Photo by: Kristin Ostrowski/Rockford IceHogs

Rockford, IL- The Rockford IceHogs (13-18-2-1) return to the BMO Center to host the Chicago Wolves (14-8-4-4) tonight at 7 p.m. The IceHogs will look to snap their four-game skid after back-to-back losses in Hershey last week. 

The Matchup: 

All Time Series: 99-84-13-6

Season Series: 2-3-0-0 

Tale of the Tape: The Wolves have taken the previous two meetings against the IceHogs with wins on Nov. 26 and Dec. 31, both at the BMO Center. Chicago edged out a 3-2 victory on NYE against the IceHogs which had extended their point streak to nine games, a streak that came to and end on Jan. 3 with a 4-1 loss to Grand Rapids. Defenseman Kevin Korchinski picked up another assist against the Wolves on Dec. 31 to bring his point total to seven in five games against Chicago this season. The IceHogs are looking to build momentum at the BMO Center going 2-1 over their last three home contests including an eight goal output on Dec. 27 against the Texas Stars. 

Team Leaders: 

Chicago:

 Points- Justin Robidas- 24 points 

 Goals- Justin Robidas- 12G 

 Assists- Domenick Fensore- 16A

Rockford:

 Points- Brett Seney- 31 points 

 Goals- Brett Seney- 10G

 Assists- Brett Seney- 21A

Three Things To Know: 

Hayes Heating Up: The IceHogs had a few bright spots despite back-to-back losses in Pennsylvania. Gavin Hayes picked up a three point weekend in Hershey and has seven points over his last five games. The Michigan native has surpassed his goal total from his rookie season after recording two goals Sunday Jan. 4. Hayes' 14 points (6g, 8a) is just one shy of his point total a year ago. The second-year pro has made the most of his expanded ice time and has contributed three power play points this season. 

Close Calls: The IceHogs and Wolves have played in a handful of close battles this season. The NYE matchup was the third time in five meetings that the instate rivals were close to the end, finishing with just a one goal difference. In those three one-goal decisions, the two clubs have been tied or had one goal separate them heading into the final 20 minutes of play. Despite back-to-back losses at the hands of the Wolves, Rockford has found success on the scoresheet with their instate rival scoring at least three goals in four of the first five meetings this season. 

Roster Moves: The Chicago Blackhawks announced that the team has acquired defensemen Ryan Ellis and Jake Furlong, and a 2028 fourth-round pick from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for defenseman Nolan Allan, goaltender Laurent Brossoit and a 2028 seventh-round pick. Furlong was selected by San Jose in the 5th round of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft and has appeared in 12 games with their AHL affiliate the San Jose Barracuda this season. The 21-year-old defenseman appeared in 66 games with the Barracuda as a rookie in the 2024-25 season, collecting eight points (1g, 7a). The Blackhawks also announced that they assigned Defenseman Ethan Del Mastro to Rockford. Del Mastro collected 11 points (1g, 10a) in 27 games with the IceHogs earlier this season before appearing in two games with the Blackhawks. 

2025-26 Matchups: 

The IceHogs are back in action Saturday January, 10th against the Manitoba Moose for Star Wars Night. Tickets are available at icehogs.com