ROB KLINKHAMMER ASSIGNED TO ROCKFORD BY CHICAGO

By: Amy Spivey

Photo by Jim Orlando Training camp roster now stands at 27 Rockford, Ill.- The Chicago Blackhawks have assigned forward Rob Klinkhammer to the American Hockey League’s Rockford IceHogs. Rockford’s training camp roster now stands at 27 players, including 16 forwards, eight defensemen and three goalies. Klinkhammer, 24, is entering his fourth season with the IceHogs. He currently ranks third all-time in games played with Rockford, totaling 224 over the past three seasons. In that span, he has accumulated 103 points. Last season he had 46 points in 76 games (17g-29a) with the IceHogs. Klinkhammer also made his NHL debut with the Chicago Blackhawks last season, playing on Dec. 17 against the Dallas Stars. Next Home Game: Saturday, Oct. 8 vs. Grand Rapids. The IceHogs open the 2011-12 season against the Grand Rapids Griffins at 7:05 p.m. at the BMO Harris Bank Center. Every fan in attendance will get an IceHogs 2011-12 magnet schedule. For tickets call (815) 968-5222 or visit icehogs.com.

ICEHOGS RELEASE NINE FROM TRAINING CAMP

By: Amy Spivey

Three players sent to Toledo. Rockford, Ill.- Chicago Blackhawks General Manager of Minor League Affiliations Mark Bernard announced on Thursday that the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League have released nine players from their training camp try-out. Three of those players have been sent to the Toledo Walleye, Rockford’s ECHL affiliate. The players released include forwards Scott Freeman, Aaron Lewicki, Adam Miller, Evan Rankin, Harrison Reed and Justin Taylor, along with defensemen Darcy Campbell, Drew Paris and Elgin Reid. Lewicki, Miller and Reed will report to Toledo’s training camp Thursday. Rockford’s preseason roster now stands at 26 skaters, including 15 forwards, eight defensemen and three goalies. The IceHogs will play their second preseason game against the Milwaukee Admirals at the Kern Center in Milwaukee on Friday night at 7 p.m. The final preseason game will be held at the BMO Harris Bank Center on Saturday at 7:05 p.m. as the IceHogs face the Peoria Rivermen. Admission for the game is free, courtesy of BMO Harris Bank. Next Home Game: Saturday, Oct. 8 vs. Grand Rapids. The IceHogs open the 2011-12 season against the Grand Rapids Griffins at 7:05 p.m. at the BMO Harris Bank Center. Every fan in attendance will receive an IceHogs 2011-12 magnet schedule. For tickets call (815) 968-5222 or visit icehogs.com.

CHICAGO RALLIES TO KNOCK OFF ROCKFORD 4-2

By: Nate Haeni

Rockford, Ill.- The Rockford IceHogs jumped out to an early lead but the Chicago Wolves tallied four unanswered goals to take the preseason game, 4-2, at Carlson Arctic Ice Arena on Wednesday night. Rockford got out in front early with two first period tallies. Scott Freeman fed Harrison Reed in front of the Chicago goal and Reed tapped in the marker at 10:36 to put Rockford on top 1-0. Then, David Toews found Brandon Svendsen with a cross-ice pass and Svendsen slipped the puck past Chicago's netminder Charlie Effinger to put the Hogs up 2-0. Adam Miller also factored in on the play with an assist. Chicago came back in the middle frame with three power-play goals to take the lead. Dean Strong beat Carter Hutton and sent the puck to the back of the net at 1:13 to put the Wolves on the board and cut the IceHogs lead to 2-1. Kyle Ostrow and Tim Priamo were credited with the assists. Then with the Wolves on the power play again, Vincent LoVerde tied the game at 2-2 at 11:52 in the second period. LoVerde was set up by Alex Friesen from behind the IceHogs’ net and he sent it in on Hutton who got a piece of the puck, but not enough to prevent it from crossing the goal line. Chicago took a 3-2 lead with another power-play goal at 11:28. Michael Davies dished the puck to Patrick Asselin to fire in the go-ahead tally. The Wolves kept the pressure on to start the third period and added to their lead. Nathan Longpre picked up a loose puck in the slot and backhanded it past Adam Russo to finish the IceHogs off 4-2. Hutton and Russo split time between the pipes for Rockford. Hutton allowed two goals while making 20 saves. Russo blocked 11 Chicago shots during his stay in net. Effinger and Rob Nolan shared time in goal for Chicago. Nolan picked up the win, stopping all 11 IceHogs chances he faced, while Effinger made 17 saves on 19 Rockford shots. Next Home Game: Saturday, Oct. 8 vs. Grand Rapids. The IceHogs open the 2011-12 season against the Grand Rapids Griffins at 7:05 p.m. at the BMO Harris Bank Center. Every fan in attendance will get an IceHogs 2011-12 magnet schedule. For tickets call (815) 968-5222 or visit icehogs.com.

ICEHOGS ADOPT LINCOLN MIDDLE SCHOOL

By: Mike Peck

Team’s adopt a school program begins second year Rockford, Ill.- The Rockford IceHogs announced on Tuesday that the American Hockey League club is adopting Lincoln Middle School in Rockford for the 2011-12 season. The announcement was made at a press conference at Lincoln Middle School on Tuesday in conjunction with the Rockford Public School District 205. For the second straight year, the IceHogs are adopting a school from the Rockford Public School District, with Lincoln becoming the first middle school. Last season, the IceHogs adopted Hillman Elementary School. “The Rockford IceHogs are excited to adopt Lincoln Middle School for the 2011-12 season and provide the students with a fun and educational experience in collaboration with our organization,” said RAVE Executive Director Gordon Kaye. “We look forward to providing students with positive role models and teaching them values like dedication and hard work.” The IceHogs will provide Lincoln Middle School’s students with an “IceHogs Hockey 101” workbook that will feature history, language and reading, geography, math, science and health and fitness sections that surround the IceHogs and the game of hockey. “We are looking forward to the partnership with the Rockford IceHogs and the opportunities for our students to interact with the team,” said Lincoln Middle School Principal Jason Grey. “We are truly grateful for the time and efforts that the IceHogs will put into Lincoln Middle School.” In addition to providing the workbook, the IceHogs will focus player and staff appearances at Lincoln Middle School during the upcoming season.  Every class at Lincoln Middle School will also have an opportunity to take a field trip to the BMO Harris Bank Center to tour the arena, get a glimpse of an IceHogs practice and participate in a question and answer session with team officials. Entering their 13th season of professional hockey in Rockford and fifth as the AHL affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks, the IceHogs players, coaches, front office staff and mascot, Hammy Hog, made over 180 community appearances during the 2010-11 season.  The team also raised over $110,000 during the ’10-11 season through the IceHogs Charitable Foundation. Next Home Game: Saturday, Oct. 8 vs. Grand Rapids. The IceHogs open the 2011-12 season against the Grand Rapids Griffins at 7:05 p.m. at the BMO Harris Bank Center. Every fan in attendance will get an IceHogs 2011-12 magnet schedule. For tickets call (815) 968-5222 or visit icehogs.com.

MCLEAN ASSIGNED TO ROCKFORD BY CHICAGO

By: Nate Haeni

Rockford, Ill. - The Chicago Blackhawks have assigned forward Brett McLean to the American Hockey League’s Rockford IceHogs. McLean spent the past two seasons with Bern in the Swiss-A league, compiling 60 points (23g-37a) over 84 contests. The Comox, British Columbia native appeared in 78 tilts with the Blackhawks during the 2002-03 and 2003-04 seasons, recording 11g-20a. A ninth round pick (#242 overall) by the Dallas Stars in the 1997 NHL Entry Draft, McLean has skated in 385 career NHL games over six seasons, notching 162 points (56g-106a), with Chicago, Colorado and Florida. McLean has also tallied 150 points in 231 career AHL games with the Houston Aeros, Norfolk Admirals and Saint John Flames. McLean increases Rockford’s training camp roster to 35 players, including 21 forwards, 11 defensemen and three goalies. Next Home Game: Saturday, Oct. 8 vs. Grand Rapids. The IceHogs open the 2011-12 season against the Grand Rapids Griffins at 7:05 p.m. at the BMO Harris Bank Center. Every fan in attendance will get an IceHogs 2011-12 magnet schedule. For tickets call (815) 968-5222 or visit icehogs.com.

BLACKHAWKS ASSIGN SEGAL TO ROCKFORD

By: Mike Peck

Photo by Jim Orlando IceHogs training camp roster stands at 34 Rockford, Ill.-The Chicago Blackhawks have assigned forward Brandon Segal (SEE-guhl) to the American Hockey League’s Rockford IceHogs. With the addition of Segal, Rockford’s training camp roster now stands at 34 players, including 20 forwards, 11 defensemen and three goalies. Segal, 28, split last season between the Dallas Stars (NHL) and Texas Stars (AHL). In 46 games with Dallas, the winger tallied 5g-5a, and in 30 games with Texas he totaled 7g-10a. A fourth round selection (#102 overall) by the Nashville Predators in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft, Segal has played in 92 career NHL games between Tampa Bay, Los Angeles and Dallas. He’s also played 455 career contests in the AHL with Milwaukee, Portland, Norfolk, Manchester and Texas. Segal appeared in 10 regular season games and 11 postseason contests with the IceHogs during the club’s United Hockey League era in 2004-05. The Richmond, British Columbia native owns Rockford’s franchise mark for goals in a single postseason (11).  No player has played for Rockford in both the AHL and UHL. Next Home Game: Saturday, Oct. 8 vs. Grand Rapids. The IceHogs open the 2011-12 season against the Grand Rapids Griffins at 7:05 p.m. at the BMO Harris Bank Center. Every fan in attendance will get an IceHogs 2011-12 magnet schedule. For tickets call (815) 968-5222 or visit icehogs.com.

BLACKHAWKS SEND FIVE PLAYERS TO ROCKFORD

By: Kate Munson

Photo by Jim Orlando Rockford, Ill.- The Chicago Blackhawks have assigned forwards Kyle Beach, Peter LeBlanc and Jimmy Hayes along with defensemen Brian Connelly and Joe Lavin to the American Hockey League’s Rockford IceHogs. Beach appeared in 71 games in Rockford during the 2010-11 season, recording 16 goals, 20 assists and 163 penalty minutes. The North Vancouver, British Columbia native was drafted No. 11 overall by the Chicago Blackhawks (Round 1) of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. Connelly has spent the past two seasons in Rockford, skating in 80 contests for the IceHogs in 2010-11. The Bloomington, Minnesota native finished second among AHL defensemen with four game-winning goals and sixth among AHL d-men with 52 points in the 2010-11 campaign and was named the IceHogs top defenseman. Hayes skated in seven contests for the IceHogs in 2010-11 after appearing in 42 games for Boston College. The forward made three shots on goal in his professional debut with Rockford in a win at Lake Erie. A native of Dorchester, Massachusetts, Hayes was drafted No. 60 (Round 2) of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft by the Toronto Maple Leafs. Lavin appeared in two games with the IceHogs in 2010-11 after appearing in 44 games for Notre Dame. The defenseman recorded his first professional assist in Rockford’s overtime win at Chicago on Aril 10, 2011. A native of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, Lavin was selected No. 126 overall (Round 5) of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft by the Blackhawks. LeBlanc split the 2010-11 campaign with the Toledo Walleye of the ECHL and the IceHogs. In 57 games with the IceHogs, LeBlanc posted 12 goals and 18 assists. The center’s four game-winning goals last season tied for the IceHogs team lead. A native of Hamilton, Ontario, LeBlanc was drafted No. 186 overall (Round 7) of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft by the Blackhawks.

TRAINING CAMP DAY ONE: THE BOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN

By: Nate Haeni

Rockford, Ill.-  Players hit the ice for the first day of Rockford IceHogs training camp on Sunday at the BMO Harris Bank Center. The camp opened around 1:30 p.m. with a team meeting before 14 players skated in drills led by assistant coaches Steve Poapst and Ben Simon. The team will continue with practice on Monday and Tuesday, leading up to the club’s first preseason game on Wednesday, Sept. 28. The IceHogs open exhibition play on Wednesday night at Carlson Ice Arena in Rockford against the Chicago Wolves at 7:05 p.m. Rockford will skate in three overall preseason games this season. The IceHogs training camp roster shows 28 players, including 16 forwards, nine defenseman and three goalies.

BLACKHAWKS ASSIGN THREE MORE TO ROCKFORD

By: Nate Haeni

Rockford, Ill. - The Chicago Blackhawks have assigned forward Rob Flick, defenseman Brian Fahey and goaltender Alec Richards to the American Hockey League’s Rockford IceHogs. Richards has appeared in 50 games in Rockford over parts of the last two seasons. The Robbinsdale, Minnesota native finished the 2010-11 campaign with a 2.89 goals against average, a .899 save percentage and a 17-21-1 record for Rockford. Fahey joins the club for his first season in Rockford but brings eight years of AHL experience. The veteran d-man spent the 2010-11 campaign with the Hershey Bears notching 29 points in 60 contests. Fahey also skated in seven tilts with the Washington Capitals, tallying an assist. Flick begins his first full season at the professional level after skating for the Mississauga St. Michael's Majors in the OHL the past three seasons. Flick recorded 99 points and 393 penalty minutes in 181 career OHL games.  The Blackhawks’ training camp roster now stands at 38 active players, which includes 24 forwards, 11 defensemen, and three goaltenders. The IceHogs training camp roster increases to 28 players. Training camp gets underway for the IceHogs on Sunday beginning at 1:30 p.m. at the BMO Harris Bank Center.

ICEHOGS SET TO OPEN 2011 TRAINING CAMP ON SUNDAY

By: Nate Haeni

Rockford, Ill. – The Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League open up training camp in preparation for their 13th season of professional hockey and fifth as the top affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday. The first practice will begin at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept 25. The IceHogs will play three preseason games leading up to the regular season opener on Saturday, Oct. 8. The Hogs will host the Chicago Wolves on Wednesday, Sept 28 at Carlson Ice Arena, travel to Milwaukee on Friday, Sept. 30 and close out the preseason against Peoria on Saturday, Oct. 1 at the BMO Harris Bank Center. Admission to the game at Carlson Ice Arena is free and seats are first-come, first-serve. Fans can get a sneak peak of the BMO Harris Bank Center on Saturday along with free entry to the IceHogs-Rivermen game courtesy of BMO Harris Bank. All practices at the BMO Harris Bank Center are not open to the public. Click here for the complete training camp schedule. The IceHogs open their fifth season in the AHL when they welcome the Grand Rapids Griffins to the BMO Harris Bank Center. The puck drops are 7:05 p.m. and everyone in attendance will get an IceHogs Magnet Schedule courtesy of BMO Harris Bank.

BLACKHAWKS ASSIGN 11 PLAYERS TO ROCKFORD

By: Mike Peck

IceHogs Training Camp Roster Grows To 25 Rockford, Ill.- The National Hockey League’s Chicago Blackhawks assigned 11 players to the club’s American Hockey League Affiliate Rockford IceHogs. Players assigned to Rockford include forwards Brandon Bollig, Chris DiDomenico, Byron Froese, David Gilbert, Andrew Shaw, David Toews and Paul Zanette, defensemen Simon Danis-Pepin, Shawn Lalonde, Ryan Stanton and Ben Youds. Up front, Bollig, DiDomenico and Gilbert all skated in Rockford last season, with Bollig seeing the most action. The second-year winger appeared in 55 games with Rockford and notched four goals to go along with 115 penalty minutes. DiDomenico skated in 25 games in Rockford, notching four assists, while Gilbert (5 games, 2g-1a) suited up for Rockford at the end of 2010-11 after completing his season in juniors. Danis-Pepin, Lalonde and Stanton also all played in Rockford a season ago. Danis-Pepin is entering his third season and has totaled 61 games with the IceHogs over his first two campaigns.  Lalonde played in 73 games with Rockford, accumulating 5g-27a. Stanton was named the IceHogs “Most Improved Player” last season after suiting up for 73 tilts and chipping in 3g-14a. Shaw, Zanette, Fahey and Youds are all under AHL contracts with the IceHogs for the upcoming season. IceHogs training camp gets underway on Sunday beginning at 1:30 p.m. at the BMO Harris Bank Center. Next Home Game: Saturday, Oct. 8 vs. Grand Rapids. The IceHogs open the 2011-12 season against the Grand Rapids Griffins at 7:05 p.m. at the BMO Harris Bank Center. Every fan in attendance will get an IceHogs 2011-12 magnet schedule. For tickets call (815) 968-5222 or visit icehogs.com.

ICEHOGS ANNOUNCE TEAM FOR ALUMNI GAME ON NOV. 12

By: Mike Peck

14 former IceHogs coming back to Rockford  Rockford, Ill.- The Rockford IceHogs announced on Friday that 14 former players are returning to the Forest City to play in the IceHogs Alumni Game presented by Dental Dimensions on Saturday, Nov. 12. The game will take place at 3:30 p.m. on Nov. 12, before the IceHogs take on the Peoria Rivermen at 7:05 p.m. at the BMO Harris Bank Center. The IceHogs Alumni will take on a team consisting of Chicago Blackhawks Alumni. The 14 alumni include Scott Burfoot, Nick Checco, Ben Christopherson, Steve Cygan, Dan Davies, Oak Hewer, Kenzie Homer, Brad Olsen, Jason Notermann, Jason Ralph, J.F. Rivard, Joe Statkus, Erik Wendell and Clint Wensley. Burfoot skated in 14 games with the IceHogs plus three playoff games in 2000. The center also served as assistant coach for the IceHogs during the 1999-2000 and 2000-01 seasons and was the interim head coach of the club in 2003, helping guide the team to their second ever postseason appearance. Checco was Rockford’s co-MVP for the 2000-01 season after racking up 59 points in 63 games. The winger returned to Rockford in 2001-02 and totaled 81 points in 104 career games with the IceHogs. Christopherson was a member of the 2001-02 IceHogs, playing his only professional campaign in Rockford. His 22 assists rank him third on Rockford’s all-time single-season assist total for a first-year d-man. Cygan is the only player in IceHogs history to garner a league’s Rookie of the Year award. The 5-6 forward still holds the franchise record for points by a rookie with 72, set in 2002-03. Cygan’s 115 career points with Rockford rank him seventh all-time in franchise history. Davies is the only player in Rockford’s 13-year history to win the team’s “Heavy Hitter Award” more than once as the rugged winger won the distinction three times.  Davies ranks second on Rockford’s all-time games played list with 299 career contests in an IceHogs uniform. Hewer serves as the IceHogs Ambassador and played two seasons in Rockford from 2001-2003. The winger appeared in 125 career games with the IceHogs and totaled 58 points. Homer served as alternate captain for the IceHogs during the 2003-04 season, his second in Rockford. During his two-year stint, Homer skated in 140 career games with the IceHogs, putting up 41 points and 286 penalty minutes. Olsen played his only professional season in Rockford, skating with the IceHogs during the 2003-04 campaign. As a rookie, Olsen had 113 PIMs in 64 contests and also contributed 13 points to Rockford’s playoff qualifying club. Notermann returns to Rockford after becoming one of the heroes during the franchise’s only league title. The winger scored the game-winning goal in Rockford’s Game 7 Colonial Cup Finals win over the Kalamazoo Wings in 2007. Ranked eighth all-time with 114 career points, Notermann spent two seasons with Rockford. Ralph, also a member of the Rockford Colonial Cup Championship team, is tied with Notermann for eighth all-time with 114 points. The forward served as Rockford’s alternate captain during the team’s championship season and ranks 11th on Rockford’s all-time games played list with 165. Rivard is one of the most popular players ever to suit up for the IceHogs. The 5-8 goalie played in parts of four seasons between the pipes with the IceHogs, and holds the club mark for most games played by a goalie with 166. Rivard’s 69 wins rank him second all-time in IceHogs history. Statkus spent nearly his entire professional career in Rockford with the IceHogs. Playing in parts of three seasons with Rockford, Statkus established himself as a physical defenseman while appearing in 91 career games. Wendell came to Rockford in 2002-03 after winning a national championship at the University of Minnesota in the spring of 2002. Wendell ranked second among first-year skaters in scoring in ’02-03, totaling 30 points, including 17 goals. Wensley played two seasons with the IceHogs, amassing 58 points in 81 games. The skilled centerman also had one of the most effective shootout moves in IceHogs history, ranking fourth in team history with nine shootout goals. Tickets for the IceHogs Alumni Game presented by Dental Dimensions on Saturday, Nov. 12 are now on sale. Fans can gain admittance into both the Alumni and IceHogs game.  For tickets, call (815) 968-5222, on-line at icehogs.com or at the BMO Harris Bank Box Office. Next Home Game: Saturday, Oct. 8 vs. Grand Rapids. The IceHogs open the 2011-12 season against the Grand Rapids Griffins at 7:05 p.m. at the BMO Harris Bank Center. Every fan in attendance will get an IceHogs 2011-12 magnet schedule. For tickets call (815) 968-5222 or visit icehogs.com.

KICK OFF ICEHOGS OPENING NIGHT AT THE CUMULUS CHILI SHOOT-OUT

By: Mike Peck

IceHogs team up with Cumulus Broadcasting on Oct. 8 Rockford, Ill.- Rockford IceHogs fans can get an early start on their Opening Night festivities as the American Hockey League club is teaming up with Cumulus Broadcasting for the 31st Annual Cumulus Chili Shoot-Out on Saturday, Oct. 8 at Davis Park. The Chili Shoot-Out begins at noon and runs until 7 p.m. leading up to the IceHogs Opening Night contest at the BMO Harris Bank Center at 7:05 p.m. against the Grand Rapids Griffins.  Tickets to the event are $7 and $5 with a non-perishable food item. Kids under five years of age are free. All food donations will go to the Rock River Valley Food Pantry. Fans who purchase a ticket to the Cumulus Chili Shoot-Out can get $2 off of their ticket to the IceHogs game on Oct. 8. Show your Chili Shoot -Out Ticket at the BMO Harris Bank Box Office to receive the discount.  Fans already with IceHogs tickets will receive $2 off their Chili Shoot-Out ticket. With up to 50 different cooking teams gathered to compete for the best chili recipe and for the best in showmanship, patrons can enjoy sampling some of the finest chilies in the area, along with Budweiser products and other food items. The Cumulus Chili Shoot-Out will also feature live music beginning at 2 p.m. with Back Country Roads. At 3:45 p.m. The Stevee Nix takes the stage followed by Cylinder 6 at 5:30 p.m. For more information on the 31st Annual Cumulus Chili Shoot-Out, call Cumulus Broadcasting at 815-399-2233 or visit chilishootout.com. For more information about IceHogs Opening Night, contact the IceHogs at (815) 847-6399. Tickets are on sale now by calling (815) 968-5222, on the web at icehogs.com or by stopping down to the BMO Harris Bank Box Office between noon and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Every fan that attends Opening Night on Oct. 8 against Grand Rapids will receive an IceHogs magnet schedule courtesy of BMO Harris Bank.

ROCKFORD ANNOUNCES 2011 TRAINING CAMP INVITEES

By: Kate Munson

13 non-contracted players invited to IceHogs camp Rockford, Ill.- Chicago Blackhawks General Manager of Minor League Affiliations Mark Bernard announced on Monday that 13 non-contracted players have been invited to training camp for the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League. IceHogs training camp is set to start on Sunday, Sept. 25 at the BMO Harris Bank Center. The camp invitees include eight forwards, four defensemen and one goalie. The eight forwards are Scott Freeman, Kevin Harvey, Aaron Lewicki, Adam Miller, Evan Rankin, Harrison Reed, Brandon Svendsen and Justin Taylor. The four defensemen are Darcy Campbell, Matt Krug, Drew Paris and Elgin Reid. The goalie is Adam Russo. Of the seven IceHogs under AHL contract for the 2011-12 season, six are currently attending Blackhawks Training Camp. Forwards Rob Flick, Peter LeBlanc, Andrew Shaw, Paul Zanette and defensemen Brian Fahey and Ben Youds are currently in camp with the Blackhawks. Goaltender Carter Hutton is also under AHL contract with Rockford. Next Home Game: The IceHogs open the 2011-12 season on Oct. 8 against the Grand Rapids Griffins at 7:05 p.m. at the BMO Harris Bank Center. Every fan in attendance will get an IceHogs 2011-12 magnet schedule. For tickets call (815) 968-5222 or visit icehogs.com.

BLACKHAWKS ANNOUNCE 2011 TRAINING CAMP ROSTER

Photo courtesy of the Chicago Blackhawks 29 former or contracted IceHogs skaters to attend Blackhawks camp The Chicago Blackhawks will open their 2011 training camp at the United Center on Saturday, Sept. 17. The club will open camp with 36 forwards, 16 defensemen, and seven goaltenders on the roster.  A complete training camp roster is available by clicking here. The sold-out 2011 Blackhawks Training Camp Festival will be held from 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 17.  The marquee event of the fourth annual Festival will allow a sold out crowd inside the United Center to watch the Blackhawks first day of on-ice training camp practices and scrimmages with Head Coach Joel Quenneville wearing a microphone. The first 10,000 fans to enter the building will receive a Patrick Sharp bobblehead. Blackhawks camp will feature five contracted IceHogs players including forwards Rob Flick, Andrew Shaw and Paul Zanette and defensemen Brian Fahey and Ben Youds. Chicago opens preseason play on Tuesday, Sept. 20 when they take on the Edmonton Oilers at the Credit Union Centre in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. The Blackhawks kick off their home preseason slate on Friday, Sept. 23 at 7:00 p.m. CT when they host the Washington Capitals at the United Center. The Blackhawks will broadcast a franchise record-tying four preseason games on television broadcast rightsholders Comcast SportsNet Chicago (Sept. 28 and Sept. 30) and WGN-TV Channel 9 (Sept. 25 and Oct. 2). Additionally three preseason tilts will be broadcast on WGN Radio AM-720 (Sept. 22, Sept. 25 and Oct. 2). Next Home Game: The IceHogs open the 2011-12 season against the Grand Rapids Griffins at 7:05 p.m. at the BMO Harris Bank Center. Every fan in attendance will get an IceHogs 2011-12 magnet schedule. For tickets call (815) 968-5222 or visit icehogs.com.

ICEHOGS PRESEASON GAME MOVED TO CARLSON ICE ARENA

By: Mike Peck

Rockford and Chicago face off at 7:05 p.m. on Sept. 28 Rockford, Ill.- The Rockford IceHogs announced on Thursday that their preseason game on Wednesday, Sept. 28 against the Chicago Wolves has been moved to Carlson Arctic Ice Arena. Game time is 7:05 p.m. Carlson Arctic Ice Arena is located at 4150 North Perryville Rd. in Loves Park. There is no admission fee to the game, but donations will be collected throughout the night to help raise money for the Rockford Park District’s Jr. IceHogs youth hockey program. Seating for the game will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. For questions about the game, contact the IceHogs office at (815) 847-6399. Fans can get a sneak peak of the newly rebranded BMO Harris Bank Center on Saturday, Oct. 1 when the IceHogs take on the Milwaukee Admirals in their third and final preseason contest of 2011.11 The game will begin at 7:05 p.m. and there is no admission fee to get into the preseason game courtesy of BMO Harris Bank. The Grand Re-Opening of the BMO Harris Bank Center is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 8 when the IceHogs open the 2011-12 regular season at 7:05 p.m. against the Grand Rapids Griffins. Every fan that comes to the game will receive an IceHogs Magnet Schedule courtesy of BMO Harris Bank. For tickets to Opening Night or any regular season game in 2011-12, visit icehogs.com, call (815) 968-5222 or stop down to the BMO Harris Bank Center Box Office between noon and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

ROCKFORD ICEHOGS AND ROCKFORD PARK DISTRICT TEAM UP TO HOST BIRDIES AND BLADES GOLF OUTING TO BENEFIT AREA’S YOUTH HOCKEY

Each golf threesome to include a Rockford IceHogs Player/Coach Rockford, Ill.- The Rockford IceHogs and the Rockford Park District will host the Birdies and Blades golf playday at Elliot Golf Course at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 3, to benefit Rockford’s youth hockey program.     The goal of the golf outing is to raise $10,000 for the area’s youth hockey and to help build a permanent display inside the BMO Harris Bank Center for the Junior IceHogs, Rockford Hockey Club and the Rockford Icemen.     Birdies and Blades will team up each golf threesome with a 2011-2012 Rockford IceHogs player or coach. The $500 registration fee covers a threesome, green fees and cart, a tee sign, an IceHogs jersey with their team member’s name, lunch and dinner.  There will be a “draft” of the player or coach for each threesome at 11:30 a.m. followed by lunch and a shotgun start at 12:30 p.m.  Dinner, catered by Garrett’s Restaurant and Bar, will be held at Elliot Golf Club at 6 p.m.  Dinner for spouses or additional guests is $35.00.     Additional activities for the day include a live remote by WXRX radio’s Stone and Double T from the 18th green with color commentary by Tim Mattila, coach of the 15-time state champion Rockford Icemen.     Gifts will be provided to each golfer and prizes will be given out for the longest drive, closest to the pin, putting with a hockey stick, hit the hockey net drive and using the hockey pro’s (Rockford IceHogs head coach Ted Dent) drive. There also are opportunities to bid on unique silent auction items and win the 50/50 raffle.         “This first-time event is going to go a long way in supporting ongoing programming for our area’s youth hockey,” said Scott Burfoot, Hockey Program Manager for the Rockford Park District. “We are thrilled to partner with the Rockford IceHogs and RAVE to ensure we can meet the growing demand for quality youth hockey outlets in our community.”      “The Rockford IceHogs players and coaches are ready to have some fun on the course and spend time with local hockey fans,” said Gordon Kaye, Executive Director for RAVE. “The uniqueness of this golf playday will have lots of people clamoring for a threesome – we encourage folks to sign up early.”     The Birdies and Blades golf outing is presented by the Rockford IceHogs, Rockford Park District, RAVE, Golf Shack, Pepsi, Bud Light and Junior IceHogs.     To register for Birdies and Blades, contact Amy Chavez at the Rockford Park District at (815) 969-4073. Or download registration form by clicking here.  Next Home Game: The IceHogs open the 2011-12 season against the Grand Rapids Griffins at 7:05 p.m. at the BMO Harris Bank Center. Every fan in attendance will get an IceHogs 2011-12 magnet schedule. For tickets call (815) 968-5222 or visit icehogs.com.

ICEHOGS ANNOUNCE 2011 TRAINING CAMP SCHEDULE

By: Amy Spivey

Rockford’s 13th season to kick off on Sept. 25 Rockford, Ill.- Chicago Blackhawks General Manager of Minor League Affiliations Mark Bernard has announced the 2011 training camp schedule for the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League. The IceHogs 13th overall season of professional hockey in Rockford, and fifth in the AHL as the top affiliate of the Blackhawks, gets underway on Sunday, Sept. 25 at the BMO Harris Bank Center. Rockford’s training camp in preparation for the season opener on Saturday, Oct. 8 against the Grand Rapids Griffins will conclude on Oct. 7. All IceHogs training camp practices will take place at the BMO Harris Bank Center and will not be open to the public. The IceHogs training camp slate also features three preseason contests. Rockford will take on the Chicago Wolves on Wednesday, Sept. 28 at the BMO Harris Bank Center; the Milwaukee Admirals on Friday, Sept. 30 at the Kearn Center in Milwaukee; and the Peoria Rivermen on Saturday, Oct. 1 at the BMO Harris Bank Center. The following is the IceHogs Training Camp Schedule: Sunday, Sept. 25 Practice 1:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 26 Practice 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 27 Practice 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28 Pregame Skate 10 a.m. Preseason Game vs. Chicago 7:05 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 29 Practice 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 30 Pregame Skate 10 a.m. Preseason Game at Milwaukee 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1 Pregame Skate 10 a.m. Preseason Game vs. Peoria 7:05 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2 OFF DAY Monday, Oct. 3 Practice 9 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 4 Practice 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 5 Practice 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 6 Practice 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 7 Practice 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 8 Regular Season Opener 7:05 p.m. vs. Grand Rapids *Training Camp dates, times and locations are subject to change without notice.

CHECK OUT THE METROCENTRE JOB FAIR WEDNESDAY

Wednesday, September 14 4 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Lower Lobby of Rockford MetroCentre Enter the building on Elm Street at Street Level We are now hiring for the following part-time positions and will be accepting applications and conducting interviews on site. An employment application can be found here. Please bring completed application with you or if you cannot attend applications can be submitted to Human Resources by email at employment@metrocentre.com or faxed to (815) 380-6403. No phone calls please. Box Office Staff Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to: phone and window ticket sales, processing and distribution of all tickets, and dispersion of Will Call on event nights. Candidates must be able to maintain a high level of professionalism and customer service at all times. Flexible scheduling, including some daytime hours, but mostly night and weekend hours; perfect for second job, retiree or students. MetroCentre Guest Service Staff Responsibilities will include, but not limited to: greeting patrons, taking tickets, operating the elevator, assisting patrons to the correct seat, and securing restricted areas. Candidates must be able to maintain a high level of professionalism and customer service at all times. Candidates must have a positive attitude and demonstrate this attitude at all time to ensure a pleasant experience for all patrons. Working weekends and holidays required. MetroCentre Maintenance Staff Responsibilities will include, but not limited to: maintaining the overall cleanliness of all MetroCentre facilities, including general building cleaning and post-event clean-up. Working nights, weekends and holidays required. Rockford IceHogs Game Nights Staff Responsibilities will include, but not limited to: Set-up and take down of displays, concourse features, in-game promotionals. Distribute giveaways and prizes. Execute promotions. Candidates must be high school graduates, over the age of 18, can handle long hours on their feet with occasional lifting of moderate weights. IceHogs Game Night Merchandise Staff Responsibilities will include, but not limited to: Operation of cash register, assist customers with sales, stock Oink Outfitters retail store and mobile kiosk, assist with promotion of sales and specials. Candidates must be high school graduates, over the age of 18, can handle long hours on their feet with occasional lifting of moderate weights.