IceHogs Re-Sign Trio of Forwards to AHL Deals

Rockford, IL. - The Rockford IceHogs and General Manager Mark Bernard announced Thursday that the team has signed forwards Marcel Marcel, Kevin Lombardi and Ryan Gagnier to one-year AHL contracts.

Marcel Marcel returns to Rockford for his third season with the IceHogs. Last year was the power forward's strongest so far when it came to scoring. Marcel collected 13 points (5g, 8a) in 41 games.

The year was highlighted by a four-point contest against the Wolves on Feb. 14 when he scored twice and picked up two assists.

Prior to signing an AHL contract with Rockford last season, Marcel was selected in the fifth round (131st overall) by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft.

After rising through the junior and pro ranks in his home country, the Pilsen, Czech Republic native recorded 32 points (14G, 18A) in 54 games for the QMJHL's Gatineau Olympiques during the 2022-23 season. He also represented Czechia at the 2023 IIHF U20 World Junior Championship and registered six points (2G, 4A) in seven games en route to a silver medal.

Kevin Lombardi skated in four games with the IceHogs last season, notching two goals. The 26-year-old scored his first AHL goal during his first period of play with Rockford on March 29 against Manitoba.

“Kevin had an excellent rookie season with the Fuel and made the most of his opportunities in Rockford", said IceHogs General Manager Mark Bernard. "He's a player with great size and soft hands. We are looking forward to watching his development again this season."

A native of Schwenksville, PA, Lombardi spent the bulk of his rookie season with the Indy Fuel. In the ECHL, the righty played 55 games and recorded 35 points (18g, 17a) and seven power play goals.

Lombardi turned pro after completing his fifth season with Sacred Heart University, notching a career high 25 points and wearing an "A". Throughout his full time at the NCAA Division One level, the 6-foot-5, 230-pound forward grabbed 75 points in 131 games with the Pioneers.

Last year was Ryan Gagnier's second-straight season seeing action for the IceHogs. The forward scored twice in 24 games with Rockford, before having his season end early with injury. A native of Tecumseh, ON, he snagged 16 points (6 goals, 10 assists) with the Indy Fuel in the ECHL.

The 2023-24 campaign brought career highs for Gagnier with 29 points between the IceHogs and the Fuel. He's skated in over 100 pro games with the two teams as he readies for his third season in the organization.

Before turning pro, the 22-year-old played five seasons with Oshawa in the Ontario Hockey League. Gagnier had 113 points in his tenure with the Generals.