Rockford, IL- The Rockford IceHogs (18-28-2-2) look to split the weekend set against the  San Diego Gulls (23-15-6-4) this afternoon. The two teams will meet for the second time this season for a 4 p.m. puck drop at the BMO Center. Rockford came up short in a thrilling 5-4 final last night. 

The Matchup:

All Time Series: 1-5-1-0

Season Series: 0-1-0-0

Last Time Out: Last night the IceHogs took on the San Diego Gulls for the first of four games in the season series. Rockford opened the scoring just 30 seconds into the game with a Gavin Hayes goal. San Diego would respond with a power play goal before Jake Furlong and Hayes would give the Hogs a 3-1 lead. The Gulls would cut into the lead before the break and tie the game early on the middle period. The two teams would head into the third period even at three goals a piece. Hayes would complete the hat trick to restore the Rockford lead at 5:21 of the third period. San Diego would respond with back-to-back goals to take the lead. Netminder Calle Clang made a goal line stop with just eight seconds left to preserve the win for San Diego. 

Team Leaders: 

San Diego:

 Points- Sasha Pastujov- 37 points 

 Goals- Justin Bailey- 17G 

 Assists- Sasha Pastujov- 25A

Rockford:

 Points- Brett Seney- 38 points 

 Goals- Nick Lardis- 16G

 Assists- Brett Seney- 28A

Three Things to Know:

Tip of the Cap: Hats of all kind littered the BMO Center ice last night at the 5:21 mark of the third period when Hayes recorded his first AHL hat trick. The second year IceHog tallied his fourth multi-goal game and now has 12 goals on the campaign. Hayes, 21, was selected by the Blackhawks in the 3rd round of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft after putting up 49 points in his first OHL season. Hayes is tied with Dominic Toninato for third most goals for Rockford this season. 

Special Teams Stumble: The IceHogs were unable to take advantage of the special teams battle last night against the Gulls. Rockford went 0/3 on the penalty kill, surrendering two power play tallies to forward Sasha Pastujov. Ryan Carpenter collected the other power play goal for San Diego. The Gulls came into the weekend operating just north of 17% on the man advantage this season. Conversely the IceHogs were unable to cash in on any of their three power play opportunities against San Diego. Rockford's power play is clicking at just 13.8% this season. 

Roster Moves: Earlier this week the Blackhawks recalled defensemen Kevin Korchinski and Sam Rinzel. Korchinski, 21, has 23 points (2G, 21A) in 45 AHL games with Rockford and has one assist in two games with the Blackhawks this season. Rinzel has picked up14 points (2G, 12A) in 23 AHL games with Rockford this season. The IceHogs recalled defenseman Jérémie Bucheler from the Indy Fuel. Bucheler has skated in 15 games with the Fuel in his second professional season. 

2025-26 Matchups:

The IceHogs conclude their weekend series with San Diego today at 4 p.m. at the BMO Center. Fans will have a chance to skate with the IceHogs following the game. Tickets are available at icehogs.com.