ALIU’S PENALTY SHOT VAULTS HOGS BACK INTO FIRST

Rookie winger chips in two goals in the win

Grand Rapids, Mich.- The penalty shot/shootout has troubled the Rockford IceHogs all season. Rockford got one back, however, on Saturday and it helped them slip by the Grand Rapids Griffins 3-2 at Van Andel Arena.

Tied late in the third period, rookie winger Akim Aliu was brought down on a breakaway in the Griffins zone creating the penalty shot opportunity. The rookie winger beat Grand Rapids goalie Thomas McCollum five-hole at 17:25 for his second goal of the night and the eventual game winner.

Both McCollum and IceHogs puck stopper Joe Fallon were solid in goal on Saturday, but it was Fallon out-dueling his counterpart with 31 saves helping the IceHogs to a series sweep at Van Andel Arena in 2009-10. Rockford went 4-0-0-0 there are now 5-0-0-1 against the Griffins this season. Five of the six games have been decided by one goal.

Rob Klinkhammer put Rockford up 1-0 when he knocked in a rebound off a Danny Bois deflection and past McCollum at 8:59 of the opening period. Richard Petiot was also given an assist as his slapshot from the point started the sequence.

The Griffins evened the score while shorthanded with less than five seconds remaining in the first period. Logan Pyett picked up a turnover in front of the Rockford goal and shoved his seventh goal of the season past Fallon at 19:55.

Aliu put Rockford back on top in the second period. Aliu slapped home a Bryan Bickell rebound at 5:22 for his ninth goal of the season, also assisted by Brian Connelly.

The game was tied late in the third when Jan Mursak finished a transition rush deflecting in an Andy Delmore pass at 15:53. Patrick Rissmiller started the rush and chipped in an assist as well on the marker.

Power plays again were a nonfactor as Rockford had just one opportunity and Grand Rapids two, with neither team converting a chance on the advantage.

Next Home Game: Feb. 3 vs. Grand Rapids Griffins, 7:05 p.m. The first 1,000 fans 21-and over will receive an IceHogs glass mug courtesy of Bud Light. All high school and college students with a valid student ID can purchase the best available seat for just $10 at the MetroCentre's Box Office up to one hour prior to the game with the WXRX Student Rush program.

HOGS POST 4-2 WIN, RAISE $8,970 FOR BREAST CANCER RESEARCH

HOGS POST 4-2 WIN, RAISE $8,970 FOR BREAST CANCER RESEARCH

The Rockford IceHogs dyed the MetroCentre ice pink for Friday's game against Peoria. (Photo by Greg Hamil)

Rockford improves to 3-2-1-1 against Peoria on the season with the win

Rockford, Ill.- It was Pink in the Rink but red in the eyes of the Rockford IceHogs as the squad rebounded from a difficult loss on Wednesday to take a 4-2 win over the Peoria Rivermen on Friday at the Rockford MetroCentre.

"It's a division game and nobody was happy with the way Wednesday went," said Rockford center Matt Keith. "It's all about how you come back and regroup. Tonight was a big win for us."

The Hogs raised $8,970 and the Rockford IceHogs Booster Club added an additional $1,000 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure's breast cancer research efforts as a part of the inaugural Pink in the Rink promotion.

After a scoreless first period, winger Jack Skille gave Rockford the 1-0 lead at 6:01 in the second. Kyle Greentree and Richard Petiot had the helpers. Greentree picked up his own rebound on a power play and then dished to Skille who beat Ben Bishop.

Chris Porter evened the score at one at 16:00 with assists from Ryan Reaves and Cam Paddock.

But Greentree took the lead right back with his team-leading 18th goal of the season at 16:45 when he grabbed the puck in front of the net and sent it home. Skille and Bracken Kearns were credited with the helpers.

Then Jonas Junland scored his 10th of the campaign at 18:54 to even the score again. Pascal Pelletier and Justin Fletcher had the assists.

In the third period, Jake Dowell tipped in a blast by Simon Danis-Pepin from the blue line at 3:14 to take the lead back. Brian Connelly also had an assist.

And Keith added an unassisted empty-net goal at 19:12 to finish off the Rivermen.

Corey Crawford was tested several times in the game including a big four-on-three penalty kill that lasted 1:54.

"He was just unreal," Keith said of Crawford. "He won us the game there in the third period on that four-on-three."

Both goalies put on a show in the game. Crawford was stellar with 27 saves in the win, while Bishop stopped 31 pucks in the loss. The Rivermen were 0-for-6 on the power play, and Rockford potted one goal in five tries.

Next Home Game: Feb. 3 vs. Grand Rapids Griffins, 7:05 p.m. The first 1,000 fans 21-and over will receive an IceHogs glass mug courtesy of Bud Light. All high school and college students with a valid student ID can purchase the best available seat for just $10 at the MetroCentre's Box Office up to one hour prior to the game with the WXRX Student Rush program.

BULLDOGS TAKE A BITE OUT OF ROCKFORD

Loss ends seven-game point streak and seven-game home point streak. (Photo by Greg Hamil)
01/27/2010 7:15 PM - Hogs outscored 8-0 by Hamilton in 2009-10

Rockford, Ill.- The Hamilton Bulldogs posted five unanswered goals to shut out the Rockford IceHogs in their only meeting of the season at Rockford MetroCentre on Wednesday.

"They're a different team," said Rockford defenseman Brian Connelly. "We haven't played a team with the kind of system they have played. We knew what we had to do, but it was a tough night."

Greg Stewart bounced the puck off the back of Corey Crawford from behind the net at 7:49 in the first period to give the Bulldogs the lead. Matt D'Agostini and P.K. Subban were credited with the assists.

The Bulldogs added a couple more goals in the second frame. Grant Stevenson sniped a shot past Crawford at 11:36. Tom Pyatt and Mike Glomac also registered assists on the play.

Then Brock Trotter took advantage of a good screen on Crawford to bury his 21st goal of the season at 13:29 with help from Subban and Shawn Belle.

"Both teams had chances," Connelly said. "But they capitalized and we didn't."

Trotter chased Crawford from the game at 1:26 in the third period with helpers from Max Pacioretty and David Desharnais.

Andrew Conboy finished off the Hogs as he slipped one by Joe Fallon at 14:15. Belle and Ryan Russell were credited with the helpers.

"We had to try to create more and toward the third period we were gettng more chances," Connelly said. "But you can't wait until it's 3-0 to start creating chances. We have to refocus tomorrow. We have two tough opponents this weekend."

Crawford stopped 17 in 41:26, while Fallon stopped nine of 10 shots in 18:34. Curtis Sanford gave Hamilton their eighth shutout of the year on 25 saves.

The Bulldogs did not have a single power play in the game, while Rockford was without a goal in three chances.

Next Home Game: Friday, Jan. 29 vs. Peoria Rivermen: Game time is 7:05 p.m. The Rockford IceHogs host the Peoria Rivermen on Pink in the Rink Night. Help the Hogs raise awareness for breast cancer with $1 from every ticket sold going to breast cancer research. The first 1,000 women into the MetroCentre will also pick up a special pink IceHogs t-shirt thanks to Rock Valley Federal Credit Union, 13 WREX and B103 FM.

HOGS KEEP ROLLING, BEAT GRIFFINS 5-2 AT HOME

Rockford improves to 5-0-0-1 against Grand Rapids in 2009-10

Rockford, Ill.- The Rockford IceHogs kept rolling with a 5-2 win over the Grand Rapids Griffins on Saturday at the Rockford MetroCentre. The victory extended the team's unbeaten streak to 6-0-0-1 over the last seven games.

It was Rockford's third straight win at home, extending their point streak to 5-0-0-1 at the Big Orange Box.

The Hogs took an early 3-0 lead, but then let the Griffins get back into the game in the second period. Bryan Bickell wristed the puck past Thomas McCollum at 5:55 in the first period off an Evan Brophey face-off win for Rockford's first goal.

Then in the second period, Bracken Kearns picked up a loose puck in front of the net and hammered it home at 2:51 to give Rockford a two-goal lead. Jack Skille added an assist.

And defenseman Jonathan Carlsson added a little more padding at 6:07 when he tickled the twine on a loose puck in the crease. Skille and Kearns picked up helpers on the play. It was Carlsson's first American Hockey League goal.

"It's always a special feeling to score," said Carlsson, who finished with a goal and +3 to be named the first star of the game. "But to do it in front of a big crowd like this is amazing."

The Griffins picked up their play in the second period and posted two late goals to make it 3-2 going into the second intermission.

Logan Pyett finished off a short-handed marker at 15:55 with a helper from Kris Newbury for Grand Rapids' first goal. Then John Vigilante slipped a goal under Corey Crawford at 16:41 to bring the game back within one. Evan McGrath had the helper.

"We lost a little bit of momentum in the second period there," Carlsson said. "But we picked it up again in the third. We did a good job of getting back. We knew we had to step up and I think everyone did."

In the third period, Matt Keith found Mark Cullen in the far circle from behind the net and Rockford's leading scorer flipped the puck over McCollum at 12:32 to give the Hogs a two-goal lead again.

Richard Petiot also was credited with a helper. The blueliner has a goal and five assists in the team's last six games.

Kyle Greentree finished off Grand Rapids with an empty-net goal, his team-leading 17th goal of the season, an empty net goal, at 18:51 to put the Hogs up 5-2. Keith and Cullen registered the assists. With the goal, Greentree extended his active point streak to seven games (5g-4a-9pts).

Crawford slapped away 28 shots in goal for the IceHogs to pickup his 10th win on the campaign while McCollum made 21 saves in a losing effort. With the win, Crawford improves to 4-1-1-0 since returning to the ice on Jan. 8.

Neither team could find the net on the power play, Rockford had four chances while Grand Rapids had just two.

Next Home Game: Wednesday, Jan. 27 vs. Hamilton Bulldogs. Game time is 7:05 p.m. The IceHogs take on the Bulldogs for the first and only time at the Rockford MetroCentre in 2009-10. It’s a Golden Goal Wednesday, so if the IceHogs score a goal with 9:10 left on the clock in the third period, one lucky fan will win $10,000. It is also WXRX Student Rush night, and all high school and college students with a valid student ID can purchase the best available seat for just $5 at the MetroCentre’s box office up to one hour before the game. $1 from each ticket sold will go to the Haiti relief efforts as well.

HOGS STAVE OFF THE RIVERMEN IN PEORIA

Photo by Sievers Photography
Flinn’s second period tally lifts the IceHogs

Peoria, Ill.- Apparently the fifth time is a charm for the Rockford IceHogs. The IceHogs knocked off the Peoria Rivermen 3-2 in their fifth and final regular season trip to Carver Arena in 2009-10.

With the win, Rockford extended their point streak to six straight games (5-0-0-1), and grabbed a share of first place in the AHL’s West Division for the first time this season.

Kyle Greentree got Rockford off to a quick start on Friday. Greentree fired home his team-leading 16th goal of the season 1:19 into the opening frame to put Rockford up 1-0. Greentree’s marker was set up by Bracken Kearns and Richard Petiot.

Akim Aliu later put Rockford up 2-0 when he swiped home his eighth goal of the season at 8:11. Aliu picked up his own centering pass that was blocked back to him and buried the goal. Petiot and David Phillips assisted the marker.

Peoria got on the board at 15:48 of the first stanza. Steve Wagner’s blast deflected off of the glove of Corey Crawford and into the Rockford net making it 2-1. Pascal Pelletier and Justin Fletcher chipped in helpers.

Then the Rivermen tied the game with one-second left in the first period. Lars Eller picked up a blocked Wagner drive and flipped in his seventh goal of the campaign at 19:59.

In the second period, IceHogs winger Ryan Flinn tallied the only marker of the frame to put Rockford back on top 3-2. Camped our in front of Hanu Toivonen, Flinn redirected a Simon Danis-Pepin pass over the shoulder of the Peoria goaltender and in for his second goal of the second at 9:28

That’s all that Crawford and the IceHogs needed as they held Peoria off the board the rest of the way. The Hogs puck stopper turned away 22 Peoria shots to pick up the win, The IceHogs peppered Toivonen with 29 shots and he stopped 26 in the loss.

Power plays were a non-factor as the IceHogs went 0-3 and Peoria skated on only eight seconds of power play time and went 0-1.

Next Home Game: Saturday, Jan. 23 vs. Grand Rapids Griffins: The Hogs welcome the Grand Rapids Griffins into the Rockford MetroCentre for a 7:05 p.m. start. The first 2,500 fans will pick up an IceHogs fleece blanket thanks to Lonnie’s Carpet Max.

DOWELL’S THIRD PERIOD TALLY LIFTS ROCKFORD

Photo by Mark Newman
Hogs head into break on a five-game point streak

Grand Rapids, Mich.-Tired, beat up and in desperate need for a break, the Rockford IceHogs outlasted the Grand Rapids Griffins 4-3 on Sunday at the Van Andel Arena. Rockford heads into a much needed AHL All-Star Break with the most games played (47) in the league and finished off eight games in 12 days with a record of 5-2-0-1.

Tied 3-3 in the third period, center Jake Dowell put Rockford up midway through. Dowell picked up a Danny Bois shot and shoved in his fourth goal of the season past Daniel Larsson for the eventual game-winning tally at 10:02. It was the only blemish on Larsson’s record on Sunday as he replaced Jordan Pearce after the first period and turned away 26 of 27 Rockford shots faced.

The first 7:27 of the opening frame Sunday featured four goals. Michael Nylander began the scoring just :51 into the contest when he knocked a Mattias Ritola pass past Joe Fallon for his second goal of the season.

Mark Cullen tied it when he redirected a Brian Connelly blast from the point on the power play at 4:02 of the opening frame. Kyle Greentree also assisted on the goal. Jack Skille then gave Rockford the 2-1 lead he beat Pearce five-hole for his 15th goal of the season set up by Bracken Kearns and Richard Petiot at 6:06.

Grand Rapids responded when Kris Newbury picked up a funny bounce in the Rockford zone and slipped his eighth goal of the season past Fallon at 7:27.

Just before the first intermission, Greentree picked Pearce’s pocket behind the Griffins goal and wrapped his 15th goal of the season into the open Grand Rapids net unassisted at 19:56.

Jakub Kindl tied the game at 3-3 in the second period with a blast from the point. Kindl picked up a Francis Pare pass at the left point and snuck his third goal underneath the cross bar at 11:31.

The IceHogs (1-6) netted the only power-play goal of the game while holding the Griffins (0-3) at bay. Rockford outshot the Griffins 41-30 in the contest and with the win, the IceHogs have now picked up points in five straight games (4-0-0-1).

Next Home Game: Saturday, Jan. 23 vs. Grand Rapids Griffins. Game time is 7:05 p.m. The IceHogs welcome the Griffins back to the MetroCentre for the second time this season. The first 2,500 fans into the building will receive an IceHogs fleece blanket courtesy of Lonnie’s Carpet Max. Fans are also encouraged to bring their skates to skate with the Hogs after the game.

CRAWFORD SOLID, BUT HOGS FALL IN SHOOTOUT

Rockford runs point streak to four games

Peoria, Ill.- Shootouts have not been kind to the Rockford IceHogs in 2009-10. That trend continued on Saturday night as the IceHogs fell in Peoria 4-3 in extra hockey despite 37 saves by Corey Crawford.

Rockford jumped out to a 2-0 on Saturday with a pair of power-play goals in the first period. Bracken Kearns put the IceHogs on the board when he jammed home a rebound past Hannu Toivoven off of a Jack Skille shot at 10:33. Kyle Greentree also figured in with an assist.

Later in the first Matt Keith finished off a feed from Pete MacArthur in the slot, shelving his ninth goal of the season on the advantage at 15:55. Bryan Bickell also assisted on the goal.

Peoria got a goal back before the first intermission. Derek Armstrong picked up a loose puck that was blocked by Bickell off of a Jonas Junland slapshot and found the back of the IceHogs net at 19:00 for his seventh goal of the season.

Evan Brophey extended the IceHogs lead to 3-1 at 6:02 of the second period. Brophey knocked down a Rob Klinkhammer centering pass and fired home his eighth goal of the season past Toivonen.

But the Rivermen came storming and tied the game heading into the second break. Yan Stastny closed the gap to 3-2 when he shoved a power-play tally under Crawford at 11:33 of the middle period.

Then Armstrong tied the contest with his second marker of the night. Armstrong cashed in when Julian Talbot found him wide open in the slot and the veteran winger made it 3-3 at 16:01.

A scoreless third period sent the game into overtime and eventually into the shootout. Rockford nearly put up the game away late in the third however, but Brophey was denied in the open net by Toivonen while the IceHogs were shorthanded.

In the shootout Nicolas Drazenovic (second round) and Pascal Pelletier (fifth round) scored for Peoria while Akim Aliu tallied Rockford’s only shootout marker in round four. Rockford has now just scored five times in 24 shootout chances and their record dropped to 1-3 in the extra session.

Toivonen made 31 saves to earn the shootout win. Rockford’s power play finished 2-4 while the Rivermen converted one of four power play chances.

Next Home Game: Saturday, Jan. 23 vs. Grand Rapids Griffins. Game time is 7:05 p.m. The IceHogs welcome the Griffins back to the MetroCentre for the second time this season. The first 2,500 fans into the building will receive an IceHogs fleece blanket courtesy of Lonnie’s Carpet Max. Fans are also encouraged to bring their skates to skate with the Hogs after the game.

ROCKFORD SENDS HOUSTON PACKING WITH A 5-1 WIN

Hogs improve to 4-2-0-0 against Houston in 2009-10

Rockford, Ill.- The Rockford IceHogs came out swinging, putting up two goals in the first minute of the game against the Houston Aeros on Friday at the Rockford MetroCentre. The IceHogs posted a 5-1 win enroute to a three-game sweep of the Aeros over six days.

"I think that game on Sunday was huge for us," said center Bracken Kearns. "You don't want to go on a trip like that and lose all three. That win gave us some confidence going into this week. We've been pretty focused after Christmas and hopefully we can keep this going."

The Hogs jumped to an early lead thanks to two goals in the first minute of play.

Mark Cullen tipped in a Pete MacArthur pass on a breakaway at :24 to give the IceHogs an early lead. Matt Keith also added an assist.

Then Jack Skille drove Wade Dubielewicz from the game at :51 with a wrister from the deep slot. Brian Connelly and Kyle Greentree assisted on the Skille goal.

It's the fastest the IceHogs have gone up 2-0 in the IceHogs AHL era.

Then it was Greentree's turn at 15:43. The winger took a pass from Bracken Kearns from behind the net and shook the cage to put the Hogs up 3-0.

The IceHogs posted a goal in their only shot of the second period. Richard Petiot found the back of the Houston net on the power play with a wrap-around poke at 13:52 to make it 4-0. Cullen and Simon Danis-Pepin registered the assists.

In the third, Jamie Fraser scored his second of the season and second against the IceHogs in 2009-10 at 10:57 to break up Corey Crawford's shutout bid on a blast from the top of the far circle. J. P. Testwuide and Trent Campbell had the helpers.

"It's a tough thing once you gain that lead to keep pressing," said Kearns. "Teams tend to stay back a bit and become concerned about defense. I think our team is getting there and getting better. Like Bill Peters said, we're a good team, but we have a chance at getting better."

But the IceHogs took it back at 19:44 when Akim Aliu planted an unassisted goal into the empty net.

"I didn't think we played that great, but Crawford was outstanding," Kearns said. "He made some great saves for us. We're finding ways to win in games that we might have lost in the beginning of the year."

Rockford finished 1-for-4 on the power play and kept the Aeros scoreless on five attempts. Crawford was stellar in net, posting several highligh-reel saves and stopping 34 saves in his third straight win. Dubielewicz took a loss with one stop in :51, while Anton Khudobin had 14 saves in 57:04.

Next Home Game: Saturday, Jan. 23 vs. Grand Rapids Griffins. Game time is 7:05 p.m. The IceHogs welcome the Griffins back to the MetroCentre for the second time this season. The first 2,500 fans into the building will receive an IceHogs fleece blanket courtesy of Lonnie’s Carpet Max. Fans are also encouraged to bring their skates to skate with the Hogs after the game.

HOGS TAKE 3-2 WIN OVER HOUSTON IN FRONT OF SELL OUT

Rockford, Ill.- The Rockford IceHogs held on for a 3-2 win over the Houston Aeros on Wednesday at the Rockford MetroCentre and kept a stranglehold on third place in the West Division with their second straight win over the Aeros, who trial them in the standings by three points.

"You always want to jump on a team early," said defenseman Mike Brennan. "You always want to get on them early and we were able to do that tonight.

"The whole division is close and points in this division are pretty important."

Kyle Greentree fed Jack Skille to finish off a perfect give-and-go play at 4:15 in the first period to put the Hogs up 1-0. The IceHogs improved to 20-5-1-1 this season when they have buried the first goal.

Rob Klinkhammer added some insurance at 11:51 in the second period on a greasy goal in front of the net. Jake Dowell flipped a puck in front that deflected off of Klinkhammer's chest and past Anton Khudobin. Richard Petiot was also given a helper.

"We beared down a lot on the chances we had -- systematically that was one of our keys," Brennan said. "We needed to execute our system thoroughly and I think we did that tonight."

Chad Rau got the goal back for Houston at 15:37 on the power play off of helpers from Danny Irmen and Jamie Fraser.

"One of their goals was 6-on-5 and one was 5-on-4," Brennan said. "So 5-on-5 we were pretty thorough and I think that's how we're going to win games."

But then Evan Brophey potted his seventh goal of the season with seconds left on the clock to put the Hogs back up by two going into the final frame. Pete MacArthur and Akim Aliu were credited with the assists.

The third period was quiet until 17:36 when Maxim Noreau netted his tenth goal of the season. The shot was originally called a no goal, but later changed when the referee ruled the puck went through the net. Jean-Michel Daoust and Jon DiSalvatore assisted on the play

The Aeros went 1-for-5 on the power play while Rockford was shut out in four opportunities against one of the league's best penalty kills.

Corey Crawford picked up a win on 24 saves in his first game at the MetroCentre since Nov. 13. Khudobin had 18 saves in the loss.

Next Home Game: Friday, Jan. 15 vs. Houston Aeros. Game time is 7:05 p.m. Come early as the first 1,500 kids 14-and-under will receive an IceHogs Youth Jersey courtesy of Feldco, ESPN Radio 1380 and FOX 39. The game starts at 7:05 p.m. and is the fourth contest in eight days against the Aeros.

PHILLIPS RECALLED FROM TOLEDO

Rockford, Ill.- The Rockford IceHogs recalled defenseman David Phillips from the ECHL’s Toledo Walleye, Chicago Blackhawks General Manager of Minor League Affiliations Mark Bernard announced on Monday.

Phillips, 22, made his North American debut with the IceHogs on Oct. 4 against Peoria and has skated in 21 games for Rockford this season. He scored one assist and recorded 13 penalty minutes. In six games with the Toledo Walleye, has tallid two points (1g-1a), two penalty minutes and a plus/minus rating of -5. His first professional goal in North America came with the Walleye on the power play against the Charlotte Checkers.

The Beverley, England native appeared in 257 professional games with the Hull Stingrays (BNL/EPL/EIHL) and Belfast Giants (EIHL) before signing with Rockford on July 28, 2009.

Next Home Game: Wednesday, Jan. 13 vs. Houston Aeros: Game time is 7:05 p.m. The IceHogs’ set of three straight against the Houston Aeros continues as the two teams meet up in front of a sold-out Rockford MetroCentre. WIFR bought all of the tickets to the game and distributed them for free to IceHogs fans through WIFR.com. It’s also a Golden Goal Wednesday, so if the IceHogs score a goal with 9:10 remaining on the clock in the third period one lucky fan will win $10,000

HOGS STUMBLE IN TEXAS, PICK UP 2 OT WINS IN WEEK 15

Rockford continues Houston-heavy schedule, then hits the road again

Week 15 Recap
The Rockford IceHogs posted two wins off of some late-game heroics in Week 15, but also dropped two in Texas on their second trip to the Lone Star State in 2009-10. The Hogs continue their set of three games against Houston at home on Wednesday and Friday in Week 16 and then hit the road again for contests in Peoria and Grand Rapids.

Week 15 Results
Wednesday, Jan. 6: Toronto 3 vs. Rockford 4 OT
Friday, Jan. 8: Rockford 3 at Houston 5
Saturday, Jan. 9: Rockford 1 at San Antonio 2
Sunday, Jan. 10: Rockford 2 at Houston 1 OT

Week 16 Schedule
Wednesday, Jan. 13 vs. Houston, 7:05 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 15 vs. Houston, 7:05 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 16 at Peoria, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 17 at Grand Rapids, 3 p.m.

Bacon Bits:
-Mark Cullen had a five-game assist streak (7a) come to an end on Sunday, matching Brian Connelly and Jack Skille for the longest assist streak of the season.

-Goalie Corey Crawford returned to the lineup on Friday after missing 22 games due to a lower-body injury.

-Crawford ended a personal six-game road winless streak dating back to Oct. 14 in the IceHogs 2-1 overtime win on Sunday by making 26 saves.

-The win in Houston on Sunday is his first road win since Oct. 10 in Lake Erie.

-Joe Fallon became the first goalie in Rockford history to face two penalty shots when he denied San Antonio’s Brett MacLean on Saturday.

-Fallon also stopped Texas’ Raymond Sawada’s penalty shot attempt on Nov. 21.

-Skille also attempted a penalty shot for Rockford on Friday, making it the first time in Rockford history that two straight games featured a penalty shot.

-The IceHogs last three wins came in overtime over a stretch of six games.

-Prior to Rockford’s overtime win on Dec. 31 against Houston, the IceHogs had won just one overtime game in their previous 131 regular season contests.

-Rockford played just four overtime/shootouts in their first 37 contests in 2009-10.

-Four of Rockford’s last six games have gone to either overtime or the shootout.

-Center Matt Keith's six-game point streak (4g-2a) came to an on Sunday in Houston

-It was the second longest streak for an IceHogs player this season

Hot Hog Week 15:

Winger Kyle Greentree notched goals (3g-1a) in Rockford’s two overtime wins in week 15. Greentree tallied two markers in Rockford’s 4-3 overtime win against Toronto on Wednesday. Then after being held scoreless by Houston and San Antonio on Friday and Saturday, Greentree came back on Sunday to chip in the game-tying goal and record an assist on the game-winning marker in the IceHogs 2-1 overtime win against Houston.

Upcoming Games:
Wednesday, Jan. 13 vs. Houston Aeros: Game time is 7:05 p.m. The IceHogs’ set of three straight against the Houston Aeros continues as the two teams meet up in front of a sold-out Rockford MetroCentre. WIFR has bought all of the tickets to the game and has distributed them for free to IceHogs fans through WIFR.com. It’s the fifth of eight meetings on the season and second of four at the MetroCentre. It’s also a Golden Goal Wednesday, so if the IceHogs score a goal with 9:10 left on the clock in the third period, one lucky fan will win $10,000.

Friday, Jan. 15 vs. Houston Aeros: The IceHogs and Aeros finish off their series of games at the Rockford MetroCentre at 7:05 p.m. The first 1,500 kids 14 and under will pick up an IceHogs Youth Jersey thanks to Feldco, Rock Valley College and WXRX.

Saturday, Jan. 16 at Peoria Rivermen: Rockford hits the road for their final two games before the all-star break, the first being a stop in Peoria to play the Rivermen. The puck drops at 7:30 p.m. It is the fifth of eight meetings between the two teams and first since Oct. 24, 2009.

Sunday, Jan. 17 at Grand Rapids Griffins: The IceHogs head into the all-star break after a game against the Grand Rapids Griffins at Van Andel Arena at 3 p.m. It is the fourth of eight meetings on the season and third of four in Michigan.

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 $7, 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.

No Bud Light Hog Talk Tonight At Cousin’s Bar and Grill:
Bud Light Hog Talk returns after the all-star break on Jan. 25. Join WXRX’s Jim Stone from 6-7 p.m. at Cousin’s Bar and Grill as he chats with IceHogs coaches, players and front office staff. Cousin’s is located on the corner of East State St. and Perryville in Rockford. So stop by 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.

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 2009-10 season. Tickets can also be purchased in person at the Rockford MetroCentre Box Office in downtown Rockford, at Hog Headquarters inside Cherryvale Mall or on the Web at www.metrocentre.com. Tickets start at just $10.

BRENNAN PUSHES ROCKFORD OVER HOUSTON

Photo by Jason Villanueva
D-man’s second career goal wins it for IceHogs

Houston, Tex.- Coming into Sunday’s game against the Houston Aeros, the Rockford IceHogs had as many wins in the state of Texas (1-4-0-0) in 2009-10 as Mike Brennan had career goals (1). Brennan though changed both of those trends as he scored an overtime game-winner to lead the IceHogs over Houston 2-1.

Kyle Greentree circled the Aeros zone midway through the overtime and dished off to Brennan at the point. The second-year defenseman then slapped his second goal of the season off of the top of Wade Dubielwicz’s stick and in for the game-winner 3:21 into the extra session.

Jean Michel Daoust struck for his third goal of the season against Rockford in the first period and 14th overall to open the scoring. Daoust snuck behind the IceHogs defense and batted a Chad Rau rebound out of mid-air and past Corey Crawford at 4:28.

Greentree evened the game at one finishing off a three-on-two rush with Akim Aliu and Bracken Kearns. Aliu found Greentree on the left side of the Aeros zone and the winger snapped off his 13th goal of the season at 3:57 of the middle frame.

Crawford ended a personal six-game road winless streak dating back to Oct. 14 by making 26 saves. Rockford peppered Dubielwicz with 31 shots and the Aeros backstop turned away 29 of them.

Power plays were a non-factor as Rockford finished 0-6 and the Aeros 0-2. The win was just the third on the season for Rockford within the West Division. The IceHogs are 3-10-1-1 against its own division away from home.

Next Home Game: Wednesday, Jan. 13 vs. Houston Aeros. Game time is 7:05 p.m. It’s the second ever WIFR Sell Out Night when the IceHogs take on the Aeros for a fourth time this season and second in Rockford.

The IceHogs then return home on Friday, Jan. 15 to take on the Aeros at 7:05 p.m. The first 1,500 fans will pick up an IceHogs Youth Jersey courtesy of Feldco Windows and Doors.

FALLON’S EFFORT NOT ENOUGH IN SAN ANTONIO

Photo by Kris Grey
Goalie makes 36 saves in 2-1 loss

San Antonio, Tex.- A solid performance by Joe Fallon wasn’t enough for the Rockford IceHogs on Saturday as the San Antonio Rampage slipped by the IceHogs 2-1 at the AT&T Center. Fallon made 36 saves, including 32 in the first two periods, but Rockford generated just one-goal while dropping their second straight on a three game Texas trip.

Matt Keith extended his season-long point streak to six straight games with a goal in the opening frame. Mark Cullen forced a turnover in the San Antonio zone, knocked the puck over to Keith who worked around Josh Tordjman at 9:34 for his eighth goal of the season.

San Antonio then tied the game with a power-play goal at 13:28. Kyle Turris slapped his tenth goal of the season past Fallon off of a Shaun Heshka pass.

After a scoreless second period San Antonio claimed their first lead of the night early in the third. MacGregor Sharp beat Fallon short-side 2:43 into the final frame for his fourth goal of the season and the eventual game winner.

That’s all that San Antonio needed as they locked down the IceHogs the rest of the way, including the game’s final 90-seconds with Fallon on the bench in favor of the extra attacker.

Rockford’s power play went 0-5 while San Antonio converted 1-2. The game marked the second straight 2-1 loss against San Antonio for Rockford, the last coming on Dec. 19 at the Rockford MetroCentre.

Next Home Game: Wednesday, Jan. 13 vs. Houston Aeros. Game time is 7:05 p.m. It’s the second ever WIFR Sell Out Night when the IceHogs take on the Aeros for a fourth time this season and second in Rockford.

The IceHogs then return home on Friday, Jan. 15 to take on the Aeros at 7:05 p.m. The first 1,500 fans will pick up an IceHogs Youth Jersey courtesy of Feldco Windows and Doors.

Game Note: For the second straight game there was a penalty shot, this time from San Antonio. Brett MacLean was turned away on his attempt on Joe Fallon at 4:18 of the second period. Jack Skille attempted a penalty shot on Friday in Houston and was unsuccessful.

BOUNCES ELUDE ICEHOGS IN HOUSTON

Photo by Jason Villanueva
Hogs open Texas trip with 5-3 loss

Houston, Tex.-Corey Crawford made his return to the Rockford IceHogs net on Friday night and Lady Luck was not on his side. The IceHogs fell 5-3 to the Houston Aeros at the Toyota Center and three of the five Aeros goals deflected off of IceHogs players and into the IceHogs goal.

Houston jumped on the board first on Friday. Defenseman Jamie Fraser wristed a shot from the point and it deflected off of IceHogs center Jake Dowell and past Crawford at 10:57. Colton Gillies and Duncan Milroy assisted on Fraser’s first goal of the season.

Jack Skille evened the game at 1-1 in the second period. Skille redirected a Brian Connelly pass past Wade Dubielwicz for his 12th goal of the season at 9:20. Mark Cullen also helped on the goal.

The Aeros reclaimed the lead off of another deflection off an IceHogs player. Jean Michel Daoust wristed a shot from on top of the left face off circle and the floater hit Rockford defenseman Simon Danis-Pepin and hopped past Crawford at 17:34. The goal was Daoust’s 13th of the season and was assisted by Chad Rau.

In the third period Rockford tied the game at 2-2 with a power-play goal at 5:17. Bryan Bickell finished off a solid power play effort when he potted his eighth goal of the season short side on Dubielwicz, helped by Connelly and Matt Keith.

But Houston would later rattled off three straight markers to break open the game. Jon DiSalvatore put the Aeros back on top when he dumped in a rebound off of a Cody Almond shot at 9:58. Then Peter Kalus capitalized on a breakaway at 12:00 when a puck hopped over the stick of Daryl Boyle, burying the eventual game-winning goal.

The bad hops continued for Crawford and the IceHogs as Matt Kassian was given credit for his first goal of the season at 15:16. Kassian’s pass from below the left face off dot deflected off of Cullen’s stick and up and over Crawford making it 5-2 Aeros.

Rob Klinkhammer closed the gap to two at 19:23 when he swiped a rebound in for his sixth goal of the season at 19:23, set up by Evan Brophey and Danis-Pepin. That was all Rockford could muster and they fell in Houston for a second time this season.

The IceHogs did outshot the Aeros 37-30 in the game, but Dubielwicz outdid Crawford making 34 saves in earning the win. Both power plays cashed in as well as Rockford went 1-3 and the Aeros finished 1-4.

Next Home Game: Wednesday, Jan. 13 vs. Houston Aeros. Game time is 7:05 p.m. It’s the second ever WIFR Sell Out Night when the IceHogs take on the Aeros for a fourth time this season and second in Rockford.

The IceHogs then return home on Friday, Jan. 15 to take on the Aeros at 7:05 p.m. The first 1,500 fans will pick up an IceHogs Youth Jersey courtesy of Feldco Windows and Doors.

Game Notes: Jack Skille attempted Rockford’s first penalty shot of the season at 3:38 of the second period and missed on his attempt.

HOGS DROP MARLIES WITH BUZZER-BEATER IN OT

Photo by Greg Hamil
Hogs improve to 6-0-0-0 all time against Toronto

Rockford, Ill.- The Rockford IceHogs remain undefeated all-time against the Toronto Marlies with a buzzer-beating goal in overtime by captain Jake Dowell on Wednesday at the Rockford MetroCentre.

"It's Dowell and (Bracken) Kearns putting pucks on the net that normally don't go in, but I think it crawled up the goalie's stick and in," said Rockford's assistant coach Ted Dent. "Nine times out of 10 it won't go in, but it did. When you take pucks to the net that's what happens."

Kearns and Richard Petiot picked up the assists in Dowell's goal.

Kearns started the offensive see-saw in the first period, picking up a loose puck and feeding Kyle Greentree on a well-executed give-and-go to put the IceHogs up 1-0 at 14:51 in the first period. Brian Connelly was also credited with an assist.

At the end of a quiet second period, the Marlies tied it up with Kyle Calder's first goal of the season. The former Chicago Blackhawk slipped it past goalie Joe Fallon with an assist from Andre Deveaux at 19:08.

Things picked up in the final frame when the Marlies took the lead on Deveaux's tenth goal of the season 45 seconds into the third. Calder also registered his second point of the game on the assist.

"Sometime you don't play like you should and still pick up two points, but we'll take it," Dent said. "Hopefully we have more jump on Friday."

Moments later the Hogs tied it back up at 2-2 on the power play when Greentree tipped in another shot from Kearns at 2:05. Mark Cullen also recorded a helper on the play.

With less than nine minutes to play, the Hogs regained the lead with Matt Keith's seventh goal of the season and Cullen's second assist of the game at 7:45.

Toronto continued the back-and-forth affair, tying the game yet again at 15:44 on a shot sniped past Fallon from Tyler Bozak. Greg Scott and Ben Gordon recorded assists.

"We were happy to get the two points," Dent said. "It looked like it was going to a shootout and then it's anybody's game But we weren't that sharp tonight. We didn't use our speed and our skill like we should have against a team that was a little banged up."

Fallon turned away 17 of 20 shots for his eleventh win of the year, while Toronto goalie Joey MacDonald made 24 of 28 saves in the losing effort. The IceHogs were successful on their special teams, converting one of two power play chances and holding the Marlies 0-for-2 on the power play.

Next Home Game: Wednesday, Jan. 13 vs. Houston Aeros. Game time in 7:05 p.m. Rockford opens the first of two straight home games against the Aeros. WIFR has bought out the MetroCentre for the game and all fans can go to www.wifr.com to claim their voucher for up to four free tickets to the IceHogs-Aeros contest. All vouchers must be redeemed at the MetroCentre Box Office and it is strongly encouraged that fans do it before Wednesday's game. All fans in attendance can also register to win a pair of Blackhawks tickets. The tickets are good for the Blackhawks game on March 10 against the Los Angeles Kings.

HOGS POST ANOTHER COMEBACK, BUT FALL IN SHOOTOUT 5-4

Photo by Greg Hamil
Hogs drop to 2-0-0-1 against Grand Rapids in 2009-10

Rockford, Ill. - The Rockford IceHogs found themselves playing in extra hockey for the second straight game but couldn't come away with a victory, falling 5-4 to the Grand Rapids Griffins on Saturday at the Rockford MetroCentre.

The Hogs came from behind again to force overtime after seeing the Griffins score two straight to push the score to 4-3 in the second period.

Rockford matched Grand Rapids' fourth goal thanks to a power play goal from Kyle Greentree at 18:04 in the second period with helpers from Bracken Kearns and Mark Cullen.

Then after both teams locked down for the third period and overtime, Rockford sent out Kearns, Greentree, Rob Klinkhammer, Cullen and Jack Skille for the shootout but all were turned away by Grand Rapids goaltender Daniel Larsson. Jeremy Williams was the only one to tally for the Griffins as Michael Nylander, Francis Pare and Jan Mursak all took turns on Joe Fallon.

"It almost feels like when we play better teams, we're really going," said Kearns. "But then we have an ability to drop our game when the other team isn't going well."

The Griffins came into Rockford having dropped their previous five games.

Back in the first period, Grand Rapids took the early lead thanks to Mursak at 8:11, his 14th goal of the season, from Francis Lemieux and Andy Delmore.

Then the Hogs took advantage of a slumping Griffins' penalty kill by posting two power play goals in the first. Bryan Bickell scored his seventh of the season at 16:38 thanks to a dish from Adam Hobson. Mike Brennan also had an assist.

Kearns posted his eighth of the season in the final second of the period off of assists from Mark Cullen and Daryl Boyle.

The Griffins started off the second period strong with a marker from Pare at :35, picking up a rebound off a shot by Travis Ehrhardt.

But then Matt Keith posted his sixth of the season off a rebound from a Brennan shot at 3:19 to give Rockford the lead back. Brian Connelly also had an assist.

Grand Rapids evened the score again at three when Patrick Rissmiller deflected a puck into the net at 9:35, chasing Alec Richards from the game. The netminder finished with 14 saves on 17 shots.

Then Pare tallied his second of the game at 16:26 thanks to helpers from Andy Delmore and Nylander.

Then almost two minutes later, Greentree found the equalizer.

Larsson stopped 25 pucks including all five in the shootout, while Fallon had 19 saves in 35:25 in relief.

"He was really calm back there," Kearns said of Fallon. "He made some hard saves look pretty easy, but that's not to take anything away from Richie. We kind of hung him out to dry on some of those goals."

Rockford finished 3-for-8 on the power play and the IceHogs held one of the league's top power plays 0-for-5.

Next Home Game: Wednesday, Jan. 6 vs. Toronto Marlies. Game time is 7:05 p.m. The IceHogs take on the Marlies for the second and final time in 2009-10. It’s a Golden Goal Wednesday, so if the IceHogs score a goal with 9:10 left on the clock in the third period, one lucky fan will win $10,000. It is also WXRX Student Rush night, and all high school and college students with a valid student ID can purchase the best available seat for just $10 at the MetroCentre’s box office up to one hour before the game.

ALL-STARS SHINE LATE FOR THE HOGS IN 5-4 WIN

Hogs even season series with win

Rockford, Ill.- Mark Cullen tied the game with 4:39 left and then Jack Skille hammered home the game winning goal overtime in the Rockford IceHogs' 5-4 win over the Houston Aeros on Thursday at the Rockford MetroCentre.

Rockford's pair of all-star forwards Skille and Cullen showed why they were given the honor on Thursday with a combined five points in a come-from-behind win on New Year's Eve.

After a scoreless first period, Matt Keith knocked down a pass deep in Houston territory early in the second and dished to Rob Klinkhammer, who put a shot on goal. Adam Hobson picked up the rebound and put it in at 2:37 to put the Hogs up 1-0.

Then Jon DiSalvatore put home a rebound in front of Joe Fallon to even the score at one at 9:16, but the Hogs took the advantage back thanks to a tip-in from Jake Dowell at 12:14 on a Richard Petiot shot. Danny Bois also got an assist.

DiSalvatore got his second goal of the game on a power play at 13:35 to tie the score at two with helpers from Andy Hilbert and Jean-Michel Daoust. And then Chad Rau tippied in a Maxim Noreau drive at 15:36 to put Houston up 3-2.

Nathan Smith added another goal, slipping it under Fallon at 8:40 in the third frame to put the Aeros up even further.

Mike Brennan got it back to one at 10:00 in the third for Rockford. The assists came from Bracken Kearns and Skille. The goal was Brennan's first professional tally after 98 professional games.

"We got a good goal from Mike Brennan there and that gave us some momentum," Skille said. "We all knew his first goal was going to be a big goal for the team and he came up huge tonight."

Cullen tied the game at 15:21 with the IceHogs on a 5-on-3 power play. Cullen pounded in his team-leading 13th goal of the season from the deep slot. Skille and Pete MacArthur registered assists on the play.

"There is a reason why he's an all-star," said Skille of his teammate.

In overtime it was Skille's turn to prove why he deserves a trip to Portland in January. The winger slapped in a shot from the far circle to give the IceHogs a 5-4 win at 1:13 in overtime on the power play.

Rockford's two power play goals came on nine opportunities, while Houston was perfect in their two man advantage chances. Fallon stopped 14 of 18 shots in the overtime win, while Khudobin had 29 saves in the game.

Next home game: Saturday, Jan. 2 vs. Grand Rapids Griffins. Game time is 7:05 p.m. Cure your holiday hangover with the IceHogs as they open up the 2010 portion of the regular season. The game is one in a series of the “Go Green” initiative by the IceHogs, who will be giving away “Go Green” T-shirts made out of environmentally friendly material sponsored by BOB FM and WTVO.