ICEHOGS BATTLE BACK TO WIN SHOOTOUT

Raanta’s 29 saves leads Rockford

Rockford, Ill.- Back home after playing seven of the first eight games on the road, Rockford IceHogs fans were treated to their second straight shootout at the BMO Harris Bank Center. Rockford, led by Antti Raanta’s 29 saves, topped the Charlotte Checkers 2-1 to run their point streak to five straight games (4-0-1-0).

After a scoreless first period, Charlotte broke the stalemate with a power play tally late in the middle frame. Aaron Palushaj found Mark Flood at the blue line and the defensemen blasted in his team-best fifth goal of the season to put the Checkers up 1-0.

The IceHogs finally broke through with 10:42 left in the third period. Jimmy Hayes picked up a pass from Dylan Olsen, skated behind Charlotte’s net and wrapped in his third goal of the season to tie the game at one a piece.

After 60 minutes of play the game was tied 1-1 and headed into overtime and eventually the shootout.

In the shootout, Rockford outscored Charlotte 2-1 with goals from Viktor Svedberg and Garret Ross. Raanta stopped Charlotte’s Victor Rask, Justin Shugg, Aaron Palushaj, and Zach Boychuk, allowing just Chris Terry to score.

Allen York was the tough luck loser for Charlotte despite making 28 saves in his Checkers debut.

Next Home Game: Sunday, Oct. 27 vs. Texas at 4 p.m. The first 5,000 fans to the BMO will receive a Champions poster, featuring former IceHogs skaters that helped the Chicago Blackhawks become the 2013 Stanley Cup Champions. Fans will have a chance to see and take a picture with the Stanley Cup along with all the other individual and team trophies that the Chicago Blackhawks won during the 2012-13 season. Doors will open one hour prior to game time at 3 p.m. for general ticket holders and 2 p.m. for season ticket holders.