ICEHOGS BREAK THE TIE 2-1 IN THE FIRST PERIOD

Rockford, Ill. - The Rockford IceHogs pulled ahead 2-1 in the first period with an unassisted goal from defenseman Tim Hambly at 8:59. The IceHogs got the offense going early in the first period, but the Peoria Rivermen answered the call immediately to tie the game up 1-1 at the Rockford MetroCentre. The IceHogs scored at 4:27 in the first frame from a rebound goal from winger Pascal Pelletier. The assists were credited to Jack Skille and Petri Kontiola. The Rivermen came right back with a quick score from Chris Connor at 4:57 in the first period.

The Hogs picked up their first goal on the power play when a shot from Jack Skille took a sizeable bounce off the pads of Peoria netminder Ben Bishop. Pascal Pelletier was there for the rebound and found the back of the Peoria net.

Seconds later, the Rivermen stormed down the ice shorthanded and tied the game up at one a piece. Chris Connor sent the puck past Rockford goaltender Antti Niemi, scoring his fifth goal in so many games. His ninth goal of the season gives him a total of seven points in the last five games. The assists went to Jonas Junland and Nicholas Drazenovic.

Tim Hambly broke the first frame stalemate at 8:59. His first goal of the 2008-09 season came without an assist as he blasted the puck past Bishop.