Busdeker Sends IceHogs into Overtime with Final Minute Shot; Wild Snags the 2-1 Victory

With 14 seconds remaining in the third period, Rockford IceHogs forward D.J. Busdeker batted down a fluttering shot to find the back of the net to tie the Iowa Wild 1-1, but the Wild secured the 2-1 victory in overtime at the Xtreme Arena in Coralville, Iowa in Wednesday night’s preseason game.

Forward Sammy Walker scored the game's opening goal on the power play with an assist from Tanner Kaspick at 6:43 in the first period to give the Wild the lead in a controlled beginning period. The IceHogs tried to force the issue in a fast-moving second period, but their penalty kill was put to the test and denied four Wild man-advantages to keep the contest within one after two frames. Wild goalie Hunter Jones stepped in at the start of the frame for Jesper Wallstedt and blocked all nine IceHogs chances in a no-scoring period.

However, late in the period, Busdeker almost tied the game with a short-side clean shot that rang through the arena when it hit the post.

Last season, the IceHogs were 10^th best in the AHL on the penalty kill and held the Wild scoreless with six perfect penalty kills after Walker's goal. Defenseman Koletrane Wilson tried to rally the IceHogs when he dropped the gloves against the Wild’s James Sanchez in the third period.

After the impressive display of hand-eye coordination from Busdeker’s score, the clubs went into overtime for the second time in their preseason histories. Looking to carry the momentum of the last-second score, Lukas Reichel had first possession for the IceHogs. The three-on-three battle was lost when Walker snuck a shot under the hand of goalie Arvid Soderblom to end the game 2:21 into the extra session.

The IceHogs and Wild close the preseason against each other, tomorrow, Thursday, Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. at Xtreme Arena. Listen to tomorrow's preseason action on the IceHogs Broadcast Network presented by BMO Harris Bank! Tune in from your favorite device, at home or on the road at IceHogs.com and on the IceHogs app!

Join the IceHogs’ Opening Act with Hard Rock Casino-Rockford on Oct. 22!
The IceHogs celebrate Opening Night at the BMO on Saturday, Oct. 22 vs. Chicago Wolves at 7 p.m. Start the celebration with the IceHogs and the Hard Rock Casino – Rockford for The IceHogs Opening Act with a block party from 4:30-6:30 p.m. outside the BMO featuring Rockford band, Miles Nielsen and the Rusted Hearts.

The IceHogs and Hard Rock Casino – Rockford are also teaming up on an exclusive Hard Rock Hammy t-shirt giveaway. Fans attending the block party will have the first chance to get a shirt with the remaining shirts available to fans upon entry to the BMO Harris Bank Center.

Food trucks from Olivo Tacos, 15^th and Chris, TNT Funnel Cakes, Inzombia coffee and more will fuel fans for the Opening Act and fans can participate in exciting pregame events like axe throwing, street hockey provided by the Chicago Blackhawks, giant Jenga, giant Connect Four, bags/cornhole and more! The block party will take place at the intersection of Elm and Main St., outside of the BMO Harris Bank Center Box Office.

Be Close to the FUN with an IceHogs Group Ticket Package!
Group ticket packages are on sale now! Experience the excitement of IceHogs hockey with a group of 10 or more family and friends! From skating on the ice before the game, watching pregame warmups from the bench, performing during the game or high-fiving the IceHogs as they take the ice, an IceHogs Group Ticket Package brings you closer to the FUN! Reserve your group experience all season at IceHogs.com!

Season Ticket Memberships for 2022-23 are on Sale Now!
Don’t miss a moment of the action next season! Reserve your seats for the IceHogs’ 16th season as the top AHL affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks. Celebrate Opening Night on Saturday, Oct. 22 at 7 p.m. at BMO Harris Bank Center against the Chicago Wolves! Contact us at (815) 847-6399, at icehogs@blackhawks.com, or visit IceHogs.com to claim your seats for this upcoming season.