EXHIBITION COMES TO A CLOSE WITH A 16-ROUND SHOOTOUT

Hogs fall to Peoria 3-2 on Saturday

Rockford, Ill.-A 16-round shootout wasn’t enough to give the Rockford IceHogs a victory in their final game of preseason play. Alec Richards stopped 14-straight shootout shots after giving up a goal to Derek Nesbitt in the first round, but Rivermen defenseman David Shields beat Richards in the 16th round to give Peoria a 3-2 win at the BMO Harris Bank Center on Saturday.

Rockford’s lone shootout tally was potted by Andrew Shaw on Jake Allen in the second round. Every IceHogs player attempted a shootout shot except defensemen Brian Fahey and Ryan Stanton. Brennan Evans was the lone Rivermen skater not to partake in the shootout.

Peoria scored first when Tyler Shattock redirected a Stefan Della Rovere shot from on top of the right face off circle at 10:04 of the first period. The goal was set up off of a face-off win by Brett Sonne.

The IceHogs came back on a power play in the second to tie the game 1-1. Brett Ponich sat in the box after being called for hooking, and Shaw knocked the puck behind Rivermen goalie Allen from on top of the crease at the seven minute mark. Byron Froese and Shawn Lalonde were credited with the assists.

Brandon Segal scored on the power play just 2:29 into the third to give the IceHogs a 2-1 lead. Brian Fahey and Brian Connelly got the assists. But Rivermen defenseman Danny Syvret tied it up at the 10:17 mark with assists from Jay Barriball and Brett Ponich.

The score remained tied at two after 60 minutes, and the game went into a shootout after neither team capitalized during the five minute overtime. Richards finished the contest with 21 saves.

The Hogs finished the game 2-for-5 on the power play while the Rivermen were held off the board on six attempts. The IceHogs concluded the preseason 0-3.

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.