 32 saves, while Crawford fell to 3-3-0 with 40 saves, the most for the fourth-year goalie this season and highest since Nov. 25, 2008 against Grand Rapids.

The IceHogs were again outshot, this time 45-34. After taking a 16-11 advantage on the shot board in the first frame, they gave up 34 shots in the next two periods.

Next Home Game: Wednesday, Nov. 12 vs. Milwaukee Admirals at 7:05 p.m. The Rockford IceHogs return home from a mini-road trip after a set of games in Norfolk, Virginia. The IceHogs will be giving away three pairs of Chicago Blackhawks tickets and five pairs of penthouse suite tickets to see the Hawks inside the United Center. Also, all students who show their student ID at the door can purchase the best available seat for just $10 up to an hour before the game

ROCKFORD FALLS IN THIRD STRAIGHT

ROCKFORD FALLS IN THIRD STRAIGHT

Photo by Greg Hamil
11/05/2008 1:10 PM -
Hogs travel to Peoria for first of 10 meetings

Peoria, Ill.- The Rockford IceHogs fell to the Peoria Rivermen 3-1 in the first of three on the road on Wednesday at the Carver Arena.

It is the third straight loss for the 7-4-0-0 team.

Peoria's Trent Whitfield scored the game winner at 11:04 in the third period on a power play with helpers from Nicholas Drazenovic and Steve Reiger.

Then Reiger tacked on an empty-net goal at 19:45 in the third to seal the deal with a helper from Chris Porter

After a scoreless first frame, defenseman Jonas Junland scored his first goal in North America at 8:49 in the second period on the power play. Junland redirected a shot by Jeff Woywitka past Corey Crawford to take a 1-0 lead.

But then Bryan Bickell powerd a shot past Marek Schwarz at 12:29 to tie the score at one. Jake Dowell and Evan Brophey recorded the assists.

The IceHogs finished 0-for-7 and after taking the lead in the American Hockey League in power play goals, have gone 1-for-18 over the last three games. The Rivermen were 2-for-4 on the man advantage.

Schwarz took the win with 34 saves. Crawford had 33 staves in another strong performance.

Next Home Game: Wednesday, Nov. 12 vs. Milwaukee Admirals at 7:05 p.m. The Rockford IceHogs return home from a mini-road trip after a set of games in Norfolk, Virginia. The IceHogs will be giving away three pairs of Chicago Blackhawks tickets and five pairs of penthouse suite tickets to see the Hawks inside the United Center. Also, all students who show their student ID at the door can purchase the best available seat for just $10 up to an hour before the game.

RADJA RECALLED TO THE ICEHOGS

RADJA RECALLED TO THE ICEHOGS

11/04/2008 3:17 PM -
Illinois native earns first promotion of the season

Rockford, Ill. - Chicago Blackhawks General Manager of Minor League Affiliates Mark Bernard announced Tuesday that the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League have recalled Left Wing Mike Radja from Rockford’s ECHL Affiliate, the Fresno Falcons.

The 6-0, 180 pound lefty skated at the University of New Hampshire for four years netting over 50 goals and tallying for more than 115 points in his collegiate career. Radja, a Yorkville, Illinois native, was named a First Team NCAA All-American in 2007-08 and was awarded the Ted Karmeris Fan Favorite Award at UNH. Radja scored a career high 43 points in his senior season.

Radja signed a standard play contract with the IceHogs Aug. 19, 2008.

The 23-year-old is playing in his first full season at the professional level. After completing his collegiate career, Radja made his AHL debut on April 4, 2008 with the Syracuse Crunch, recording an assist. Radja added two more helpers in his only other professional game in the 2007-08 season.

After spending 2008 training camp in Rockford, Radja was assigned to Fresno to start the season. In six games with the Falcons, he leads the team with five goals and seven points.

Radja is expected to be available for Rockford’s game Wednesday against the Peoria Rivermen at the Carver Arena in Peoria.

Next Home Game: Wednesday, Nov. 12 vs. Milwaukee Admirals: Game time is 7:05 p.m. The Admirals come into Rockford for the first time this season. All fans that come to the game will be eligible to win Blackhawks tickets brought to you by 104.9 FM WXRX. There will be a total of eight pairs of tickets given away, five of those being luxury suite tickets at the United Center for an upcoming game.

ICEHOGS ANNOUNCE GAME TIME CHANGES

ICEHOGS ANNOUNCE GAME TIME CHANGES

11/04/2008 10:38 AM -
Two Monday games switched to 2:05 p.m. starts

Rockford, Ill. – Rockford IceHogs Team President Mark Bernard announced on Tuesday that the American Hockey League Club has changed two game times for the team’s upcoming schedule.

The IceHogs games on Monday, Jan. 19 against the Grand Rapids Griffins and Monday, Feb. 16 against the San Antonio Rampage will now start at 2:05 p.m. Both games were changed to Kid’s Day Games to accommodate national holidays- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and President’s Day.

“As a parent myself, I felt that by moving these game times to 2:05 p.m. parents would have a viable option for their kids on these off days from school,” said Bernard. “This will be a great outlet for parents to bring their kids to a mid-day IceHogs game and be home early enough on a school night. We look at it as a good way for us to generate more attendance on what would otherwise be a pretty low attended game on a Monday night.”

The Feb. 16 game will feature the World Famous Zooperstars. This will be the first Zooperstars appearance at the MetroCentre since 2006. The Jan. 19 game will have a special giveaway yet to be announced.

Both contests will feature ticket deals for students of all ages. The IceHogs will also feature activities and special concessions for all kids attending the game in a fun and safe environment.

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

Season ticket holders will receive a letter in the mail in the near future with options regarding their tickets if they can’t make the games with the new start times.

For questions regarding the IceHogs schedule change, contact the IceHogs at (815) 986-6465.

ROCKFORD HITS FIRST SKID OF 2008-09

ROCKFORD HITS FIRST SKID OF 2008-09

11/03/2008 11:04 AM -
IceHogs drop two contests during Week 4

Week 4 Results
Friday, Oct. 31: Manitoba 2 vs. Rockford 1
Saturday, Nov. 1: Syracuse 3 vs. Rockford 2

Week 4 Recap
After a nearly perfect start to the 2008-09 regular season, the Rockford IceHogs face their first losing streak of the campaign after dropping a pair of games to North Division opponents. Rockford did finish the month of October with a 7-2-0-0 record, the second best October record in team history. Week 5 has Rockford playing three road games including the first of 10 meetings with the Peoria Rivermen on Wednesday.

Week 5 Schedule
Wednesday, Nov. 5 at Peoria, 7:05 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 7 at Norfolk, 6:15 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 8 at Norfolk, 6:15 p.m.

Bacon Bits:
-Rockford lost back-to-back games for the first time this season when they fell on Friday to Manitoba and Saturday to Syracuse

-Six of the IceHogs 10 games have been decided by just one goal

-Rockford will play four of its next five games on the road

-After Saturday’s game at Norfolk, the IceHogs won’t play another opponent outside of the West Division until Jan. 7 when Rockford travels to Grand Rapids

-Rockford has the top-rated power play in the AHL after four weeks of the regular season, converting 24.8% of its advantages

-The IceHogs have scored at least one power-play goal in nine of its first 10 games

-Through 10 games, the IceHogs have had 18 different players contribute a point on the power play

-Rockford has scored nine goals in regulation over its past four games

-No IceHogs player scored more than one point during Week 4

-The IceHogs have allowed just three first period goals through 10 games in 2008-09

-Goalie Antti Niemi put together a 1.53 goals against average in October, the best single month GAA in IceHogs AHL history and a team record .948 save percentage in the month of October

Hot Hog Week 4:
Rockford IceHogs center Petri Kontiola is Rockford’s nomination for the AHL’s CCM/Vector Player of the Week. The center chipped in an assist as Rockford lost back-to-back games for the first time this season. Kontiola had his three game point streak come to an end after getting held without a point on Saturday.

Upcoming Games:
Wednesday, Nov. 5 at Peoria Rivermen. The road trip begins at 7:05 p.m. Rockford travels to Carver Arena in Peoria to take on the Rivermen for the first of 10 meetings in 2008-09, including five times during the month of November. The marks the beginning of a three-game road trip for Rockford.

Friday, Nov. 7 at Norfolk Admirals. Game time is 6:15 p.m. The first and only road trip to the Eastern Conference begins on Friday as the IceHogs begin back-to-back games against the Admirals at the Scope Arena in Norfolk, Va. Rockford will look to continue its winning ways against Norfolk as the IceHogs swept them in a two-game weekend set at the MetroCentre.

Saturday, Nov. 8 at Norfolk Admirals. The puck drops at 6:15 p.m. Rockford wraps up a three game road swing at the Scope Arena in Norfolk when they battle the Admirals for the fourth and final time this season. The game is the back end of two straight against Norfolk and the IceHogs final game against an Eastern Conference opponent in 2008-09.

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

Hog Talk Returns Tonight At Cousin’s Bar and Grill:
Bud Light Hog Talk returns tonight at Cousin’s Bar and Grill. Join Jim Stone from 6-7 p.m. at Cousin’s as he chats IceHogs hockey with Hogs Head Coach Bill Peters. Tonight’s show will also feature forwards Bryan Bickell and Sean McMorrow. Stop out to Cousin’s, located on the corner of East State St. and Perryville in Rockford, and take advantage of some great food and Bud Light specials. If you can’t make it out to Cousin’s, tune into 1330 AM, WNTA.

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

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

HOGS FALL TO CRUNCH IN SECOND STRAIGHT

HOGS FALL TO CRUNCH IN SECOND STRAIGHT

The Rockford IceHogs fell to 0-2-0-0 against the North Division on Saturday with a loss to Syracuse. (By Greg Hamil)
11/01/2008 7:02 PM - IceHogs drop two straight after winning six in a row

Rockford, Ill.- With a one-goal lead and about six minutes left in the game, the Rockford IceHogs gave up two late markers to fall to the Crunch 3-2 at the Rockford MetroCentre on Saturday.

But the key reasons for the late-game collapse could have shown themselves earlier in the third period, when the IceHogs spent eight of the first 13 minutes on the penalty kill.

"When you kill off four straight penalties and eight straight minutes basically of those first 13 minutes, that's too much too ask," said coach Bill Peters. "And then you ask those same guys to go out and keep playing. They were out of gas."

It is the second straight loss for the IceHogs, both came at home and against strong opponents from the North Division.

"This is a good reality check for our guys," Peters said. "They were two very good opponents. There wasn't really any room for any of the teams to operate so you just have to slug it out for 60 minutes."

The Syracuse Crunch picked up the first goal of the game thanks to a rebound shot from Tom Sestito at 2:46 in the first period. The assists came from Jonathan Sigalet and Trevor Frischmon. The IceHogs are now 1-3-0-0 when giving up the first goal of the game.

Peters said he wasn't happy with how the team played to start the game.

"It took a long time before we registered a shot on goal and I thought we were badly out played for the first 7 or eight minutes," he said. "From that point on we were fine until we started the parade to the box."

But then Evan Brophey tied the game at one with his second goal of the season at 9:20 in the second frame with helpers from Jake Dowell and Rob Klinkhammer.

And at 14:10 defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson gave the IceHogs the advantage with a blast from the top of the face-off circle with assists from Tim Hambly and Jack Skille. With six goals so far this season coming from blue-liners, a total of 20 percent of the IceHogs offense have come from defenseman in 2008-09.

Then in the third period, Sigalet scored a short-handed goal at 14:37 and then an even-strength goal at 18:51 to put the Crunch up for good.

"If you're successful killing four of four penalties," Peters said. "Then get an opportunity to go on the power play at the 14-minute mark, giving up a short-handed goal definitely deflates your bench, there's no question about that."

Defenseman Danny Groulx, who was named an alternate captain on Friday, said the team needs to refocus on staying out of the penalty box.

"We have to learn from this," he said. "It's unacceptable to give away two goals like that when we had the lead with five minutes to go in the game. I'm sure we'll look at the clips and find out what happened and make sure it doesn't happen again."

In the first ten games of the 2008-09 season, the IceHogs have been out shot eight times, including both games this weekend. The IceHogs' penalty kill squad held the Crunch off of the board in seven attempts, while the Hogs power play put in one in four opportunities. Antti Niemi took the loss with 24 saves, while Steve Mason had 22 saves for the win.

Next Game: Wednesday, Nov. 5: Rockford IceHogs at Peoria Rivermen at 7:05 p.m. The Rockford IceHogs play their first of three road games in their first mid-week contest of the 2008-09 season at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Rivermen and IceHogs met twice in the preseason, but it will be the first of 10 meetings in the regular season between the two teams. After starting the season with seven of their first eleven at home, the IceHogs will now play four of five on the road before coming back to the MetroCentre for four straight.

Next Home Game: Wednesday, Nov. 12: Milwaukee Admirals vs. Rockford IceHogs at 7:05 p.m. The Rockford IceHogs return home from a mini-road trip after a set of games in Norfolk, Virginia. The IceHogs will be giving away three pairs of Chicago Blackhawks tickets and five pairs of penthouse suite tickets to see the Hawks inside the United Center.

MOOSE SNEAK PAST CRAWFORD, ICEHOGS

MOOSE SNEAK PAST CRAWFORD, ICEHOGS

Tim Brent was named the Rockford IceHogs 2008-09 captain on Friday, but the IceHogs fell 2-1 to end their six-game winning streak. (By Greg Hamil)
10/31/2008 7:58 PM - Rockford's six-game winning streak snapped

Rockford, Ill.- The Rockford IceHogs took the lead in the second frame, but the Manitoba Moose came back for a 2-1 win at the Rockford MetroCentre, ending Rockford's six-game winning streak.

"There were two good teams going at it," said Rockford coach Bill Peters. "And one team played with a little bit more desperation."

The IceHogs league-leading power play broke the scoreless stalemate thanks to Pascal Pelletier on a 5-on-3 advantage at 4:26 in the second period. Petri Kontiola and Danny Groulx were credited with the assists.

But then the Moose's Jason Jaffray put the puck past Corey Crawford at 13:07 in the second on a power play, with helpers from Mark Cullen and Nolan Baumgartner.

And Guillaume Desbiens put the Moose up thanks to a misplay by Rockford defenseman Tim Hamby. Desbiens intercepted a pass from Hambly behind the net and put it in the goal with Crawford playing the puck away from the net at 13:51.

"That's how it is some nights," Peters said. "We just weren't as good as we are most nights."

The IceHogs finished 1-for-9 on the power play, while the Moose were 1-for-7.

"We took a lot of stupid penalties in the third period," Peters said. "When the game's on the line and you're trying to come back, that makes it virtually impossible."

Cory Schneider picked up the with 19 saves. Crawford had 25 saves in his first loss of the season.

Next Home Game: Saturday, Nov. 1 vs. Syracuse Crunch. Game time is 7:05 p.m. The Syracuse Crunch roll into Rockford for their only game inside the MetroCentre in 2008-09. Also it’s “HOG to the CHIEF” as the IceHogs host a mock election just three days before the real Election Day. The Hogs will be giving away as many as 1,500 John McCain bobbleheads and 1,500 Barack Obama bobbleheads. The first candidate to run out is declared the winner of the bobble election.