ARGH MATEY ... HOGS INTRODUCE AUCTION THEME

Captain Hammy Hook to take over the 9th Annual Jersey Auction

Rockford, Ill.-Rockford IceHogs Team President Ryan Washatka unveiled the American Hockey League club’s 2008 jersey auction theme at a press conference Tuesday at the Rockford MetroCentre. This year’s theme is Captain Hammy Hook.

The annual jersey auction game will take place on Saturday, April 5 at 7:05 p.m. when the IceHogs take on the San Antonio Rampage at the MetroCentre. The IceHogs will wear commemorative Captain Hammy Hook jerseys and immediately following the contest, the game worn jerseys will get auctioned live. The game is presented by Saturn of Rockford, 13 WREX and the IceHogs Charitable Foundation.

All proceeds from this year’s auction will get donated back into the Rockford community through the IceHogs Charitable Foundation. Some of the beneficiaries include the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Boy Scouts of America and Girl Scouts of America, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Rockford, Big Brothers and Big Sisters and Junior IceHogs.

Last season, the IceHogs and their generous fans helped raise nearly $64,000 for the IceHogs Charitable Foundation. During the IceHogs first eight auctions, the club has raised well over $450,000.

To go along with the live Jersey Auction, fans can also participate in several silent auctions, a raffle for a personalized Captain Hammy Hook Jersey and an on-line auction through icehogs.com for an auction jersey. All proceeds from the raffles and on-line auction will also benefit the IceHogs Charitable Foundation.

Fans that come out to the Hogs-Rampage contest on April 5 will also have an opportunity to win a new car courtesy of Saturn of Rockford. The fans will be selected at random and will have a chance at winning a brand new 2008 Saturn Sky.

For tickets to the IceHogs Annual Jersey Auction game, call (815) 968-5222, on the web at centreevents.com or at the MetroCentre Box Office in downtown Rockford.

Next Home Game: Friday, March 21 vs. Quad City Flames. Game time is slated or 7:30 p.m. The Hogs meet up with the Flames for the final MetroCentre meeting of the season. The IceHogs, along with Comcast, welcome SpongeBob SquarePants to the game. Kids can meet and take pictures with the popular Nickelodeon cartoon character.