HINOSTROZA STRIKES IN OT AS HOGS DROP WOLVES

ROCKFORD, Ill. – Vinnie Hinostroza scored his first goal in five contests 37 seconds into overtime to lift the Rockford IceHogs past the Chicago Wolves at the BMO Harris Bank Center Friday night. The win is Rockford’s first in four games, and marks Chicago’s 10th loss in 11 outings.

Hinostroza’s marker came on the rush; the forward slowed around the top of the left face-off circle before ripping a low wrist shot that sailed past the blocker of Chicago netminder Michael Leighton.

The Wolves came back from a three-goal deficit to tie the game late before Hinostroza’s game winner in overtime. After Andreas Martinsen made it 3-0 Hogs 3:35 into the middle stanza, the Wolves began their comeback with goals from former IceHogs forward Brandon Pirri and Brett Sterling in the second period.

The teams then played scoreless hockey for over 15 minutes in the third frame before Teemu Pulkkinen struck with a tight-angle shot to send the teams to overtime for the second time in three games this season.

Ville Pokka and Tomas Jurco each finished with a goal and an assist for the Hogs. Jeff Glass stopped 32 of 35 pucks to earn the victory.

With the win, the IceHogs move into third place in the Central Division.

Next Home Game: The IceHogs host the Texas Stars on Dec. 2 for Teddy Bear Toss night. Fans are invited to bring stuffed animals into the BMO Harris Bank Center to throw onto the ice after the IceHogs score their first goal of the game. The stuffed animals will then be collected and donated to local hospitals and kids charities. Tickets can be purchased at IceHogs.com, by calling (815) 968-5222 or in-person at the BMO Harris Bank Center Box Office.