MINK, RIVERMEN DEFLATE THE HOGS 6-3

By: Adam Weil

Photo by Greg Hamil Rockford, Ill.- A first period 4-1 deficit deflated the Rockford IceHogs as the Peoria Rivermen sailed past them, 6-3, Monday afternoon at the Rockford MetroCentre. Rockford battled back to pull within two in the third period and had a few opportunities to come even closer, but a late Peoria goal halted any comeback aspirations. Peoria jumped out to the early 1-0 lead.  Graham Mink converted on the power play, picking up a centering pass from T.J. Hensick and sending it to the back of the net at 3:48.  Adam Cracknell also factored in with a helper. Minutes later the Rivermen added to their lead to go up 2-0.  Ian Cole dished the puck to Mink on the right circle and he beat Alec Richards glove side at 7:44. The IceHogs answered back near the end of the first period to make it 2-1.  Ryan Potulny passed the puck up to Jeff Taffe in the neutral zone.  The Hogs had numbers as they crossed the blue line and Taffe netted his 18th goal of the season at 14:09. The one goal deficit didn’t last long for Rockford as Peoria converted on an opportunity to go back up two goals.  Chris Porter sent the puck to Dave Spina and he fired it on net. Richards turned it away but gave up a rebound and Nicholas Drazenovic who cleaned it up to make it 3-1 at 15:21. The Rivermen were not finished scoring in the first.  Hensick picked up the loose puck in the neutral zone and skated quickly down the left boards leaving everyone behind him.  Hensick cut into the slot and wristed one past Richards glove-side at 18:39 to make it 4-1. In the second period, Peoria picked up where they left off in the first.  Mink earned the hat trick after he redirected a Cole shot just eight seconds into a power play past Richards to put the Rivermen up 5-1 at 8:02.  Mark Cundari also assisted on the goal. The IceHogs opened the third period with a goal.  Brandon Pirri won a faceoff in the offensive zone and sent it back to Shawn Lalonde who sailed the puck across the blue line to Brian Connelly.  Connelly launched a 50-foot slap shot past Jake Allen at 1:25. The Hogs rally continued in the third period as they pulled within two.  Andy Bohmbach intercepted a Peoria pass in the neutral zone and fed it to Peter LeBlanc.  LeBlanc broke free and converted on the break-away opportunity to put the game at 5-3 at 11:12. Shortly after, Peoria ended Rockford’s comeback.  Mink picked up his fourth goal of the afternoon as he slipped the puck under Richards in a scuffle inside the crease.  Hensick and Adam Cracknell helped make it 6-3 at 14:04.  The goal came moments after Allen denied Rockford’s Igor Makarov on a breakaway attempt that would have made it a one-goal game. Richards stopped 32-of-38 while Allen picked up his 17th win of the season stopping 28 shots.  Peoria converted on 3-of-5 power play opportunities and Rockford couldn’t capitalize on any of their three attempts.  Jeff Taffe continued his season-high eleven-game point streak with a goal tonight giving him 6g-10a-16pts. Next Home Game: Game time is 7:05 p.m. Rockford returns home for their final home game for 14 days as the Admirals return to the MetroCentre. The IceHogs welcome hockey legend Bobby Hull to the MetroCentre presented by U.S. Cellular. Also on Saturday, the first 2,500 fans will receive an IceHogs jersey bag courtesy of Rockford Orthopedic, WTVO and BOB FM.

HOGS GRAB A WIN IN WEEK 20, SET FOR FIVE GAME WEEK

By: Mike Peck

Photo by Chris Jerina Rockford to play two of five contests in Week 21 on home ice Week 20 Recap After beginning the week with a win over the Peoria Rivermen, the Rockford IceHogs dropped a pair of tight ones against West Division foes in Week 20. Jeff Taffe remained hot, extending his point streak to a team season-high 10 games. The IceHogs open up their busiest week on Monday, the first of five games slated for Week 21. Week 20 Results                        Wednesday, Feb. 16: Peoria 1 vs. Rockford 2Friday, Feb. 18: Chicago 4 vs. Rockford 3   Saturday, Feb. 19: Houston 5 vs. Rockford 3 Week 21 ScheduleMonday, Feb. 21 vs. Peoria, 2:05 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 23 at Chicago, 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 25 at Peoria, 7:05 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 26 vs. Milwaukee, 7:05 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 27 vs. Houston, 5 p.m. Bacon Bits:         Forward Jeff Taffe is riding an IceHogs team season-high 10-game point streak entering Week 21, accumulating 5g-10a-15pts during his streak     The combination of Taffe, Ryan Potulny and Kyle Beach have combined to score 81.8% (9 of 11) of Rockford’s goals over the teams past five games     Over the past 11 tilts, the trio has accrued 61.5% (16 of 26) of the IceHogs goals     Potulny shows points in nine of his last 11 contests, totaling 7g-6a-13pts     Beach has notched seven points in his last seven games, chipping in 4g-3a     Rockford had their fourth sellout of the 2010-11 season on Saturday night and the team is averaging 5,115 fans over their past seven home games dating back to Jan. 22     Monday’s game is the first of five games during Week 21 for the IceHogs, the busiest week of the 2010-11 regular season     After Monday’s game against Peoria, the IceHogs will play nine of their next 10 games away from home running through March 11     Defenseman Brian Connelly matched an IceHogs season-low with a -4 in Rockford’s 5-3 loss to Houston on Saturday     Winger Kyle Hagel has moved into second place on Rockford’s career AHL penalty minutes list with 204 PIMs Hot Hog: Week 20 Jeff Taffe Left Wing For the third straight week, winger Jeff Taffe is Rockford’s Player of the Week nomination. The veteran forward chipped in points in all three games during Week 20, extending his team season-high point streak to 10 straight games. He also figured in on 75.0% of Rockford’s goals in Week 20. Taffe began the week with a goal against Peoria on Wednesday in Rockford’s 2-1 win over the Rivermen. Then on Friday, Taffe helped on all three of Rockford’s goals in a 4-3 loss against Chicago. Taffe completed Week 20 with two assists in a 5-3 loss against Houston. Upcoming Games: Monday, Feb. 21 vs. Peoria: The puck drops at 2:05 p.m. Rockford opens their busiest week of the 2010-11 regular season with an aftenoon tilt against Peoria on a Kids Day Game at the Rockford MetroCentre. Kids admission is just $5 and Kidcessions will be available including $1 hot dogs and soft drinks. The first 2,500 fans to the game will receive an IceHogs cereal bowl courtesy of General Mills and Q98.5 FM. Plus, don’t forget your skates as Monday is this season’s final Skate With The Hogs following the game. Wednesday, Feb. 23 at Chicago Wolves: Game starts at 7 p.m. Rockford returns to the Allstate Arena to take on the Wolves for a third time this season. The game is the seventh of 10 overall between the West Division rivals and Rockford will try to earn their second win in Rosemont this season. Friday, Feb. 24 at Peoria Rivermen: The puck gets on the ice at 7:05 p.m. Rockford pays their fifth and final visit to Carver Arena on the season as they take on the Rivermen for an ninth time this season. The game marks the third meeting between the clubs in 11 days. Saturday, Feb. 25 vs. Milwaukee Admirals: Game time is 7:05 p.m. Rockford returns home for their final home game for 14 days as the Admirals return to the MetroCentre. The IceHogs welcome hockey legend Bobby Hull to the MetroCentre presented by U.S. Cellular. Also on Saturday, the first 2,500 fans will receive an IceHogs jersey bag courtesy of Rockford Orthopedic, WTVO and BOB FM. Sunday, Feb. 26 at Houston Aeros: Faceoff is 5 p.m. Rockford’s only five-game week of 2010-11 concludes at the Toyota Center in Houston as the IceHogs open up a two game set agaisnt the Aeros. The game is the seventh of eight on the on the campaign between the two clubs and third of four in Houston. No Bud Light Hog Talk Tonight: No Bud Light Hog Talk this week at Swilligan’s Pub because of Monday’s game against Peoria. Swillgan’s Pub is located in downtown Rockford at 200 North Church St. and fans can join Mike Peck or Matt Prefontaine as they chat hockey with IceHogs players and coaches. Hog Talk returns on Monday, March 14. Once again this season, all fans that show up at Hog Talk will have an opportunity to sign-up to win some great prizes courtesy of the IceHogs. 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 in Rockford can tune in to Channel 57 for all the IceHogs hockey action at the MetroCentre this season. All Saturday home game will also be televised on My Network TV digital subchannel 17.2 along with Comcast and Charter Cable channel 16. The broadcast begins with the U.S. Cellular Pregame Show 30 minutes before the puck drops. Make sure to give your opinion during the Comcast Post-Game Call-In Show following each game at (815) 874-8255. Tickets Now On Sale! IceHogs individual game tickets are now on sale! Call (815) 968-5222 to reserve your seats for any IceHogs regular season game during the 2010-11 season. Tickets can also be purchased in person at the Rockford MetroCentre Box Office in downtown Rockford or on the Web at www.metrocentre.com. Tickets start at just $7.

HOGS HOLES TOO BIG TO OVERCOME

By: Matt Cashen

Photo by Chris Jerina Rockford, Ill.- Another deficit was too large to overcome for the Rockford IceHogs on Saturday night as they dropped a 5-3 decision to the Houston Aeros in front of a sold out Rockford MetroCentre. Houston started their attack at the midway point of the first period pushing pucks at will towards IceHogs goaltender Hannu Toivonen.  The constant barrage of shots proved to be costly leading to Houston's first goal at 11:16.  Shooting from the point Nate Prosser roped a shot down-low at the pads of Toivonen. With Toivonen positioned out past his crease he made the initial save but the rebound fell to his right where Jon DiSalvatore was camped out to place the puck in the back of net. Houston pulled to 2-0 when Carson McMillan fired a shot on Toivonen, the rebound found the left corner and while Toivonen went to get back in position Justin Falk beat him high with a wrister at 16:47. Colton Gillies picked up the second assist on the play. With Rockford trailing 2-0 and being outshot nearly 2-to-1 the Hogs desperately needed some momentum going into the second period and they would get it at 19:21 into the first period.  In the right corner Jeff Taffe gathered the puck and quickly sent a pass to Kyle Beach who was driving the net.  Beach continued until he found Ryan Potulny who snuck behind the defense and netted in a one-timer to cut the deficit to 2-1. Houston wouldn't back off, scoring just one minute into the second period.  Maxim Noreau's goal put the Aeros out front 3-1.  Assisting on the play was Drew Bagnall and Jarod Palmer. Rockford would answer just minutes later scoring at 4:29 to cut Houston's lead to 3-2.  Set up beneath the goal-line Mathis Olimb moved the puck to his near right over to the stick of Peter LeBlanc. LeBlanc wasted no time finding Brandon Pirri for the snipe one-timer past Matt Hackett. Rockford's play continued to pick up and at 5:50 into the third period as they would tie the game at 3-3.  Taffe picked the puck up behind the net and zeroed in on Beach sitting just to the right of the crease.  Taffe slipped a pass in tight where Beach was able to net the one-timer off the pad of Hackett into the net. Houston would regain the lead and go up 4-3 after a back-hand shot from Chad Rau rose over the glove of Toivonen at 9:57. Rau's goal was set up by Robbie Earl's initial shot that stuck up front off of the pads of Toivonen. Jed Ortmeyer iced the game when he outlasted a winded IceHogs unit and knocked in an empty net goal at 19:30 of the final frame. Toivonen took the loss after making 31 saves on the night while Hackett skated out of the MetroCentre with his second win in 10 days over the IceHogs after 22 blocks. Notes: Both teams went scoreless on the power-play. Jeff Taffe extended his scoring streak to ten games picking up two assists on the night. Next Home Game: Monday, Feb. 21 vs. Peoria Rivermen: The puck drops at 2:05 p.m. Monday is Kid's Day.  Kids tickets (14 and under) are just $5 and kidcessions are one dollar hot dogs and sodas.  The first 2,500 fans to the game will receive an IceHogs Cereal Bowl courtesy of General Mills and Q 98.5.

HOGS AND AEROS FINAL MEETING AT THE METROCENTRE IN 2010-11

By: Adam Weil

Photo by Greg Hamil Rockford, Ill.-  The Rockford IceHogs take on the Houston Aeros in the sixth of eight meetings between the two clubs in 2010-11 tonight at the Rockford MetroCentre at 7:05 p.m. The first 500 kids (14 and under) to the game will receive an IceHogs Youth Jersey compliments of Feldco, ESPN 1380 and WTVO. For tickets to the game, call (815) 968-5222, visit icehogs.com or stop by the MetroCentre Box Office, open noon-5 p.m. Tonight's game can be heard on 1330 AM, WNTA beginning at 6:35 p.m. with the U.S. Cellular Pregame Show.  The game can be seen in Rockford on Rockford's My Network TV on Comcast  and Charter Cable Channels 16 and Digital Sub-Channel 17.2 or on the web through icehogs.com. The IceHogs look for revenge against Houston after a 4-1 loss to the Aeros on Feb. 9.  Tonight's game will be the last time the Aeros visit the MetroCentre this season.  Rockford travels to Houston two more times.  Jeff Taffe had three assists in last nights contest versus Chicago continuing his season-high nine-game point streak.  Since Jan. 28, Taffe has compiled 5g-8a-13pts. Next Home Game: Monday, Feb. 21 vs. Peoria Rivermen: The puck drops at 2:05 p.m. Monday is Kid's Day.  Kids tickets (14 and under) are just $5 and kidcessions are one dollar hot dogs and sodas.  The first 2,500 fans to the game will receive an IceHogs Cereal Bowl courtesy of General Mills and Q 98.5.

WOLVES ESCAPE WITH A 4-3 WIN

By: Nate Haeni

Photo by Greg Hamil Rockford, Ill.- A three-goal second period was too much to overcome but the Rockford IceHogs made the Chicago Wolves earn a 4-3 win on Friday night at the Rockford MetroCentre. With the IceHogs trailing 4-1 entering the final frame, Rockford tallied twice on power plays to bring the game within reach. Midway through the final stanza Jeff Taffe picked up a loose puck, drove to the net and dished to Ryan Potulny to slap in his second goal of the night and 16th of the season to make it 4-2 at 9:56. Brandon Pirri chipped in with an assist. Then Drew McIntyre blocked a Brian Connelly shot but Kyle Beach was on the door step to pound in the IceHogs third power-play marker of the game at 13:17 in the third period. Taffe was also credited with an assist, his third of the game. After the goal, the IceHogs had the momentum but a late penalty ended Rockford's chance to complete the comeback despite chances when Alec Richards was pulled in favor of an attacker to make it even strength for the remaining minutes. The Hogs got on the board first as Potulny fired in his team-high ninth power-play marker of the season. Taffe pushed the puck up to Connelly and he dropped it off for a wide open Potulny to bury from between the hashes at 14:07 in the first period. The Wolves didn't let the lead last for long as they tied it up at 1-1 less than two minutes later. From behind the IceHogs net, Angelo Esposito found Ryan Garbutt by the left boards and he sent the puck to the back of the net at 16:05 in the first. Fredrik Pettersson was also credited with an assist on the play. Then Chicago took a 2-1 lead as Jason Krog blasted one by Richards to open the middle frame. Garbutt raced into the IceHogs zone and dropped off a behind-the-back pass to an open Krog to fire in from the top of the faceoff circle at 3:08. Late in the middle frame, the Wolves tacked on two more goals to extend their lead to 4-1. With Chicago on a power play, Andre Deveaux sent a pass to Andrey Zubarev and he ripped a shot to light the lamp and make it 3-1 at 18:59 in the second period. Jared Ross also factored in with an assist. As time was about to expire in the period Jaime Sifers fed Garbutt and he sent a puck in on Richards. Tim Miller was right in front of the IceHogs net and redirected the puck to the back of the net at 19:43 to give the Wolves a 4-1 lead. MacIntyre picked up his 10th win of the season turning away 29 shots on 32 attempts. Richards was handed a loss, stopping 24-of-28 chances. The IceHogs finished the night converting on 3-of-4 power play opportunities and Chicago cashed in on one of their three chances. Next Home Game: Saturday, Feb. 19 vs. Houston Aeros: The puck drops at 7:05 p.m. The First 500 kids to the game will receive an IceHogs Youth Jersey compliments of Feldco, ESPN 1380 and WTVO.

ICEHOGS UNVEIL 12TH ANNUAL JERSEY AUCTION THEME

By: Nate Haeni

Rockford, Ill. - On March 13 the Rockford IceHogs will suit up in special “protect and serve” jerseys to honor first responders. The jerseys were revealed at a press conference on Thursday at Lou Bachrodt Auto Mall. The IceHogs will don special black jerseys to recognize area first responders in the 12th annual jersey auction game. The concept and design of the logo and jersey were created by Mike Bunjan at bunjcreative.com. Immediately following the game on March 13, the team will hold a live auction on the ice where fans can bid on the jerseys. All proceeds from the jersey auction go to the IceHogs Charitable Foundation.  Some of the jersey auction beneficiaries include the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Boy Scouts and Girls Scouts of America, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Rockford and Jr. IceHogs. Last season, the generous IceHogs fans raised $29,865 at the Annual Jersey Auction and now have totaled $579,603 in 11 auctions since the team was founded in 1999, with all the proceeds staying in the Rockford community. In 2009-10 the IceHogs and IceHogs Charitable Foundation raised $110,953.60 for local and national non-profit causes and organizations. To go along with the live jersey auction, the night will also feature several silent auction items and a raffle for a customize-your-own jersey auction jersey. The IceHogs will battle their West Division rival Chicago Wolves in the afternoon contest at 4:05 p.m. on March 13 at the Rockford MetroCentre. The first 2,500 fans into the building will get a special jersey auction IceHogs t-shirt courtesy of Lou Bachrodt, Pepsi, Dental Dimensions, 13-WREX and B103-FM. For tickets to the game call (815) 968-5222, visit metrocentre.com or stop by the MetroCentre Box Office. Next Home Game: Friday, Feb. 18 vs. Chicago Wolves: The puck drops at 7:05 p.m. The First 1,000 fans to the game will receive an IceHogs poster courtesy of Comcast, Q 98.5 and Medicine Man.

KIDS WEEKEND WITH THE ICEHOGS AT THE METROCENTRE

By: Mike Peck

Scouts, Youth Jerseys and Kids Day all this weekend Rockford, Ill.-Kids are the theme of the weekend as the Rockford IceHogs play three home games in four days beginning on Friday night at the Rockford MetroCentre. Friday night is poster night for the first 1,000 fans as the IceHogs take on the Chicago Wolves at 7:05 p.m.  The poster is the fourth of five in the season series designed by Medicine Man and sponsored by Comcast and Q98.5. Scouts will take over the MetroCentre on Friday night with the annual scout lock-in. Scout Night at the MetroCentre will feature activities following the game include skating, broom ball and movies on the video board. The first 500 kids 14-and-under to the game on Saturday will receive an IceHogs Youth Jersey courtesy of Feldco Windows and Doors, ESPN Radio 1380 and WTVO-TV. Rockford will take on the Houston Aeros at 7:05 p.m. After an off day on Sunday, the IceHogs return to action on Monday for a Presidents Day matinee against the Peoria Rivermen at 2:05 p.m. Kids 14-and-under can get tickets for just $5 for Rockford’s annual Kids Day Game. The game will also feature Kidcessions as kids can pick up hot dogs and soft drinks for just $1.  The first 2,500 fans to the game on Monday will receive an IceHogs cereal bowl sponsored by General Mills and Q98.5. Also, don’t forget your skates as Monday is this season’s final “Skate With The IceHogs” following the game. For tickets to any upcoming IceHogs game, call (815) 968-5222, on-line through www.icehogs.com or in person at the MetroCentre Box Office, open noon-5p.m., Monday-Friday.

KISHWAUKEE STUDENTS “STICK TO READING” WITH THE ICEHOGS

By: Mike Peck

Students rewarded for reading program organized by Kyle Hagel Rockford, Ill.- Members of the Rockford IceHogs traded in skates for gym shoes and played a floor hockey game with the winning students from IceHogs’ winger Kyle Hagel’s “Stick To Reading “ program at Kishwaukee Elementary School. Hagel’s reading program included fourth and fifth graders at Kishwaukee Elementary School in Rockford and both grade levels featured a grand-prize winner while six others from each grade were rewarded for outstanding achievement in the reading program. The fourth grade Grand-Prize winner was Kalen Spates. The six other students who earned recognition included Dayshawn Rogers, Izaah Rhodes, Maddison White, Mark Yang, Isabella Adams and Justin Cruz. Hassan Jacobs was the Grand-Prize winner from the fifth grade level. Other winners from the fifth grade were Devon Sawtelle, Sydney White, Mareonna Carrington, Lanijah Hardgraves, Shakeita Jefferson and Anijah Hawkins. The Grand Prize winners received tickets to an upcoming IceHogs game, will receive a behind-the-scenes tour of the Rockford MetroCentre and will get an opportunity to meet some members of this year’s IceHogs team following the game. Hagel was joined by Garnet Exelby, Brian Connelly, Rob Klinkhammer, Brandon Bollig, Ryan Stanton, Ben Smith, Peter LeBlanc and Alec Richards in the floor hockey game. The reading program kicked off on Jan. 4 and students accumulated points for the amount of books read and the length of the books. Students who finished with the highest point total got to participate in the floor hockey game in front of their classmates. For more information about the IceHogs in the community, visit www.icehogs.com. Next Home Game: Friday, Feb. 18 vs. Chicago Wolves: The puck drops at 7:05 p.m. The First 1,000 fans to the game will receive an IceHogs poster courtesy of Comcast, Q 98.5 and Medicine Man.

HOGS STRIKE FIRST AGAINST THE RIVERMEN

By: Adam Weil

Photo by Greg Hamil Rockford, Ill.- The Rockford IceHogs lead the Peoria Rivermen 1-0 after the first period at the Rockford MetroCentre on Wednesday night. The IceHogs struck first on the power play.  Off the face-off from the right circle, the Hogs had a 5-on-3 for two seconds and Ben Smith dished it back to Jeff Taffe.  With the fourth skater for Peoria getting back on the ice, Taffe glided over the slot and hesitated to shoot before he blasted a snap shot past Ben Bishop for 1-0 lead at 7:02.  The Rockford IceHogs take on the Peoria Rivermen for the seventh of ten meetings between the two clubs in 2010-11 tonight at the Rockford MetroCentre at 6:35 p.m. Every Wednesday night is a Taco Bell Dollar Days as fans can purchase $1 Vienna Beef hot dogs, Pepsi Products, Bud Select Drafts and companion tickets. For tickets to the game, call (815) 968-5222, visit icehogs.com or stop by the MetroCentre Box Office open noon-5. Tonight's game can be heard on 1330 AM, WNTA and 1380 AM, WTJK beginning at 6:05 p.m. with the U.S. Cellular Pregame Show.  The game can be seen in Rockford on Comcast  Cable Channel 57 or on the web through icehogs.com. The IceHogs lost a 3-2 back and forth battle to the Rivermen at the Carver Arena on Jan. 25.  Forward Brandon Pirri netted both goals in the contest for Rockford, but a late third period surge and goal by T.J. Hensick gave Peoria the win. Jeff Taffe is riding a seven-game point-streak dating back to Jan. 28.  The center has 4g-5a-9pts during the streak. Next Home Game: Wednesday, Feb. 18 vs. Chicago Wolves: The puck drops at 7:05 p.m. The First 1,000 fans to the game will receive an IceHogs poster courtesy of Comcast, Q 98.5 and Medicine Man.

JERSEY AUCTION ANNOUNCEMENT ON THURSDAY

By: Mike Peck Hogs to hold press conference at Lou Bachrodt Auto Mall Rockford, Ill.- The Rockford IceHogs will unveil their 2010-11 Jersey Auction Theme at a press conference Thursday, Feb. 17 at Lou Bachrodt Auto Mall at 1:30 p.m. The press conference is open to the public.  Lou Bachrodt Auto Mall is located at 770 Cherryvale North Boulevard Rockford, IL 61112.  IceHogs forward Kyle Hagel will be in attendance as will Head Coach Bill Peters and Executive Director/GM of Rave Gordon Kaye. This year's auction game will be held on Sunday, Mar. 13 at 3:00 p.m. when the IceHogs take on the West Division rival Chicago Wolves.  The first 2,500 fans to the game will receive a Jersey Auction T-Shirt. The players will be wearing special themed jerseys during the game and after the game fans can participate in a live auction for the jerseys.  Jersey Auction Night is presented by the Lou Bachrodt Auto Mall, Dental Dimensions, Pepsi and the IceHogs Charitable Foundation. Last season, the generous IceHogs fans raised $29,865 at the Annual Jersey Auction and now have totaled $579,603 in 11 auctions since the team was founded in 1999.  Past theme's for the jersey auction included Phantom Regiment Hammy, Cheap Trick Hammy, Pirate Hammy, Dark Hammy and Elvis Hammy. In 2009-10 the IceHogs and IceHogs Charitable Foundation raised $110,953.60 for local and national non-profit causes and organizations. Additionally, IceHogs players, coaches, staff and mascot, Hammy Hog, made 174 visits to the community, including stops at several Rockford area schools, hospitals and youth hockey practices. For more information on upcoming games or events visit icehogs.com. Next Home Game: Wednesday, Feb. 16 vs. Peoria: The puck drops at 6:35 p.m. The IceHogs kickoff a four-game homestand against the Peoria Rivermen at the MetroCentre for the third of five matchups in Rockford in 2010-11. Wednesdays are Dollar Days as fans can enjoy dollar Bud Select Drafts, Vienna Beef Hot Dogs, Pepsi Products and companion tickets.

BLACKHAWKS RECALL LEDDY FROM ROCKFORD

By: Mike Peck

Photo by Jim Orlando Chicago, Ill.- The Chicago Blackhawks have recalled defenseman Nick Leddy from the American Hockey League’s Rockford IceHogs. Leddy, 19, has netted two goals in 18 games with the Blackhawks as well as 10 points (2G, 8A) in 22 AHL tilts with Rockford this season during his professional debut.  The Eden Prairie, Minnesota, native won a bronze medal with Team USA at the 2011 World Junior Championships in Buffalo, New York, in January collecting two assists and a +1 plus/minus rating in five contests. Next Home Game: Wednesday, Feb. 16 vs. Peoria: The puck drops at 6:35 p.m. The IceHogs kickoff a four-game homestand against the Peoria Rivermen at the MetroCentre for the third of five matchups in Rockford in 2010-11. Wednesdays are Dollar Days as fans can enjoy dollar Bud Select Drafts, Vienna Beef Hot Dogs, Pepsi Products and companion tickets.

ROCKFORD BEGINS HOME STAND WITH THREE GAMES THIS WEEK

By: Nate Haeni

Week 19 Recap The IceHogs came up short in Week 19, dropping all four contests in a busy week. The Hogs were able to pick up a point on Friday as they rallied from a 4-1 deficit to send the game into overtime, but Texas went on to win 6-5. The IceHogs begin a four-game home stand with three contests at the Rockford MetroCentre on the slate in Week 20. Week 19 Results                        Wednesday, Feb. 9: Houston 4 vs. Rockford 1 Friday, Feb. 11: Rockford 5 at Texas 6 OT Saturday, Feb. 12: Rockford 1 at Texas 2             Sunday, Feb. 13: Rockford 2 at Milwaukee 5 Week 20 Schedule Wednesday, Feb. 16 vs. Peoria, 6:35 p.m. Friday, Feb. 18 vs. Chicago, 7:05 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 19 vs. Houston, 7:05 p.m. Bacon Bits: -Forward Jeff Taffe notched a goal in Rockford’s 5-2 loss to Milwaukee on Sunday and extended his point streak to seven-straight contests -Taffe tied the team’s season-long point streak he set from Dec. 2 to Dec. 18, 2010. -Taffe earned his first recall of the season, winning two faceoffs and logging 4:05 of ice time in Chicago’s 3-2 shootout loss on Saturday -He became the 11th different IceHogs player recalled to Chicago this season -The IceHogs allowed five-first period goals to Milwaukee on Sunday, matching an IceHogs franchise record for most goals allowed in a single period. -The last time the IceHogs let in five goals in one period came on Jan. 7, 2009 in a 6-5 loss at Grand Rapids -Winger Igor Makarov flipped in his sixth goal of the season just 34-seconds into Friday’s tilt against Texas, marking the quickest strike of the season for Rockford -The IceHogs held Texas 1-for-7 on the man advantage on Saturday -The seven power plays against ties a season-high, set twice on Jan. 2 against Oklahoma City and Oct. 16 at Abbotsford -Rockford begins a four-game home stand on Wednesday and will have a busy stretch of hockey, playing 14 games in 25 days Hot Hog: Week 19 Jeff Taffe Left Wing Veteran forward Jeff Taffe continued his hot stretch and extended his point streak to seven-straight games, tying the team’s season long mark he set from Dec. 2 to Dec. 18, 2010. Taffe recorded four points (2g-2a) in three games for Rockford in Week 19 and leads the team with 35 points and 16 goals. The 29 year-old tallied a goal in Rockford’s 4-1 loss on Wednesday and had a marker on Sunday in the IceHogs 5-2 loss to Milwaukee. Taffe also added two helpers on Friday as the Hogs came up short, 6-5, in Texas. The Hastings, Minn. native also received his first recall of the season as he logged 4:05 of ice time in Chicago’s 3-2 shootout loss to Phoenix on Saturday. Upcoming Games: Wednesday, Feb. 16 vs. Peoria: The puck drops at 6:35 p.m. The IceHogs kickoff a four-game homestand against the Peoria Rivermen at the MetroCentre for the third of five matchups in Rockford in 2010-11. Wednesdays are Dollar Days as fans can enjoy dollar Bud Select Drafts, Vienna Beef Hot Dogs, Pepsi Products and companion tickets. Friday, Feb. 18 vs. Chicago Wolves: Game starts at 7:05 p.m. The Hogs take on the West Division rival Chicago Wolves at the MetroCentre for the sixth meeting in 2010-11. The first 1,000 fans into the building will get an IceHogs poster courtesy of Comcast. Saturday, Feb. 19 vs. Houston Aeros: Game time is 7:05 p.m. Rockford welcomes the Houston Aeros back to the MetroCentre for the final time in 2010-11. The IceHogs and Aeros will meet up two more times in Houston after Saturday’s tilt. The first 500 kids (14 and under) will get an IceHogs youth jersey compliments of Feldco, ESPN 1380 and WTVO.

SLOW START THROTTLES ROCKFORD IN MILWAUKEE

By: Mike Peck

Photo by Scott Paulus Rockford downed 5-2 against the Admirals Milwaukee, Wis.- For the second time in three games the Rockford IceHogs struggled to hold down an opponent in the first period. The Milwaukee Admirals put up five goals on the IceHogs in the opening frame on Sunday to pace them to a 5-2 win at the Bradley Center. Milwaukee snatched the early 1-0 lead on Sunday.  Chris Mueller followed a Matt Halischuk rebound and flipped in his 15th goal of the season 3:08 into the contest. The lead was extended to 2-0 at 7:29 when Alec Richards couldn’t locate a loose puck behind him. Milwaukee’s Mark Van Guilder cleaned up a loose puck sitting in the goal mouth for his fifth goal of the campaign. Mueller then added his second of the night, temporarily chasing Richards from the game, when he beat the goalie short-side at 14:56.  Van Guilder matched Mueller’s first period goal total when he buried his second goal of the game on a delayed penalty at 15:33. The hole grew deeper for Rockford as Milwaukee capitalized on the frames only power play. Jonathan Blum blasted his seventh goal of the season over Hannu Toivonen’s shoulder, sending him back to the bench, at 16:45. Rookie winger Kyle Beach put Rockford on the board at 17:45 of the opening period. Beach picked up a puck on the left wing and sniped his 11th goal of the season over the shoulder of Mark Dekanich. The five-first period goals allowed matched an IceHogs franchise record for most goals allowed in a single period. Jeff Taffe cut the deficit to three when he knocked in his own rebound at 15:31 of the second period. Brandon Pirri found Taffe streaking to the net and the winger potted his team-leading 16th goal of the season, extending his point streak to seven straight games. Richards was tagged with the loss after turning away 21 of 24 shots faced in the contest. Next Home Game: Wednesday, Feb. 16 vs. Peoria Rivermen: The puck drops at 6:35 p.m. The Peoria Rivermen return to the MetroCentre for the third time in 2010-11. Every Wednesday night is a Taco Bell Dollar Day as fans can purchase $1 Vienna Beef hot dogs, Pepsi Products, Bud Select Drafts and companion tickets.

TAFFE AND LEDDY ASSIGNED TO ROCKFORD

By: Mike Peck

Photo by Greg Hamil Chicago, Ill.- The Chicago Blackhawks have assigned defenseman Nick Leddy and forward Jeff Taffe to the American Hockey League’s Rockford IceHogs. Leddy, 19, has netted two goals in 18 games with the Blackhawks as well as 10 points (2G, 8A) in 22 AHL tilts with Rockford this season during his professional debut. The Eden Prairie, Minnesota, native won a bronze medal with Team USA at the 2011 World Junior Championships in Buffalo, New York, in January collecting two assists and a +1 plus/minus rating in five contests. Taffe, 30, made his Blackhawks debut in Phoenix on Saturday, winning two faceoffs and logging 4:05 of ice time. The Hastings, Minnesota, native leads Rockford with 15 goals, including a team-high seven power-play markers, and 34 points (15G, 19A) in 44 regular-season tilts this year. Next Home Game: Wednesday, Feb. 16 vs. Peoria Rivermen: The puck drops at 6:35 p.m. The Peoria Rivermen return to the MetroCentre for the third time in 2010-11. Every Wednesday night is a Taco Bell Dollar Day as fans can purchase $1 Vienna Beef hot dogs, Pepsi Products, Bud Select Drafts and companion tickets.

THIRD PERIOD SURGE NOT ENOUGH FOR ROCKFORD

By: Mike Peck

Hogs drop 2-1 decision to the Stars Cedar Park, Tex.- For the second straight night a one-goal game failed to swing the Rockford IceHogs way. Rockford fell 2-1 to the Texas Stars at Cedar Park Center on Saturday,  a night after dropping a 6-5 decision to the Stars in overtime. The Stars struck first on Saturday late in period one. Ondrej Roman one-timed a Maxime Fortunas pass from on top of the right faceoff circle and Brandon Segal tipped it through traffic and underneath Alec Richards at 19:50 for the 1-0 advantage. In the second period the Texas lead was extended to 2-0 with a power-play marker.  Roman’s cross-ice pass was deflected by IceHogs winger Rob Klinkhammer, but past Richards and in at 8:57. Penalties plagued Rockford in the middle frame as the Stars had seven straight power plays, including five that were counted in the second period alone. Two carried over to the third period.  Rockford played nearly seven-straight minutes of short-handed hockey in the period Rockford got a goal back in the third period as their power-play notched a tally for a fourth straight game. Shawn Lalonde’s blast from the point was redirected by Ryan Potulny past Richard Bachman and in for his 14th goal of the season at 5:56. That was all Rockford managed, however, as they couldn’t convert with the extra attacker on in the final minute. Rockford was outshot 26-24 in the contest and finished 1-5 on the power play while holding the Stars to 1-7 on the night. Next Home Game: Wednesday, Feb. 16 vs. Peoria Rivermen: The puck drops at 6:35 p.m. The Peoria Rivermen return to the MetroCentre for the third time in 2010-11. Every Wednesday night is a Taco Bell Dollar Day as fans can purchase $1 Vienna Beef hot dogs, Pepsi Products, Bud Select Drafts and companion tickets.

ROCKFORD’S LEADING POINT SCORER RECALLED

By: Mike Peck

Photo by Jim Orlando Taffe earns first recall of the season Phoenix, Ariz.-The Chicago Blackhawks announced on Saturday that the National Hockey League club has recalled forward Jeff Taffe from the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League. Taffe, 29, earns his first recall of the season to the Blackhawks. The Hastings, Minn. native currently leads Rockford with 35 points and 15 goals. Taffe is currently riding a six-game point streak (3g-4a), one shy of his team season-high seven-game streak set back in December. The winger skated in 21 games with the Florida Panthers last season accumulating a goal and an assist. Overall, Taffe has played in 174 career NHL contests and has accounted for 21g-23a-44pts between the Phoenix Coyotes, New York Rangers, Pittsburgh Penguins and Florida. The St. Louis Blues first round pick (#30 overall) in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft, Taffe has also played in 433 career AHL games, totaling 152g-191a-343pts. Taffe is expected to be in Phoenix tonight when the Blackhawks take on the Coyotes at 7 p.m. The winger is the 11th different IceHogs player recalled to Chicago this season, joining Evan Brophey, Jassen Cullimore, Rob Klinkhammer, Nick Leddy, Jeremy Morin, Ryan Potulny, Brandon Pirri, Ben Smith, Hannu Toivonen, Ryan Johnson. In other IceHogs news, winger Andy Bohmbach was recalled from loan from the ECHL’s Toledo Walleye. Bohmbach, 24, made his IceHogs debut last Friday and chipped in an assist. The rookie winger has played two games in Rockford. The Hudson, Wis. native paces the Walleye with 43 points on the campaign including 19g-24a. Bohmbach will not join the IceHogs until Sunday when they take on the Milwaukee Admirals at the Bradley Center at 5 p.m. Next Home Game: Wednesday, Feb. 16 vs. Peoria Rivermen: The puck drops at 6:35 p.m. The Peoria Rivermen return to the MetroCentre for the third time in 2010-11. Every Wednesday night is a Taco Bell Dollar Day as fans can purchase $1 Vienna Beef hot dogs, Pepsi Products, Bud Select Drafts and companion tickets.

WILD GAME GOES IN STARS FAVOR

By: Mike Peck

Photo by Ron Byrd Hogs battled back from 4-1 deficit in overtime loss Cedar Park, Tex.- A quick start, a first period collapse, a comeback, a late blown lead and a last second overtime loss. It was all in a night’s work for the Rockford IceHogs on Friday as they dropped a wild 6-5 contest to the Texas Stars in overtime at the Cedar Park Center. Rockford struck just 34-seconds into Friday’s tilt to take the 1-0 lead. Igor Makarov picked up a Jeff Taffe centering pass and flipped in his sixth goal of the season. The goal was the quickest strike of the season for Rockford. Texas, however, would explode for four first-period goals in the frames final 5:16. It started on the power play when Luke Gazdic redirected a Maxime Fortunas slapshot past Hannu Toivonen at 14:44. Michael Neal gave the Stars a 2-1 advantage when he picked up a Cody Chupp centering pass from behind the IceHogs net on the very next shift and buried his second goal of the year shortside at 15:18. Then Brad Lukowch would get in on the scoring. The veteran d-man followed a Texas rush at 18:58 and knocked in his second tally of the season.  The barrage ended at 19:51 when Chupp wristed a shot from the right face-off circle, off the post and then Toivonen’s back and into the net for a 4-1 Stars advantage. Rockford came storming back in the second period. Peter LeBlanc started the comeback when he notched a power-play goal off a Brandon Pirri rebound at 4:11 of the frame. Taffe set up the goal for his second helper of the night. Then at 9:17 of the second frame Ben Smith pulled Rockford within a goal. Ryan Potulny picked off a Trevor Ludwig pass in the deep slot and found Smith who knocked in his second effort past Brent Krahn for his seventh goal of season. Just over a minute later Rob Klinkhammer cleaned up a rebound to tie the game at 4-4. Kyle Beach’s off-angle shot found Klinkhammer on the doorstep and the winger shelved his seventh of the season at 10:24. Tied 4-4 near the midway point in the third period, Brandon Bollig snapped off his third goal of the season to give Rockford a 5-4 advantage at 9:02. Connelly, stepping on the ice after a line change, rushed up the right wall to hold the puck in. His hold found Kyle Beach who set up Bollig’s tally. The lead wouldn’t last though as the Stars tied the game at 13:59. After his penalty expired, Gazdic hopped out of the penalty box and his shot off the ensuing rush deflected off of Dan Spang and past Alec Richards for his sixth goal of the campaign. In overtime, Rockford took a too-many-men-on-the-ice penalty at with a 1:19 left in the frame and it would cost them. Texas moved the puck around the IceHogs zone and Greg Rallo would eventually rip home the game winner with 3.3-seconds remaining in overtime to win it for Texas. Richards was the tough-luck loser after making 14 saves. Krahn earned the win after turning away 29 Rockford shots. The IceHogs lost the special teams battle as the penalty kill allowed three power-play goals. Next Home Game: Wednesday, Feb. 16 vs. Peoria Rivermen: The puck drops at 6:35 p.m. The Peoria Rivermen return to the MetroCentre for the third time in 2010-11. Every Wednesday night is a Taco Bell Dollar Day as fans can purchase $1 Vienna Beef hot dogs, Pepsi Products, Bud Select Drafts and companion tickets.

Andy Bohmbach has been reassigned to the Toledo Walleye of the ECHL

By: Nate Haeni

Rockford, Ill.- The Rockford IceHogs announced on Thursday that winger Andy Bohmbach has been reassigned to the Toledo Walleye of the ECHL. Bohmbach skated in two games for Rockford, notching his first career point, an assist, in his first career AHL game. Before getting recalled to Rockford, Bohmbach led the Walleye with 40 points (18G, 22A) through 43 games played in his rookie season in 2010-11. His 18 goals also paced the way for the Walleye. The 23 year-old chipped in an assist for the ECHL All-Stars in the 2011 ECHL All-Star Classic. The rookie winger was undrafted and signed to an AHL contract with the IceHogs on July 21, 2010. The Hudson, Wisconsin native completed a four-year career at the University of Wisconsin where he compiled 54 points (20g-34a) in 116 games. Next Home Game: Wednesday, Feb. 16 vs. Peoria Rivermen: The puck drops at 6:35 p.m. The Peoria Rivermen return to the MetroCentre for the third time in 2010-11. Every Wednesday night is a Taco Bell Dollar Day as fans can purchase $1 Vienna Beef hot dogs, Pepsi Products, Bud Select Drafts and companion tickets.

FIRST THREE-IN-THREE STARTS TONIGHT IN TEXAS

By: Mike Peck Photo by Jim Orlando Hogs visit Cedar Park Center for the first time in 2010-11 Cedar Park, Tex.- Desperation is the word of the day and of the weekend for the Rockford IceHogs. Facing their first three-games in three-days, Rockford needs to string together some victories before falling too far out of the West Division playoff race. Tonight the IceHogs open a two-game set at the Cedar Park Center against the Texas Stars at 7:35 p.m. The game can be heard on 1330 AM, WNTA, on-line through wnta.com or on Comcast Cable channel-57 beginning at 7:05 p.m. with the U.S. Cellular Pregame Show. After playing the first three-games in the season series at the Rockford MetroCentre, the Hogs and Stars will match-up three times in suburban Austin beginning with two tilts this weekend. Rockford is 2-0-0-1 against the Stars this season and 4-1-1-1 against Texas is their last seven regular season meetings. Since climbing to a season-high three games over .500 on Jan. 17, the IceHogs have gone just 1-6-1-0 in the eight games since and are a distant 17 points out of a potential playoff spot. In their heaviest portion of the 2010-11 schedule, Rockford is faced with a now-or-never scenario to get back into the playoff picture. Jeff Taffe enters play tonight riding a five-game point streak, two shy of his team streak set back in December. The veteran center also paces Rockford in points against Texas, chipping in 2g-4a in three head-to-head tilts this season. Next Home Game: Wednesday, Feb. 16 vs. Peoria Rivermen: The puck drops at 6:35 p.m. The Peoria Rivermen return to the MetroCentre for the third time in 2010-11. Every Wednesday night is a Taco Bell Dollar Day as fans can purchase $1 Vienna Beef hot dogs, Pepsi Products, Bud Select Drafts and companion tickets.

local bands to perform inside the Rockford MetroCentre at the IceHogs games on Feb. 19, March 13, 18 and 25.

By: Nate Haeni

Rockford, Ill. – The Rockford IceHogs will welcome four local bands to perform inside the Rockford MetroCentre at the IceHogs games on Feb. 19, March 13, 18 and 25. Matter of Fact will be in action on Feb. 19 as the IceHogs take on the Houston Aeros at 7:05 p.m. The Oregon, Ill. based band will play after pregame warm-ups, during both intermissions and briefly after the game. For more information, visit the band’s facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/matteroffact4. It’s also Youth Jersey Night as the first 500 kids (14 and under) will get an IceHogs youth jersey thanks to Feldco, ESPN 1380 and Fox 39. Then, on March 13 the IceHogs battle the Chicago Wolves at 4:05 p.m. on Jersey Auction Day and AudioDrive will show their talents before the game and during the intermissions. AudioDrive is a rock band from Rockford, visit www.audiodriverocks.com for more information. The game is the 12th Annual Jersey Auction as the IceHogs will auction their jerseys off following the game. On March 18, Time of Worship will put on a show for fans before the IceHogs take on the Oklahoma City Barons at 7:05 p.m. The band will also play during both intermissions. For more information about Time of Worship visit towpraiseband.com. Cylinder 6 will perform on March 25 for the Hogs game against the Hamilton Bulldogs at 7:05 p.m. Cylinder 6 is a rock band from the Chicago area, check out the band’s facebook page for more information. The first 2,500 fans into the building for the Hogs-Bulldogs game will get an IceHogs gym bag courtesy of Kanga Roof, Members Alliance and Comcast. For tickets to any IceHogs game, call (815) 968-5222, on-line through www.icehogs.com or in person at the MetroCentre Box Office open noon-5 p.m. Check out icehogs.com to check out all the IceHogs upcoming games. Next Home Game: Wednesday, Feb. 16 vs. Peoria Rivermen: The puck drops at 6:35 p.m. The Peoria Rivermen return to the MetroCentre for the third time in 2010-11. Every Wednesday night is a Taco Bell Dollar Day as fans can purchase $1 Vienna Beef hot dogs, Pepsi Products, Bud Select Drafts and companion tickets.

JESSIMAN SENT TO FLORIDA

By: Adam Rogowin

Photo by Jim Orlando
Rockford, Ill. - The Chicago Blackhawks have recalled winger Hugh Jessiman from the American Hockey League’s Rockford IceHogs and traded him to the Florida Panthers.

Jessiman, along with Jack Skille and David Pacan were traded to the Panthers in exchange for forward Michael Frolik and goaltender Alexander Salak.

Jessiman, 26, has netted three goals and two assists in 25 games with the IceHogs this year, his first in the Blackhawks organization. Originally selected 12th overall in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft by the New York Rangers, Jessiman has appeared in 341 regular-season AHL tilts over parts of six seasons with Hartford (2005-08), Milwaukee (2008-10) and Rockford.

Skille, 23, has posted 17 points (7G, 10A) and 25 penalty minutes in 49 games with the Blackhawks this season. The Madison, Wisconsin, native is the IceHogs career leader in goals (62) and points (128) in the AHL era after skating in 180 games for Rockford. Skille has appeared in 79 regular-season tilts with Chicago over parts of the last four seasons, notching 12 goals and 13 assists.

Pacan, 19, has recorded 43 points (14G, 29A) in 47 tilts with the Niagara IceDogs of the Ontario Hockey League this season. The Blackhawks’ sixth selection (177th overall) in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, Pacan spent the 2009-10 campaign at the University of Vermont.

Frolik, 22, is a veteran of 213 regular-season games over three National Hockey League seasons with Florida. He ranks second on the Panthers this season with 21 assists and 29 points (8G, 21A) in 52 regular-season tilts this year, which includes pacing the club in helpers (16) and points (22) at even-strength. He has finished as one of Florida’s Top-3 goal scorers, and Top-5 point producers, in each of his first two NHL seasons.

Originally selected in the first round (10th overall) of the 2006 National Hockey League Entry Draft, the Kladno, Czech Republic, native has registered 117 points (50G, 67A) and 81 penalty minutes over his three-year NHL career.

Salak, 24, currently leads all netminders in the Swedish Elite League with a .925 save percentage and six shutouts, and ranks sixth with a 2.04 GAA in 41 tilts with Farjestad BK.

The Strakonice, Czech Republic, native made his North American debut last season, being honored as an American Hockey League All-Star in the midst of compiling a 29-14-0 record and a .910 save percentage over 50 games with the AHL’s Rochester Americans. He also made his National Hockey League debut, stopping 34-of-40 shots in two relief appearances with the Panthers.

Next Home Game: Wednesday, Feb. 16 vs. Peoria Rivermen: The puck drops at 6:35 p.m. The Peoria Rivermen return to the MetroCentre for the third time in 2010-11. Every Wednesday night is a Taco Bell Dollar Day as fans can purchase $1 Vienna Beef hot dogs, Pepsi Products, Bud Select Drafts and companion tickets.

AEROS BLAST OFF WITH FOUR UNANSWERED GOALS TO WIN 4-1

By: Nate Haeni

Rockford will hit the road for a three-game road trip in as many nights

Rockford, Ill.- After opening the game with a 1-0 lead the Rockford IceHogs gave up four unanswered goals to the Houston Aeros to drop the contest 4-1 on Wednesday at the Rockford MetroCentre.

After a couple of good opportunities the IceHogs finally struck on their second power-play chance. Jeff Taffe faked a shot and eluded an Aeros defender and fired one passed Matt Hackett at 17:43 in the first period with assists from Peter LeBlanc and Ryan Potulny to put Rockford up 1-0.

Houston got the equalizer as Nate Prosser tapped in his fifth of the season. Justin Falk sent a cross-ice pass for Prosser to chip in at 17:59 in the second period to make it 1-1. Jarod Palmer also factored in with an assist.

Then, the Aeros took a 2-1 lead as Jean-Michel Daoust slipped the puck past Alec Ricards for his ninth goal on the campaign. Dauost was setup by Patrick O'Sullivan.

Houston extended their lead to 3-1 halfway through the final frame. Prosser dished the puck to O'Sullivan and he buried his seventh goal of the season to double the Aeros lead at 10:55 in the third period on the power play. Chad Rau also registered an assist.

With the IceHogs on a power play and Richards on the bench in favor of the extra attacker, Carson McMillan sealed the deal as he flipped in an empty-net goal at 19:34.

Richards was tagged with the loss after turning away 27 of 30 shots. Hackett picked up his 12th win on the season stopping 24 chances.

Both power plays converted on one opportunity as Rockford had six chances and Houston had five.

BUD LIGHT HOG TALK AT THE RADISSON TONIGHT

By: Adam Weil

Rockford, Ill.- Bud Light Hog Talk is back and it will be at the Radisson Hotel and Convention Center from 6-7 p.m. tonight.

Join Mike Peck as he chats hockey with IceHogs assistant coach Steve Poapst. Also on tonight's show is defenseman Wade Brookbank.

Once again this season, all fans that show up at Hog Talk will have an opportunity to sign-up to win some great prizes courtesy of the IceHogs.

Stop by and take advantage of some great food and Bud Light specials. If you c

ICEHOGS SPLIT GAMES IN WEEK 18

By: Nate Haeni

Rockford will play three games in three nights in Week 19

Week 18 Recap
The IceHogs returned from the All-Star break with two games on the slate in Week 18. Rockford fell to Milwaukee 4-2 at the Bradley Center on Friday but rebounded with a 3-2 come-from-behind victory on Saturday against the Abbotsford Heat. The IceHogs will play their first three games in three nights of the 2010-11 season during Week 19.

Week 18 Results
Friday, Feb. 4: Rockford 2 at Milwaukee 4
Saturday, Feb. 5: Abbotsford 2 vs. Rockford 3

Week 19 Schedule
Wednesday, Feb. 9 vs. Houston, 6:35 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 11 at Texas, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 12 at Texas, 7 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 13 at Milwaukee, 5 p.m.

Bacon Bits:
-Rockford ended a season-low six-game winless (0-5-1-0) streak on Saturday with a 3-2 win over Abbotsford
-Forward Jeff Taffe has a four-game point streak (2g-3a) and has collected points in six of the IceHogs last seven games (4g-3a)
-The IceHogs have been outshot just three times in their last 17 games but have won all three of those contests
-Rockford earned their fifth victory this season on Saturday when trailing entering the third period (5-14-2-0)
-Rockford was 4-24-2-0 last season when trailing after the second period
-Andy Bohmbach made his AHL debut on Saturday and chipped in an assist in his first AHL game
-The IceHogs will play their first three games in three nights of the 2010-11 season during Week 19
-Defenseman Brian Connelly has assists in four of his last five games, totaling five helpers during that stretch
-Connelly leads Rockford and ranks fourth among all AHL defenseman with 26 assists on the season
-The IceHogs drew 5,000 or more fans in three-straight games for the first time in the team’s 12 seasons in Rockford
-Of the three games, two of them were sellouts that featured over 6,000 fans
-Rockford’s attendance is 10.3% ahead of last season’s attendance through 26 home games

Hot Hog: Week 18
Jeff Taffe Left Wing

Veteran forward Jeff Taffe extended his point streak to four-straight games with points in both of Rockford’s contests during Week 18. Taffe notched a goal on Friday night in Rockford’s 4-2 loss at Milwaukee and now leads the IceHogs with 14 markers on the season. Then on Saturday Taffe helped end Rockford’s six-game winless streak, chipping in two assists in the Hogs 3-2 come-from-behind win over the Abbotsford Heat.

Upcoming Games:
Wednesday, Feb. 9 vs. Houston Aeros: The puck drops at 6:35 p.m. The IceHogs welcome the Houston Aeros to the MetroCentre for the third of four matchups in Rockford in 2010-11. Wednesdays are Dollar Days as fans can enjoy dollar Bud Select Drafts, Vienna Beef Hot Dogs, Pepsi Products and companion tickets.

Friday, Feb. 11 at Texas Stars: Game starts at 7:30 p.m. Rockford heads to the Cedar Park Center in Texas for the first time in 2010-11. The IceHogs open a back-to-back set against Texas on Friday. Rockford shows a record of 2-0-0-1 agaisnt the Stars on the campaign.

Saturday, Feb. 12 at Texas Stars: Game time is 7 p.m. The IceHogs battle Texas for the fifth time in 2010-11. After Saturday’s game, the IceHogs will play the Stars in Texas one more time during the regular season on April 3.

Sunday, Feb. 13 at Milwaukee Admirals: The puck drops at 5 p.m. The Hogs and Admirals meet up for the third time in Rockford’s last seven games. The IceHogs complete a three game set in as many days for the first time in 2010-11.