COMEBACK FALLS SHORT IN CHICAGO

By: Mike Peck

Photo by Ross Dettman Shaw scores a pair of goals in 5-3 loss Rosemont, Ill.- Falling behind 4-0 isn’t the best recipe for success and the Rockford IceHogs found that out on Thursday against the Chicago Wolves. The four-goal deficit resulted in the IceHogs third straight loss, this one a 5-3 defeat at the Allstate Arena. Down 4-0 late in the second period, Rockford got a goal back while on a power play late in the middle frame. Andrew Shaw picked up a Joe Lavin rebound and beat Matt Climie over the shoulder for his tenth marker of the season at 18:35 to make it 4-1. In the third period, Rockford struck twice early to pull within a goal. Shaw picked up a Ben Youds pass behind the Wolves goal and tucked his second marker of the night past Climie at 2:50 of the final frame. Then at 7:14 of the third period, Shawn Lalonde would make it a one goal game. Off of a face-off win in the Wolves zone Brian Connelly found Lalonde with a cross-ice pass and he slapped home his second goal of the season past Climie to make it 4-3. But with Alec Richards on the bench in favor of the extra attacked, Stefan Schneider sent a puck from the Wolves zone, the length of the ice and into the empty Rockford net to seal the game at 19:26 of the third period. Chicago struck early on in period one with their first shot on goal of the game. Darren Haydar led a two on-one rush and found Tim Miller backdoor and the winger knocked in his eighth goal of the season at 1:06 of the first period past Carter Hutton who started the game. Later in the first frame Chicago extended their lead to 2-0 on the power play. Kevin Connauton drove a slap shot through traffic and past Hutton at 14:29 for his ninth goal of the season. The lead was pushed to 3-0 when Nolan Baumgartner blasted his first goal of the season over the left shoulder of Hutton at 17:36 on the advantage. Richards replaced Hutton in goal in the second period and the Wolves got to him at 15:42.  Schneider’s shot from the right face-off circle was kicked away by Richards, but into the slot where Antoine Roussel picked up the loose puck and wristed home his second goal of the season at 15:42. Richards took the loss despite allowing just one goal on 21 shots faced. Climie made 35 saves to earn the win. Next Home Game: Friday, Dec. 30 vs. Charlotte. Game time is 7:05 p.m. The Rockford IceHogs battle the Charlotte Checkers in the Forest City for the second time this season. It’s also kids jersey night, as the first 1,000 kids 14 and under will receive an IceHogs kids jersey, sponsored by Rockford Orthopedic.   For every goal that the Rockford IceHogs score in 2011-12, IceHogs head coach Ted Dent will make a donation to children’s cancer research. BMO Harris Bank will also make a donation for every goal to the “BMO Harris Bank Goals For Grades”

HAYES EARNS HIS FIRST NHL RECALL, PIRRI AND YOUDS RETURN TO ROCKFORD

By: Nate Haeni

Photo by Jim Orlando Rockford, Ill.- The Chicago Blackhawks have recalled forward Jimmy Hayes from the American Hockey League’s Rockford IceHogs and returned Brandon Pirri on loan to Rockford. In addition, Chicago Blackhawks General Manager of Minor League Affiliations Mark Bernard announced that the IceHogs have recalled rookie defenseman Ben Youds from loan to the ECHL’s Toledo Walleye. Hayes becomes the 45th different IceHogs skater to get recalled to the National Hockey League and fourth during 2011-12 to get recalled to Chicago. The rookie winger tallied his fifth goal of the season in Rockford’s 7-3 loss at Milwaukee on Monday. Hayes, 22, ranks fourth on the IceHogs in scoring with 18 points (5g-13a) in 28 games this season. The Dorchester, Mass. native was held scoreless in seven tilts with the IceHogs in 2010-11 after joining the team following his junior season at Boston College. In 117 contests with Boston College, Hayes recorded 42 goals and 39 assists. The Blackhawks acquired Hayes from the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for a second round pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft after being selected by Toronto in the second round (#60 overall) of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. Pirri, 20, has registered two assists and a +3 plus/minus rating in four contests with the Blackhawks this year and paced Chicago with four goals and five points in four games during the 2011 preseason. The Toronto native ranks eighth in the AHL with a team-high 31 points and is 16th in the league with a team-best 13 goals in 28 contests this season. Pirri also paces the IceHogs with a +6 plus/minus rating. Youds, 23, notched the overtime game-winner in the Walleye’s 2-1 win over the Chicago Express on Tuesday. The rookie defenseman has skated in 14 games with Rockford this season and has collected a goal and three assists. The Maple Grove, Minn. native played four seasons at Minnesota State University- Mankato prior to turning pro and had seven goals and 14 assists in 37 games with the Mavericks as a senior last season. Next Home Game: Friday, Dec. 30 vs. Charlotte. Game time is 7:05 p.m. The Rockford IceHogs battle the Charlotte Checkers in the Forest City for the second time this season. It’s also kids jersey night, as the first 1,000 kids 14 and under will receive an IceHogs kids jersey, sponsored by Rockford Orthopedic.

DIDOMENICO BACK IN ROCKFORD

By: Nate Haeni

Rockford, Ill.- The Chicago Blackhawks have reassigned forward Chris DiDomenico to the American Hockey League’s Rockford IceHogs from the Toledo Walleye of the ECHL. The second-year winger has appeared in 10 games with Rockford this season, recording a goal and two assists. Last night, DiDomenico dished out two assists to help the Walleye knock off the Chicago Express 2-1 in overtime. In 17 total games with the Walleye, DiDomenico ranks second on the team in scoring with 4g-13a-17pts. DiDomenico, 22, played in 25 games with the IceHogs in 2010-11 and marked four assists. In 37 contests with the Walleye a season ago, the Woodbridge, Ont. native totaled 9g-16a-25pts. Next Home Game: Friday, Dec. 30 vs. Charlotte. Game time is 7:05 p.m. The Rockford IceHogs battle the Charlotte Checkers in the Forest City for the second time this season. It’s also kids jersey night, as the first 1,000 kids 14 and under will receive an IceHogs kids jersey, sponsored by Rockford Orthopedic.

KIDS JERSEY NIGHT ON FRIDAY AS THE HOGS TAKE ON CHARLOTTE

By: Mike Peck

First 1,000 kids 14-and-under will pick up the kids jersey Rockford, Ill.-With just one home game at the BMO Harris Bank Center for the Rockford IceHogs over a 25-day stretch through Jan. 15, IceHogs fans can get their hockey fix on Friday when Rockford takes on the Charlotte Checkers at 7:05 p.m. The first 1,000 kids 14-and-under to the game on Friday will pick up an IceHogs Kids Jersey courtesy of Rockford Orthopedic. For tickets to the game, call (815) 968-5222, on the web at icehogs.com or at the BMO Harris Bank Center Box Office in downtown Rockford.  Doors open at 6 p.m. Rockford is in a stretch of nine of ten games on the road with their next home game after Friday’s tilt with the Checkers coming on Monday, Jan. 16.  Following Friday’s contest, the IceHogs will embark on a seven-game road swing. Friday’s game also closes out the IceHogs 2011 home slate. The team completes 2011 with a New Year’s Eve game in Peoria at 6 p.m. on Saturday. For more information regarding upcoming IceHogs games, visit icehogs.com.

MCLEAN TALLIES A GOAL FOR TEAM CANADA AT SPENGLER CUP

By: Mike Peck

Photo by Andy Mettler/swiss-image.ch Canada rolls HC Vitkovice Steel 7-1 Davos, Switzerland-Rockford IceHogs center Brett McLean tallied a first period goal in Team Canada’s 7-1 win over HC Vitkovice Steel in the first game of the 2011 Spengler Cup hockey tournament in Davos, Switzerland on Monday. McLean scored on a deflection on a 5-on-3 power play 10:08 into the opening period to lead the Canadian’s route. Former IceHogs Jordan Hendry and Pascal Pelletier are also skating for Team Canada in the tournament and both recorded assists in the win. Former Blackhawks goalie Marty Turco got the start for Canada and made 30 saves. Team Canada resumes game action on Wednesday against the host team, HC Davos, at 1:15 p.m.  The tournament concludes on Saturday. The Spengler Cup, held annually since 1923, is the oldest professional international hockey tournament in the world. Next Home Game: Friday, Dec. 30 vs. Charlotte. Game time is 7:05 p.m. The Rockford IceHogs battle the Charlotte Checkers in the Forest City for the second time this season. It’s also kids jersey night, as the first 1,000 kids 14 and under will receive an IceHogs kids jersey, sponsored by Rockford Orthopedic.

DIDOMENICO REASSIGNED FROM ROCKFORD TO TOLEDO

By: Nate Haeni

Rockford, Ill.- The Chicago Blackhawks have reassigned forward Chris DiDomenico from the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League to the ECHL’s Toledo Walleye. The second-year winger was held without a point in the IceHogs 7-3 loss to Milwaukee on Monday. DiDomenico has appeared in 10 games with Rockford this season, recording a goal and two assists. In 16 games with the Walleye, DiDomenico ranks third on the team in scoring with 4g-12a-16pts. DiDomenico, 22, played in 25 games with the IceHogs in 2010-11 and marked four assists. In 37 contests with the Walleye a season ago, the Woodbridge, Ont. native totaled 9g-16a-25pts. Next Home Game: Friday, Dec. 30 vs. Charlotte. Game time is 7:05 p.m. The Rockford IceHogs battle the Charlotte Checkers in the Forest City for the second time this season. It’s also kids jersey night, as the first 1,000 kids 14 and under will receive an IceHogs kids jersey, sponsored by Rockford Orthopedic.

PENALTY KILL KILLS ROCKFORD IN MILWAUKEE

By: Mike Peck

Photo by Scott Paulus Admirals tally five times on the power play Milwaukee, Wis.- Apparently the Rockford IceHogs forgot to pack their penalty kill on Monday. The Milwaukee Admirals tallied five power-play goals at the Bradley Center to lead them to a 7-3 win over the IceHogs. The only first period tally was bagged by the Admirals on Monday. While on the power play, defenseman Teemu Laakso beat Carter Hutton over the left shoulder for his second goal of the season at 15:39 for the 1-0 advantage. Two quick strike goals put Rockford on top 2-1 in the second period. Rostislav Olesz led a two-on-one break for Rockford and flipped a pass to Jimmy Hayes who shelved his fifth goal of the season past Jeremy Smith at 4:37. Then 58-seconds later, Ben Smith finished off a pretty back-handed feed from David Gilbert at 5:35 for his eighth goal of the season to give Rockford the lead. But the Admirals struck again on the power play, this time a five-on-three. Mark Van Guilder cleaned up a Juuso Puustinen rebound at 11:08 for his eighth of the year, tying the game at 2-2. Milwaukee regained the lead with two quick strike goals of their own. With yet another power play, Puustinen blasted his tenth goal of the season past Hutton at 14:36 of the middle frame. Then at 15:46 Van Guilder knocked in his second tally of the night to move the Admirals advantage to 4-2. In the third period Milwaukee put the game out of reach two goals in 14-seconds. The Admirals fourth power-play goal of the night was scored by Chris Mueller at 6:51 when he banked his 11th goal of the season off of the right pad of Hutton and in. Zach Stortini would chase Hutton from the game when he redirected a Laakso slap shot past the Rockford goalie at 7:05 for his fourth marker on the campaign. Ryan Thang added to the IceHogs penalty kill blues on Monday burying the Admirals fifth power-play goal of the game at 16:12 of the final frame. Byron Froese tallied hissecond goal of the year at 18:44 knocking in a pass from Joe Lavin to make it 7-3. Hutton was tagged with the loss after making 21 saves while Smith earned the win for Milwaukee on 23 saves. Next Home Game: Friday, Dec. 30 vs. Charlotte. Game time is 7:05 p.m. The Rockford IceHogs battle the Charlotte Checkers in the Forest City for the second time this season. It’s also kids jersey night, as the first 1,000 kids 14 and under will receive an IceHogs kids jersey, sponsored by Rockford Orthopedic.   For every goal that the Rockford IceHogs score in 2011-12, IceHogs head coach Ted Dent will make a donation to children’s cancer research. BMO Harris Bank will also make a donation for every goal to the “BMO Harris Bank Goals For Grades”

FIRST FOUR-GAME SLATE CLOSES OUT 2011 FOR ICEHOGS

By: Mike Peck

Photo by Greg Hamil Rockford drops only game during Week 12 Week 12 Recap:  Following their second one-game week of 2011-12, the Rockford IceHogs will play their first four-game week to close out the 2011 portion of the regular season. Rockford dropped their only game during Week 12, a 4-1 loss to the Toronto Marlies at the BMO Harris Bank Center. Week 12 Results                       Monday, Dec. 26 at Milwaukee,  7 p.m. Week 13 Schedule Wednesday, Dec. 21: Toronto 4 vs. Rockford 1            Thursday, Dec. 29 at Chicago, 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 30 vs. Charlotte, 7:05 p.m Saturday, Dec. 31 at Peoria, 6 p.m.                                            Bacon Bits: Beginning Monday, the IceHogs will play nine of their next 10 games on the road Rockford is winless in their last four road games (0-2-0-2) The four losses were by a combined six goals Center Brandon Pirri recorded his second assist this season in as many games with the Blackhawks last week Goalie Carter Hutton has allowed just two goals in four of his seven starts this season with Rockford Alexander Salak and Alec Richards have allowed two goals in six of their 22 starts Rockford has yet to allow less than two goals in a game through 29 contests in 2011-12 Ben Smith tallied his team-leading fifth power-play goal last week Week 12 featured Rockford’s second week in 2011-12 in which they played just one game Week 13 marks the IceHogs first four-game week in 2011-12 All four of Rockford’s games during Week 13 are against a different Midwest Division foe The IceHogs have three weeks overall this season featuring four games on the schedule Center Peter LeBlanc has a point in six of his last seven games (3g-5a-8pts) and 10 of his past 16 (9g-6a-15pts) overall dating back to 11/16/11 Center Brett McLean will miss all four games in Week 13 as he is representing Team Canada at the 2011 Spengler Cup in Switzerland This is the third straight Spengler Cup for McLean and he is the second IceHogs player (while active with the team) to play in the world’s oldest hockey tournament (Wade Flaherty-2007) Former IceHogs Pascal Pelletier and Jordan Hendry are also on Team Canada this year Hot Hog: Week 12: Peter LeBlanc Center Second-year center Peter LeBlanc registered an assist during Rockford’s lone game during Week 12 and has a three-game point streak. The Hamilton, Ont. native has points in six of his last season games, totaling 3g-5a-8pts and 10 of his past 16 contests dating back to 11/16/11. Over that 16 game stretch, LeBlanc has 9g-6a-15pts. Upcoming Games: Monday, Dec. 26 at Milwaukee Admirals: The puck drops at 7 p.m. Rockford opens their first four-game week of 2011-12 with their second contest in Milwaukee against the Admirals. The game is the third of 12 overall between the two clubs, including second of six at the Bradley Center. Thursday, Dec. 29 at Chicago Wolves. The rivalry resumes at 7 p.m. The IceHogs return to the Allstate Arena for just the second time this season in an Illinois Lottery Cup showdown with the Wolves. The game is the fourth of 12 on the campaign between the Midwest Division rivals. Friday, Dec. 30 vs. Charlotte Checkers. Game time is 7:05 p.m. The Rockford IceHogs battle the Charlotte Checkers in the Forest City  for the second time this season. It’s also kids jersey night, as the first 1,000 kids 14 and under will receive an IceHogs kids jersey, sponsored by Rockford Orthopedic.   Saturday, Dec. 31 at Peoria Rivermen. The game starts at 6 p.m. The curtain comes down on 2011 for the IceHogs as they head to Peoria for a fifth time this season to face off against the Rivermen in an Illinois Lottery Cup contest. The game is the ninth of 12 overall between the two clubs. No Bud Light Hog Talk At Granite City Tonight: Due to the IceHogs game in Milwaukee tonight, there will not be a Bud Light Hog Talk at Granite City Food and Brewery from 6-7 p.m. Granite City is located at  7140 Harrison Ave. next to CherryVale Mall. Fans can join Mike Peck and Stephen Nelson from 6-7 p.m. most Mondays as they chat with  IceHogs coaches and players. If you can't make it to Granite City, tune into 1330-AM WNTA or 100.5-FM NTA. The IceHogs Broadcasting Network: Rockford IceHogs fans can catch all of the IceHogs regular-and post-season games on the Hogs’ flagship radio station, Rockford’s Voice, WNTA-AM 1330 and 100.5-FM NTA, and 30 regular season games on ESPN Radio 1380-AM, WTJK.  Fans can also watch and listen to the Hogs on the World Wide Web with AHL Live!  Visit the IceHogs website (icehogs.com) and click on the “click here to watch the AHL Live” icon, and for just $7 you can catch all of the IceHogs action on your computer.  Also, fans with Comcast Cable television in Rockford can tune in to Channel 57 for all the IceHogs hockey action at the BMO Harris Bank Center this season. All Saturday home games will also be televised on My Network TV digital subchannel 17.2 along with Comcast and Charter Cable channel 16. The broadcast begins with the U.S. Cellular Pregame Show 30 minutes before the puck drops. Make sure to give your opinion during the Comcast Post-Game Call-In Show following each game at (815) 874-8255. Tickets Now On Sale! IceHogs individual game tickets are now on sale! Call (815) 968-5222 to reserve your seats for any IceHogs regular season game during the 2011-12 season. Tickets can also be purchased in person at the BMO Harris Bank Center Box Office in downtown Rockford or on the Web at www.theBMOHarrisBankCenter.com. Tickets start at just $7.

BLACKHAWKS RECALL PIRRI FROM ROCKFORD

By: Mike Peck

Youds loaned to Toledo  Rockford, Ill.- The Chicago Blackhawks have recalled forward Brandon Pirri from the American Hockey League’s Rockford IceHogs. In addition, Chicago Blackhawks General Manager of Minor League Affiliations Mark Bernard announced that the IceHogs have loaned rookie defenseman Ben Youds to the ECHL’s Toledo Walleye. Pirri, 20, has registered two assists and a +2 plus/minus rating in two contests with the Blackhawks this year and paced Chicago with four goals and five points in four games during the 2011 preseason. The Toronto native also ranks seventh in the AHL with a team-high 31 points and tenth in the league with a team-best 13 goals in 28 contests this season, and paces the IceHogs with a +6 plus/minus rating. Youds, 23, has skated in 14 games with Rockford this season and has collected a goal and three assists. The Maple Grove, Minn. native played four seasons at Minnesota State University- Mankato prior to turning pro and had seven goals and 14 assists in 37 games with the Mavericks as a senior last season. Next Home Game: Friday, Dec. 30 vs. Charlotte. Game time is 7:05 p.m. The Rockford IceHogs battle the Charlotte Checkers in the Forest City for the second time this season. It’s also kids jersey night, as the first 1,000 kids 14 and under will receive an IceHogs kids jersey, sponsored by Rockford Orthopedic.

DIDOMENICO REASSIGNED TO ROCKFORD FROM TOLEDO

By: Mike Peck

Photo by Jim Orlando Winger rejoins IceHogs Rockford, Ill.- The Chicago Blackhawks announced Monday that they have reassigned winger Chris DiDomenico from the ECHL’s Toledo Walleye to the American Hockey League’s Rockford IceHogs. DiDomenico will rejoin the IceHogs in time for Monday’s game in Milwaukee against the Admirals. The second-year winger has appeared in nine games with Rockford this season and has registered a goal with two assists. In 16 games with the Walleye, DiDomenico has 4g-12a-16pts, ranking him second on the team in scoring. DiDomenico, 22, played in 25 games with the IceHogs in 2010-11 and marked four assists. In 37 contests with the Walleye a season ago, the Woodbridge, Ont. native totaled 9g-16a-25pts. Next Home Game: Friday, Dec. 30 vs. Charlotte. Game time is 7:05 p.m. The Rockford IceHogs battle the Charlotte Checkers in the Forest City for the second time this season. It’s also kids jersey night, as the first 1,000 kids 14 and under will receive an IceHogs kids jersey, sponsored by Rockford Orthopedic.

BREAK’S OVER, HOGS IN MILWAUKEE TONIGHT

By: Mike Peck

IceHogs return from brief Christmas break tonight Milwaukee, Wis.- After a brief four-day break, the Rockford IceHogs return to the ice tonight in Milwaukee to face the Admirals at the Bradley Center beginning at 7 p.m. To listen to tonight’s game, tune into 100.5 NTA FM, 1330 AM WNTA, 1380 AM WTJK, online at nta.com or on Comcast Cable channel-57 beginning at 6:35 p.m. with the U.S. Cellular Pregame Show. The game can be viewed through AHLlive.com. Tonight’s game is the third of 12 between the Midwest Division rivals, all coming within the last three weeks. Rockford skated past the Admirals 4-2 at the BMO Harris Bank Center in their last meeting on Dec. 17. Rockford entered the Christmas Break falling to the Toronto Marlies 4-1 on Wednesday at the BMO Harris Bank Center. But since Wednesday, both Jeremy Morin and Brandon Pirri have been returned to the IceHogs from the Chicago Blackhawks. Veteran center Brett McLean is not with the team, however, as he is participating in the Spangler Cup with Team Canada in Switzerland. Next Home Game: Friday, Dec. 30 vs. Charlotte. Game time is 7:05 p.m. The Rockford IceHogs battle the Charlotte Checkers in the Forest City for the second time this season. It’s also kids jersey night, as the first 1,000 kids 14 and under will receive an IceHogs kids jersey, sponsored by Rockford Orthopedic.  For every goal that the Rockford IceHogs score in 2011-12, IceHogs head coach Ted Dent will make a donation to children’s cancer research. BMO Harris Bank will also make a donation for every goal to the “BMO Harris Bank Goals For Grades”

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM THE ROCKFORD ICEHOGS

By: Nate Haeni

Rockford, Ill.- The Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and happy holiday season. The IceHogs business offices will be closed on Friday, Dec. 23 and will re-open on Tuesday, Dec. 27 to allow our staff time to celebrate Christmas with their families. The Hogs return to the ice on Monday, Dec. 26 as they travel to Milwaukee to take on the Admirals at 7 p.m. The game can be heard on 100.5-FM NTA, 1330-AM WNTA and 1380-AM ESPN, beginning at 6:30 p.m. with the U.S. Cellular pregame show. The team will return to action at the BMO Harris Bank Center on Friday, Dec. 30 as they battle the Charlotte Checkers at 7:05 p.m. The first 1,000 kids (14 and under) to the game will get an IceHogs kids jersey thanks to Rockford Orthopedic. The BMO Harris Bank Center Box Office will be open on Friday, Dec. 23 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. and closed Saturday and Sunday, but tickets for any upcoming IceHogs game can be purchased online at icehogs.com. The box office will re-open from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 26.

ICEHOGS SPREAD TEDDY BEARS, HOLIDAY CHEER IN ROCKFORD

By: Amy Spivey

Rockford, Ill- In the midst of the holiday season, the Rockford IceHogs are giving back to the community and hoping to make the festivities a little brighter for many in the Rockford area. After the IceHogs annual Teddy Bear Toss on Dec. 3, more than 1,200 bears were sorted and delivered to local hospitals and non-profit organizations, including Maya’s House, Carrie Lynn Children’s Center, WAVE Remedies, the OSF St. Anthony Foundation and the Salvation Army. In addition, numerous IceHogs players and coaches made trips to Rockford Memorial and SwedishAmerican hospitals to personally deliver stuffed animals to children in the pediatric wards. Hammy also made deliveries in the community, visiting the Mother House Crisis Nursery and Meld, where he handed out teddy bears and joined in on the children’s Christmas parties. For more information about IceHogs community events and player appearances, click here or visit icehogs.com/schedule/community/. Next Home Game: Wednesday, Dec. 21 vs. Toronto. The puck drops at 7:05 p.m. Rockford hosts the Toronto Marlies for the first and only time this season. It’s also another Taco Bell Dollar Day. Fans can purchase beers, hot dogs, soft drinks and companion tickets for just one dollar a piece.

BLACKHAWKS ASSIGN MORIN AND PIRRI TO ROCKFORD, REASSIGN MCLEAN TO TEAM CANADA

By: Nate Haeni

Rockford, Ill. - The Chicago Blackhawks have assigned forwards Jeremy Morin and Brandon Pirri to the American Hockey League’s Rockford IceHogs, and have reassigned forward Brett McLean to Team Canada for the 2011 Spengler Cup. Morin, 20, has registered two shots on goal in three games with Chicago this season. He has also tallied 15 points (5g-10a) in 22 contests with Rockford, including nine points (1g-8a) over his last nine AHL tilts. The Auburn, New York, native registered three points (2g-1a) and a +2 plus/minus rating in nine tilts with Chicago during the 2010-11 campaign in his first season in the Blackhawks organization. Pirri, 20, has tallied two assists and a +2 plus/minus rating in two contests with the Blackhawks this year and paced Chicago with four goals and five points in four games during the 2011 preseason. The Toronto native also ranks seventh in the AHL with a team-high 31 points and tenth in the league with a team-best 13 goals in 28 contests this season, and paces the IceHogs with a +6 plus/minus rating. McLean, 33, shares fourth on Rockford with 19 points (7g-12a) in 29 regular-season AHL tilts. The Comox, British Columbia, native has posted 162 points (56g-106a) in 385 career regular-season games over parts of six NHL seasons with Chicago (2002-04), Colorado Avalanche (2005-07) and Florida Panthers (2007-09) and registered one assist in eight Stanley Cup Playoffs games with Colorado in 2006. The 2011 Spengler Cup will be conducted in Davos, Switzerland from Dec. 26-31. Next Home Game: Friday, Dec. 30 vs. Charlotte. Game time is 7:05 p.m. The Rockford IceHogs battle the Charlotte Checkers in the Forest City for the second time this season. It’s also kids jersey night, as the first 1,000 kids 14 and under will receive an IceHogs kids jersey, sponsored by Rockford Orthopedic.

ICEHOGS TO HOST SKATING CLINIC FOR RUNTS CLUB

By: Nate Haeni

Photo courtesy of Kelli Parkman Rockford, Ill. – All members of the Rockford IceHogs Runts Club are invited to participate in the annual skating clinic that the team will offer on Monday, Jan. 2 at Carlson Ice Arena in Rockford. The clinic will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and broken up into two different hour-long segments. The first session is for new and inexperienced skaters while the second segment will focus on the fundamentals of hockey with drills being run by the IceHogs players. Rental skates will be available at Carlson Ice Arena. Members participating in the second session will be required to bring their own pads, helmet and stick. IceHogs players will be attending the event and select players will participate in both sessions. Players that are not instructing any of the segments will be available to sign autographs and take pictures. For more information about joining the Official Kids Club of the Rockford IceHogs or the hockey clinic, please contact Ryan Woodrow at (815) 847-6383. Click here to fill out the membership form. Members of the Runts Kids Club receive the following:           -Membership card           -Official Runts Club t-shirt           -IceHogs autograph book           -Half price admission to select home games           -Members only autograph session and hockey clinic           -Opportunity to go out on to the ice to help pickup Chuck-A-Pucks during all IceHogs home games

LATE SURGE PUSHES MARLIES TO 4-1 WIN OVER ROCKFORD

By: Amy Spivey

Photo by Greg Hamil Rockford, Ill- A far too common trend for the Rockford IceHogs lately seems to leave the team feeling they deserve a better outcome. Another solid effort came up short Wednesday as the IceHogs fell to the Toronto Marlies 4-1 at the BMO Harris Bank Center after three late third period goals by the Marlies. Tied 1-1 late in the third period, Toronto took the lead with just 2:25 left in regulation. Joe Colborne fed a pass to Marcel Mueller, who flipped the puck past Carter Hutton for his fifth goals of the season to give the Marlies a 2-1 advantage. The IceHogs earned a power-play opportunity with less than two minutes left and pulled Hutton in favor of the extra attacker. Toronto, however, tallied two short-handed, empty-net goals from Mike Zigomanis and Ryan Hamilton to seal the game and take the 4-1 win. For the first time this season, the IceHogs played in a scoreless game through the first 40 minutes, but Toronto got on the board early in the third. Jerry D’Amigo fired a slapshot from the left faceoff circle that went top-shelf past Hutton to give Toronto a 1-0 lead at the 1:52 mark. Jesse Blacker and Simon Gysbers tallied assists on the play. Then halfway through the final frame, Rockford took advantage of a power play to tie the game at 1-1. Peter LeBlanc ripped a shot from the blue line that Ben Smith redirected past Ben Scrivens for his seventh goal of the season. Smith leads the IceHogs with five power-play goals this season. Rockford went 1-for-5 on the man advantage, while Toronto did not convert on any of their five power play opportunities. Hutton made 24 saves in the loss, and Scrivens turned away 29 IceHogs shots to earn the win. Rockford now faces a long road stretch as the team plays 10 of their next 11 away from the BMO Harris Bank Center and has just one home game over the next 25 days. Next Home Game: Friday, Dec. 30 vs. Charlotte. Game time is 7:05 p.m. The Rockford IceHogs battle the Charlotte Checkers in the Forest City for the second time this season. It’s also kids jersey night, as the first 1,000 kids 14 and under will receive an IceHogs kids jersey, sponsored by Rockford Orthopedic.   For every goal that the Rockford IceHogs score in 2011-12, IceHogs head coach Ted Dent will make a donation to children’s cancer research. BMO Harris Bank will also make a donation for every goal to the “BMO Harris Bank Goals For Grades”

PIRRI RECALLED BY THE BLACKHAWKS FROM ROCKFORD

By: Mike Peck

Photo by Jim Orlando Hogs leading scorer summoned to Chicago Rockford, Ill.- The Chicago Blackhawks announced on Wednesday that they have recalled center Brandon Pirri from the American Hockey League’s Rockford IceHogs.  Pirri, 20, earns his second recall to Chicago in 2011-12 as the second-year center skated in the Blackhawks season opener in Dallas on Oct. 17 and registered his first NHL point with an assist. Pirri also appeared in one game with Chicago in 2010-11. Chicago’s second round selection (#59 overall) in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, Pirri leads Rockford in scoring with 31 points and 13 goals this season. The Toronto native is currently riding his third five-game point streak of the season and ranks seventh overall in the AHL in scoring. Over his past 46 games with Rockford dating back to March 8, Pirri has totaled 17g-32a-49pts.  Before turning pro, Pirri played one season with RPI (NCAA) and accumulated 11g-32a-43pts in 32 games with the Engineers. Next Home Game: Wednesday, Dec. 21 vs. Toronto. The puck drops at 7:05 p.m. Rockford hosts the Toronto Marlies for the first and only time this season. It’s also another Taco Bell Dollar Day. Fans can purchase beers, hot dogs, soft drinks and companion tickets for just one dollar a piece.

ICEHOGS SPREAD TEDDY BEARS, HOLIDAY CHEER IN ROCKFORD

By: Amy Spivey

Rockford, Ill- In the midst of the holiday season, the Rockford IceHogs are giving back to the community and hoping to make the festivities a little brighter for many in the Rockford area. After the IceHogs annual Teddy Bear Toss on Dec. 3, more than 1,200 bears were sorted and delivered to local hospitals and non-profit organizations, including Maya’s House, Carrie Lynn Children’s Center, WAVE Remedies, the OSF St. Anthony Foundation and the Salvation Army. In addition, numerous IceHogs players and coaches made trips to Rockford Memorial and SwedishAmerican hospitals to personally deliver stuffed animals to children in the pediatric wards. Hammy also made deliveries in the community, visiting the Mother House Crisis Nursery and Meld, where he handed out teddy bears and joined in on the children’s Christmas parties. For more information about IceHogs community events and player appearances, click here or visit icehogs.com/schedule/community/. Next Home Game: Wednesday, Dec. 21 vs. Toronto. The puck drops at 7:05 p.m. Rockford hosts the Toronto Marlies for the first and only time this season. It’s also another Taco Bell Dollar Day. Fans can purchase beers, hot dogs, soft drinks and companion tickets for just one dollar a piece.

ICEHOGS PICKUP POINTS IN FIVE OF LAST SIX GAMES

By: Nate Haeni

Photo by Greg Hamil Week 11 Recap: The IceHogs picked up a standings point in two of their three games in Week 11 and now have earned points in five of their last six games overall. Rockford fell short in Grand Rapids on Wednesday night, losing 5-4 in a shootout to the Griffins. Then, the IceHogs fired 44 shots on goal against Peoria on Friday but only came away with two goals, losing to the Rivermen 5-2. The Hogs rebounded on Saturday and knocked off the Milwaukee Admirals 4-2 behind Brandon Pirri’s second multi-goal game of the season. Rockford hosts the Toronto Marlies at home on Wednesday night before the holiday break. Week 11 Results Wednesday, Dec. 14: Rockford 4 at Grand Rapids 5 SO Friday, Dec. 16: Peoria 5 vs. Rockford 2 Saturday, Dec. 17: Milwaukee 2 vs. Rockford 4 Week 12 Schedule Wednesday, Dec. 21 vs. Toronto, 7:05 p.m. Bacon Bits: -Rockford has snagged points in five of their last six games (3-1-0-2) dating back to 12/9/11 -Center Brandon Pirri is riding his third five-game point streak of the season, accumulating 3g-5g-8pts during his hot stretch -Pirri recorded multi-point games in all three IceHogs tilts in Week 11, and now leads Rockford with 11 multi-point contests, six more than the next closest skater -Defenseman Brian Connelly had a pair of assists on Saturday for his fifth multi-point game of the season and is second among AHL d-men with 25 points -Connelly’s 22 assists are also second most in the AHL -After going 2-36 (5.6%) on the power play over a seven-game stretch, Rockford snapped out of the slump by going 4-7 over their past two games -After Wednesday’s home game against Toronto, Rockford will play nine of their next 10 games on the road -Rostislav Olesz notched his fifth multi-point game of the season on Saturday, marking two assists -Winger Greg Rallo became the 43rd former IceHogs skater to play in the NHL when he appeared in Sunday’s game with the Florida Panthers -Carter Hutton has won his last three home starts for the IceHogs. -In five home appearances, Hutton is 3-1-0-0 with a 2.06 goals against average and a .936 save percentage -Alexander Salak and Alec Richards are a combined 3-9-0-0 with a 3.69 goals against average and .871 save percentage at home -Second-year center Brandon Bollig has 1g-4a-5pts through 25 games played this season after registering four goals in 55 games in 2010-11 -After accumulating 44 shots on goal both Friday and Saturday, Rockford has now had six games (2-3-1-0) this season where they’ve totaled 40 or more shots in a game -In 2010-11, Rockford had five or more goals in a contest 10 times Upcoming Games: Wednesday, Dec. 21 vs. Toronto Marlies: The IceHogs welcome the Toronto Marlies to the BMO Harris Bank Center for the first and only time in 2011-12. The Hogs will travel to Toronto on Feb. 17 to close out the season matchup between the two squads. Rockford has an all-time record of 6-1-0-1 against the Marlies. It’s another Taco Bell Dollar Day as fans can get beers, sodas, hot dogs or companion tickets for just one dollar. Bud Light Hog Talk Rolls On At Granite City: Bud Light Hog Talk makes its weekly appearance tonight at Granite City Food and Brewery from 6-7 p.m. Granite City is located at  7140 Harrison Ave. next to CherryVale Mall. Fans can join Mike Peck from 6-7 p.m. tonight as he chats with IceHogs forwards Philippe Paradis and Brandon Pirri and goaltending coach Andrew Allen. Take advantage of food and Bud Light specials. If you can't make it to Granite City, tune into 1330-AM WNTA or 100.5-FM NTA. The IceHogs Broadcasting Network: Rockford IceHogs fans can catch all of the IceHogs regular-and post-season games on the Hogs’ flagship radio station, Rockford’s Voice, WNTA-AM 1330 and 100.5-FM NTA, and 30 regular season games on ESPN Radio 1380-AM, WTJK.  Fans can also watch and listen to the Hogs on the World Wide Web with AHL Live!  Visit the IceHogs website (icehogs.com) and click on the “click here to watch the AHL Live” icon, and for just $7 you can catch all of the IceHogs action on your computer.  Also, fans with Comcast Cable television in Rockford can tune in to Channel 57 for all the IceHogs hockey action at the BMO Harris Bank Center this season. All Saturday home games will also be televised on My Network TV digital subchannel 17.2 along with Comcast and Charter Cable channel 16. The broadcast begins with the U.S. Cellular Pregame Show 30 minutes before the puck drops. Make sure to give your opinion during the Comcast Post-Game Call-In Show following each game at (815) 874-8255. Tickets Now On Sale! IceHogs individual game tickets are now on sale! Call (815) 968-5222 to reserve your seats for any IceHogs regular season game during the 2011-12 season. Tickets can also be purchased in person at the BMO Harris Bank Center Box Office in downtown Rockford or on the Web at www.theBMOHarrisBankCenter.com. Tickets start at just $7.

Illinois Lottery Cup Series Standings Teams         Record    Points Peoria          8-5-0-0     16 Rockford      4-6-1-0      9 Chicago       4-4-0-0      8 Rockford vs. Peoria       3-4-1-0 Rockford vs. Chicago    1-2-0-0 Upcoming Illinois Lottery Cup Games: Dec. 29 at Chicago Dec. 31 at Peoria

BLACKHAWKS CALL FOR MORIN

By: Mike Peck

Photo by Jim Orlando Winger earns first recall of the season Rockford, Ill.-The Chicago Blackhawks announced on Sunday that the National Hockey League club has recalled winger Jeremy Morin from the American Hockey League’s Rockford IceHogs. Morin, 20, has appeared in 23 games with the IceHogs this season, totaling 5g-10a-15pts. In his second professional season, the Auburn, NY native skated in nine games with the Blackhawks in 2010-11, registering two goals and an assist. Originally drafted by the Atlanta Thrashers in the second round (#45 overall) in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, Morin also played in 22 games with Rockford last season, accumulating 8g-4a-12pts. The winger was acquired by the Blackhawks from Atlanta on June 24, 2010. Next Home Game: Wednesday, Dec. 21 vs. Toronto. The puck drops at 7:05 p.m. Rockford hosts the Toronto Marlies for the first and only time this season. It’s also another Taco Bell Dollar Day. Fans can purchase beers, hot dogs, soft drinks and companion tickets for just one dollar a piece.

PIRRI, POWER PLAY PROPEL ICEHOGS OVER ADMIRALS

By: Amy Spivey

Photo by Kris Gray Rockford, Ill- Brandon Pirri entered Saturday’s contest with the Milwaukee Admirals riding a four-game point streak. The center skated away having tied a season-high five-game streak, posting two goals and an assist to lead the Rockford IceHogs to a 4-2 victory at the BMO Harris Bank Center. Tied at 1-1 heading into the second period, Pirri gave the IceHogs the lead with an early power-play tally. Brian Connelly fed a pass to Rostislav Olesz from the blue line, and the winger set up Pirri, who fired a one-timer from the right faceoff circle past Jeremy Smith at 4:57 to make it 2-1 in favor of the IceHogs. At the 15:15 mark of the middle frame, Brandon Bollig increased the IceHogs lead with his first goal of the season. Byron Froese found Bollig open on the right faceoff circle, and the winger sniped a shot past Smith to push the IceHogs lead to 3-1. Midway through the final frame, Pirri continued the scoring for Rockford with another power-play marker. Smith went to play the puck behind the Admirals net, but it bounced over his stick and out to Pirri, who wristed in his second goal of the night into the empty net, giving the IceHogs a 4-1 lead at 9:58 of the third period. Milwaukee got a late goal from Jonathon Blum with 55 seconds left in the game, but the clock ran out, and Rockford skated away with a 4-2 win. The goal was Blum’s second of the game. The IceHogs got on the board first with a power-play goal from Peter LeBlanc in the opening frame. Brian Connelly made a quick pass to Pirri, who found LeBlanc waiting in the front of the net, and the centerman slapped his ninth goal of the season past Smith at the 10:35 mark. The Admirals got the equalizer a few minutes later on the man advantage. Ryan Ellis and Blake Geoffrion set up Blum, who rifled a shot from the blue line that snuck past Carter Hutton to tie the game at the 13:57 mark. The IceHogs were 3-for-5 on the man advantage while Milwaukee converted on one of three power play chances. Hutton turned away 28 Admirals shots to earn the win, while Smith made 40 saves in the loss.   Next Home Game: Wednesday, Dec. 21 vs. Toronto. The puck drops at 7:05 p.m. Rockford hosts the Toronto Marlies for the first and only time this season. It’s also another Taco Bell Dollar Day. Fans can purchase beers, hot dogs, soft drinks and companion tickets for just one dollar a piece. For every goal that the Rockford IceHogs score in 2011-12, IceHogs head coach Ted Dent will make a donation to children’s cancer research. BMO Harris Bank will also make a donation for every goal to the “BMO Harris Bank Goals For Grades”

BLACKHAWKS ASSIGN SMITH

By: Nate Haeni

Photo by Greg Hamil Rockford, Ill. - The Chicago Blackhawks have assigned forward Ben Smith to the American Hockey League’s Rockford IceHogs. Smith, 23, has tallied 12 points (6g-6a) in 10 games for the IceHogs this season and leads the club with four power-play markers. Smith has recorded one goal in seven regular-season games with Chicago this season. Chicago’s fifth selection (169th overall) in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft made his National Hockey League debut with Chicago last season, collecting one goal in six regular-season contests before notching three goals in seven Stanley Cup Playoff tilts.  The Avon, Connecticut native skated in 63 games for the IceHogs during the 2010-11 season, finishing with 19 goals and 31 points (19g-12a) during his first professional campaign. For his efforts, Smith was named the IceHogs 2010-11 Rookie of the Year.

ROCKFORD COMES UP SHORT AGAINST RIVERMEN

By: Kate Munson

Photo by Greg Hamil Rockford, Ill.- In their last two games with the Peoria Rivermen, the Rockford IceHogs have posted 93 shots on goal, but skated away with only four goals to show for it. The IceHogs recorded two goals on 44 shots Friday night at the BMO Harris Bank Center, falling 5-2 to the Rivermen. Rockford got on the board first with a power-play tally from Brian Connelly. With five seconds remaining on the power play, Connelly fired a shot from the blue line that blew past Jake Allen to give the IceHogs a 1-0 lead at 15:04 of the first period. Brandon Pirri and Peter LeBlanc factored in with the assists. The goal was Connelly’s second against the Rivermen this season and third overall. The defenseman has 23 points (3g-20a) on the season with 12 coming in eight games against the Rivermen. Peoria tallied early in the middle frame to tie the game at 1-1. Derek Nesbitt fired a shot that Alec Richards blocked down, but Jonathan Cheechoo tapped in the rebound to put the Rivermen on the board at 4:59. Then, at the 13:55 mark, Cheechoo made a pass to Nesbitt on the power play, and Nesbitt tipped the puck behind Richards to give Peoria a 2-1 lead. Tyler Shattock put Peoria up 3-1 with less than a minute left in the second period. Shattock finished off a nice sequence of passes from Adam Cracknell and Brett Sterling at 19:03 to put Peoria up by two goals. Brandon Pirri pulled the IceHogs within one at the start of the final frame. The centerman carried the puck into the Peoria zone and blasted his team-leading 11th goal of the season past Allen at 1:40 to make it a 3-2 game. The goal now gives Pirri points in four straight contests (1g-5a). The Rivermen, however, came right back to regain a two-goal lead at 7:08 remaining in the game. Brennan Evans shot the puck wide of the net, and it bounced off the back boards and onto the stick of Chase Polacek, who sent it to the back of the net to give Peoria a 4-2 lead. With 1:30 left to play, the IceHogs pulled Richards in favor of the extra attacker, but Anthony Nigro tallied an empty net goal with less than 10 seconds left to give Peoria a 5-2 win. Rockford converted on one of their four power play opportunities, while Peoria cashed in on one of two chances. Richards made 26 saves in the loss, while Allen turned away 42 IceHogs shots to earn the win. Next Home Game: Saturday, Dec. 17 vs. Milwaukee. Game time is 7:05 p.m. The Rockford IceHogs host their division rivals for the first time this season. It’s also the first bobblehead giveaway of the season, with the first 2,500 fans receiving a collector’s edition Rob Klinkhammer bobblehead thanks to U.S. Cellular. For every goal that the Rockford IceHogs score in 2011-12, IceHogs head coach Ted Dent will make a donation to children’s cancer research. BMO Harris Bank will also make a donation for every goal to the “BMO Harris Bank Goals For Grades”

BLACKHAWKS RECALL BEN SMITH FROM ROCKFORD

By: Nate Haeni

Rockford, Ill. - The Chicago Blackhawks have recalled forward Ben Smith from the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League. Smith, 23, dished out two assists in Rockford’s 5-4 shootout loss at Grand Rapids on Wednesday. The winger has tallied 12 points (6g-6a) in 10 games for the IceHogs this season and leads the club with four power-play markers. Smith has recorded one goal in seven regular-season games with Chicago this season. Chicago’s fifth selection (169th overall) in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft made his National Hockey League debut with Chicago last season, collecting one goal in six regular-season contests before notching three goals in seven Stanley Cup Playoff tilts. The Avon, Connecticut native skated in 63 games for the IceHogs during the 2010-11 season, finishing with 19 goals and 31 points (19g-12a) during his first professional campaign. For his efforts, Smith was named the IceHogs 2010-11 Rookie of the Year.