HOGS HEADS TO ROSEMONT FOR LOTTERY CUP CONTEST

ROCKFORD, Ill. -- The Rockford IceHogs travel to Rosemont to face off against the Chicago Wolves in an Illinois Lottery Cup contest at Allstate Arena Saturday night. Rockford took game one of the season series with a 4-3 shootout win at the BMO Harris Bank Center last Sunday.

Puck drop is at 7 p.m. and fans can tune in to all the action on Cozi TV 23.3 or Dish Network Channel 252, beginning with IceHogs Warmup at 6:30 p.m. IceHogs fans can also listen to the game at sportsfanradio1330.com or watch live at AHLlive.com (subscription required).

Matchup: The IceHogs (11-7-1-0, 2nd Central) split two weekday matchups with the Iowa Wild last week on Wednesday and Friday, and enter Saturday with wins in four of their last six contests.

Defenseman Luc Snuggerud tallied a goal and an assist in this week’s games, and has recorded four points in his last three tilts, including two assists against Chicago. Forward Matthew Highmore notched his first AHL hat trick in Rockford's win on Wednesday to take over the team lead in goals and improve his point total to 15 (9g, 6a) in his rookie season.

Fellow forward Vinnie Hinostroza has potted five points in his last six games, and continues to lead the IceHogs with 8g-10a-18pts on the year. He takes the ice tonight as a point-per-game skater against Chicago with 11 tallies (5g, 6a) in 11 career games against the Wolves.

Chicago (4-9-3-1, 7th Central) enters Saturday’s matchup in the throes of an eight-game winless streak. The Wolves nearly snapped their streak in Milwaukee last night, but ultimately gave up a 2-0 lead in the third period before falling in overtime.

Forward Teemu Pulkkinen leads the Wolves in scoring with 6g-11a-17pts, but was held pointless in last week’s contest in Rockford. Former IceHogs forward Brandon Pirri follows with 11 points, and captain Paul Thompson—who struck for the Wolves against the Hogs on Sunday—has contributed nine points in 2017-18.

In net, former Rockford goaltender Michael Leighton suited up for his first game with the Wolves last night after being loaned to Chicago from the Arizona Coyotes (acquired via trade from Tampa Bay on Nov. 14).

Next Home Game: The IceHogs host the Manitoba Moose on Tuesday, Nov. 22 at 7 p.m. for the second of nine Fas Fuel Winning Weekdays in 2017-18. If the Hogs win, tickets from Wednesday’s game can be redeemed for a ticket of equal or lesser value to the following Fas Fuel Winning Weekdays game on Tuesday, Dec. 12. The matchup also marks the debut of Taco Tuesday. Fans can enjoy $2 tacos, select beer, and companion tickets. Tickets can be purchased at IceHogs.com, by calling (815) 968-5222 or in-person at the BMO Harris Bank Center Box Office.