Rockford, IL -  The Rockford IceHogs will travel to Des Moines for the second time this season to play the Iowa Wild tomorrow morning, Thursday, November 5th, at 10:30 a.m. 

The Matchup:

Last Time Out: The IceHogs have faced the Wild three times this season, holding a record of 1-2 against their Central Division opponent. Most recently, the Wild walked out of the BMO Center with a 2-0 win on October 16th. 

The Wild took a lead halfway through the first period, when Justin Kirkland deflected a lofted shot past Rockford goaltender Drew Commesso for his first goal of the season. Iowa would add to their lead in the 2nd with another deflected puck sneaking by Commesso, this one off the stick of Hunter Haight. The IceHogs weren't able to add any offensive support, with Wild goaltender William Rousseau saving all 28 shots he faced. 

2026-27 Team Leaders: 

Rockford -  

Points: Gavin Hayes - 12 points

Goals: Gavin Hayes - 7

Assists: Derrick Pouliot - 8 

Iowa -  

Points: Justin Kirkland & Mason Shaw - 10 points

Goals: Justin Kirkland - 6 

Assists: Mason Shaw & Dylan Gambrell - 6

THREE THINGS TO KNOW: 

Here's Jiří: Jiří Felcman has been a spark for the Rockford offense all season long. The 21-year-old from Hradec Králové, Czechia, ranks among the top rookie scorers in the AHL, with 10 points this season (3G, 7A). Only two rookies have more points than Felcman so far: Laval's Luke Mittelstadt & Grand Rapids' Jesse Kiiskinen. 

Gavin Gone Wild: A strong stretch of the season has continued for Gavin Hayes. Hayes is sitting on a 6-game point streak going into this game. The IceHogs forward already has four multi-point games this season, and is responsible for two of the five goals Rockford has scored against the Wild this year. 

Close Proximity: The IceHogs and Wild will get multiple jabs at each other this week. After tomorrow morning's matchup, the squads will see each other in Rockford on Sunday, November 8th at 4:00 p.m. for Toy Story Night at the BMO Center. After this week's action, the IceHogs and Wild won't play again until after Christmas (12/27/26). 

2026-27 Season Matchups: 

Next time out, the IceHogs return home to the BMO Center to play the Grand Rapids Griffins on Saturday, November 7th, at 7:00 p.m. Saturday's game will be Day of the Dead Night at the BMO Center. Day of the Dead Night has become a staple for the IceHogs over the last three seasons, and this year will be no different. The first 3,000 fans in attendance will receive a Hammy Sugar Skull Bobblehead, and there will be a Day of the Dead Specialty Jersey Auction with a portion of all proceeds benefiting La Onda and the Rock Valley College Association of Latin American Students. There will also be additional performances and activities throughout the night. You can purchase tickets at icehogs.com