ICEHOGS FALL 3-1 IN PRESEASON DEBUT

Rockford concludes exhibition schedule on Friday

Rockford, Ill. – The exhibition slate kicked off for the Rockford IceHogs on Thursday night, and the Hogs dropped a 3-1 preseason contest at the hands of the Chicago Wolves at the BMO Harris Bank Center.

With the game locked in a 1-1 tie, a tally by Chicago’s Pat Cannone put Rockford on the short side of the scoreboard and ultimately the game. Just past the halfway point of the frame, Cannone took a feed from Sean Dolan, veered sharply across the slot, and beat IceHogs goaltender Scott Darling through the legs.

Cannone iced the game with his second of the night into an empty net at the 18:50 mark of the period.

After an opening 10 minutes characterized by both teams finding their bearings, Garret Ross was able to give the IceHogs a 1-0 lead heading into the first intermission. After a blast from the point from Dennis Rasmussen handcuffed Wolves goaltender Jordan Binnington, Ross found himself in position to pick up the rebound and slide it home for the game’s first goal at 15:47 of the period.

The IceHogs carried their momentum into the second, generating a few quality scoring chances in the opening five minutes. However, the Wolves answered with a push of their own, leading to a shorthanded marker by Shane Harper which knotted the game at one at the 13:23 mark. Harper found his way behind the Rockford defenders, sprung loose on a breakaway, and snuck one through the five-hole of Darling.

Rockford controlled play for large stretches of the game, but a pair of Chicago netminders were able to keep them in check. Jordan Binnington (15 saves) and Niklas Lundstrom (12 saves) both made timely saves helping their team earn the victory despite being outshot 28-19, including 10-4 in the third period.

Rockford will look to rebound on Friday night as they close out their preseason schedule against the Milwaukee Admirals. Puck drop from the Kern Center is set for 7 p.m.

Next Home Game: The IceHogs open the 2014-15 season on Saturday, Oct. 11 against the Milwaukee Admirals. The puck drops at 7 p.m., and the first 5,000 fans will receive an IceHogs calendar courtesy of Stateline Staffing Services. For tickets visit IceHogs.com or call (815) 968-5222.