Photo by: Kristin Ostrowski/ Rockford IceHogs

Rockford, IL- The Rockford IceHogs (13-16-2-1) will host the Chicago Wolves (13-7-4-3) one last time in the 2025. This afternoon will be the fifth meeting of the season between the two in-state rivals and just the second inside the BMO Center. Rockford will have the chance to bounce back quickly following a 3-0 loss in Milwaukee last night. 

The Matchup: 

All Time Series: 99-83-13-6

Season Series: 2-2-0-0 

Tale of the Tape: The Wolves have picked up points in each of their last seven games heading into today's matchup. This will be the first time the IceHogs will face-off against Chicago with their new bench boss Spiros Anastas who was named the interim head coach on Dec. 12. Rockford's offense has found success through the first four meetings with Chicago this season, scoring at least three goals in each of the four games with their in-state rival. The Wolves penalty kill checks in the final spot in the Central division operating at 78.6% on the season. Both the IceHogs and Wolves have tallied five short-handed goals this season which is toward the top of the league through the first part of the season. 

Team Leaders: 

Chicago:

 Points- Felix Unger Sorum- 22 points 

 Goals- Justin Robidas- 10G 

 Assists- Domenick Fensore- 15A

Rockford:

 Points- Brett Seney- 21 points 

 Goals- Brett Seney- 9G

 Assists- Brett Seney- 21A

Three Things To Know: 

Pack Leader: Defenseman Kevin Korchinski has led the charge against Chicago this season with six points in the first four meetings. Korchinski has picked up three of his four multi-point games this season against the Wolves. The 2022 1st round selection has tallied four goals against Chicago including two goals in the first round series last spring. The IceHogs' blueliner ranks third on the team with 17 points (2G, 15A) and has not gone more than four games without recording a point this season. 

Toninato Returns: The Chicago Blackhawks announced yesterday that they assigned forward Dominic Toninato to Rockford. Toninato, 31, has recorded one assist in five games with the Blackhawks during the 2025-26 campaign. He has also logged 17 points (5G, 12A) in 24 games with the IceHogs this season. The Rockford forward leads the IceHogs with three power play goals in 25 games. 

This Day In IceHogs History: The IceHogs and Wolves met on New Years Eve in 2022 where Rockford took a 6-2 win as the calendar turned over. The IceHogs fell behind by a goal in the opening period before notching four goals in the middle period and two more in the final frame. Luke Philip picked up a four-point night, one of two four point performances he would put up as an IceHog. Brett Seney collected a goal and assist in the contest. 

Heard It Here First: 

Rem Pitlick on Returning to Rockford:

There's a good feeling that I had here two years ago. There's something that brings me here and it's fun to contribute. 

2025-26 Matchups: 

After today's game the IceHogs will travel to take on the Hersey Bears for a two game series beginning on Saturday, January 3 at 6 p.m. The IceHogs will be back at the BMO Center on Friday, January 9 to host the Chicago Wolves. That night will be a $2 beer and soft drink night presented by Bud Light. Tickets are available at IceHogs.com