Grand Rapids, MI - The IceHogs fell 5-1 to the Grand Rapids Griffins on Sunday evening inside Van Andel Arena.

It was a balanced 1st period in Grand Rapids, with both goaltenders standing strong in net. Rockford's Drew Commesso saved all 11 shots he faced, while Grand Rapids' Michael Postava was a perfect 10/10. A scrum late in the period sent Cavan Fitzgerald and Taige Harding to the penalty box, but the Griffins were unable to capitalize on the 5-on-3 advantage for the final 1:46 of the 1st. 

At the 12:04 mark of the 2nd, John Leonard of the Griffins beat Commesso 1-on-1 to put Grand Rapids up 1-0. The IceHogs had a great chance to respond on the power play with less than five minutes remaining in the period. After plenty of tries, Gavin Hayes relocated a rebound and sent it past goaltender Michael Postava, but the goal was wiped off. The Griffins held their 1-0 lead going into the 3rd.

A power play opportunity extended into the 3rd period for the Griffins, and John Leonard capitalized with his second goal of the game, putting Grand Rapids in front 2-0. Just two minutes later, Hayes laced a shot into the back of the net, assisted by Jiri Felcman and Dylan Anhorn. This one was undeniable, and Rockford brought the game back within a goal. 

Off the ensuing faceoff from center ice, Grand Rapids' William Lagesson connected on a shot. Just 11 seconds after the Hayes goal, the Griffins repossessed a two-goal lead. Halfway through the final period, the Griffins set up a great power play look, where Wilmer Skoog positioned himself for a tip-in goal to make it a 4-1 game. 

On another 5-on-3 advantage for the Griffins with less than a minute left, John Leonard fired a slapshot goal for a hat trick. The game concluded with a 5-1 Griffins win. 

Next up, the IceHogs are in Toronto to play the Marlies on Saturday, October 24th, at 3:00 p.m. Rockford is back home against the Manitoba Moose on Friday, October 30 at 7:00 p.m. It's a $3 Beer Night and Pink in the Rink Night benefiting Mercyhealth Foundation to support Mercyhealth Cancer Institute. Tickets are available at icehogs.com.