HOGS FACE GRIFFINS ON APRIL FOOLS JERSEY AUCTION NIGHT

Rockford, Ill. – The Rockford IceHogs square off with the Grand Rapids Griffins for the 10th meeting of the 2016-17 season tonight on Jersey Auction Night at the BMO Harris Bank Center.

Puck drop is 7 p.m. and doors open at 6 p.m. The IceHogs have partnered with Special Olympics, Illinois, for the team’s 18th Annual Jersey Auction game compliments of Insurance King. The 2017 jersey theme features Hammy in motley, a court-jester theme associated with the spirit of April Fools' Day. The specialty jersey is checkered with the team’s colors of red and black, and has one red sleeve and one black sleeve.

Following the game and prior to the auction, comedian Marcos Lara will perform a set to warm up the crowd. Fans in attendance can then bid on the specialty game-worn sweaters via live auction, with proceeds benefiting the IceHogs Charitable Foundation, Special Olympics, Illinois, and other local charities.

Tickets can be purchased at the BMO Harris Bank Center Box Office or any Ticketmaster location, by phone at (815) 968-5222 or online at www.icehogs.com and www.ticketmaster.com.

Fans are reminded that the BMO Harris Bank Center has a clear-bag policy that can be reviewed at icehogs.com/rmc/bag-policies.

Fans unable to make the game can tune in to all the action on The Justice Network 23.3, Dish Network channel 252, Comcast Cable channel 434 and Charter Cable channel 194, beginning with IceHogs Warmup at 6:30 p.m. IceHogs fans can also listen to the game at WXRX.com or sportsfanradio1330.com, or watch live at AHLlive.com.

Matchup: Rockford enters tonight’s matchup following a 3-1 win over Texas on Friday night at the BMO Harris Bank Center.

In his first pro game and after starring for two seasons at Western Michigan University, 22-year-old forward Matheson Iacopelli netted the game-winner in his AHL debut midway through the final period to seal the victory. Iacopelli slammed home a pass from Michael Latta for his first career AHL goal. Brandon Mashinter tied the contest at 1-1 with a snipe early in the second period and Jake Dowell added an empty-net goal towards the end of regulation.

Lars Johansson was strong in net, making 29 saves on 30 shots for his first victory since Feb. 22 at Manitoba.

Grand Rapids currently ranks first in the Central Division and holds a 7-2-0-0 edge in the season series on the IceHogs. The Griffins also lead the AHL on the power play with a 25.7 percent conversion rate, and are 8-for-38 on the man advantage against Rockford.
Matt Lorito leads Grand Rapids in scoring with 53 points (20-g-33a) and ranks as one of nine skaters with over 30 points on the Griffins.

Next Home Game: Wednesday, April 12 vs. Milwaukee Admirals at 7 p.m. The IceHogs host the Admirals in the 10th and final Winning Weekday game, presented by Fas Fuel. Wednesday is also a WXRX Dollar Day where fans can take advantage of $2 beers, soft drinks, hot dogs and companion tickets.