BLACKHAWKS INVADE THE METROCENTRE

Rockford takes in a day of Chicago training camp

Rockford, Ill.-For one afternoon Rockford hockey fans got to witness what goes into a National Hockey League training camp. Fans were treated to a day of Chicago Blackhawks training camp at the Rockford MetroCentre on Sunday afternoon in the Blackhawks Red and White Event.

The Blackhawks brought the entire team to Rockford for the club’s second full day of training camp. The four-hour session was highlighted by two scrimmages, two practices and autograph sessions.

The likes of Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Brian Campbell and Patrick Sharp graced the MetroCentre ice on Sunday afternoon along with some familiar faces from last seasons IceHogs team. Without question it was the most hockey talent on one sheet of ice at one time in Rockford history.

The Blackhawks split up their training camp roster into three teams. Team White skated in both scrimmages on Sunday, coming up victorious, 3-2, over Team Black and 3-1 over Team Red.

Team White jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first scrimmage with goals from Ben Eager, Jesse Boulerice and Tim Brent. Team Black made things interesting with markers from Olivier Labelle and then another from Dave Bolland with 42 second left in the hour-long scrimmage.

The second match-up was tied 1-1 until Toews broke the stalemate with a penalty shot goal. Igor Makarov also potted a goal for Team White while Mike Radja had Team Red’s only lamp lighter.

More than 4,500 fans took in the days events at the MetroCentre. The IceHogs will open their American Hockey League training camp on Saturday, Sept. 27. Chicago’s camp resumes on Monday morning at the United Center.