ICEHOGS HOST AUTISM AWARENESS NIGHT THIS SATURDAY

The Rockford IceHogs host back-to-back home games this weekend against the Manitoba Moose (March 3) and Iowa Wild (March 4). Each of the two contests feature an exciting pregame giveaway, and the IceHogs will cap the two-game set with their annual Autism Awareness Night during Saturday’s game against the Wild.

Friday, March 3 vs. Manitoba Moose

Time: Puck drop is 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Grill Spatula Giveaway (1,000): The first 1,000 fans 21 and older in attendance on Friday will receive a free IceHogs grill spatula, courtesy of Bud Light.

Blues Flame Lounge Pre-Game Party (presented by District Bar & Grill): Fans ages 21 and older can kick-off their weekend festivities with a Pre-Game Party featuring live music at the Blue Flame Lounge, located on the BMO Harris Bank Center concourse. Friday’s event begins with a performance from “Andrew Robinson” at 5:15 p.m. and will also include free appetizers and happy-hour specials.

NOTE: Guests must have a ticket to Friday’s game to attend the Pre-Game Party. Those attending must enter the arena through the upper-concourse level entrance on Elm Street (near the Box Office).

Saturday, March 4 vs. Iowa Wild

Time: Puck drop is 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Coaster Giveaway (1,500): The first 1,500 fans in attendance on Saturday will receive a free set of coasters (four coasters per set), courtesy of the Autism Program of Easterseals.

Autism Awareness Night: The IceHogs players and their wives and girlfriends are helping raise awareness for autism with a “player basket” fundraiser. As part of the initiative, IceHogs players have created goodie baskets that are filled with a variety of their favorite items, including hats, clothing, gift cards, food, drinks and signed memorabilia. The baskets will be available for purchase via silent auction on the main concourse during Saturday’s game, with proceeds benefitting Autism Program of Easterseals.

In addition, the IceHogs are selling “mystery pucks” throughout the evening’s contest. Each puck is signed by either a Rockford IceHogs or Chicago Blackhawks skater, and fans can snag a surprise signature with a purchase of one puck for $15 or two pucks for $25.

Blackhawks players to sign this year's mystery pucks include Corey Crawford, Scott Darling, Ryan Hartman, Marian Hossa, Duncan Keith, Tanner Kero, Artemi Panarin, Nick Schmaltz and Jonathan Toews.

Autism Awareness Night will also include auctions for a signed Tanner Kero and signed Ryan Hartman jersey, a scavenger hunt and various information booths on the concourse.

Tickets: Tickets can be purchased at the BMO Harris Bank Center Box Office or any Ticketmaster location, by phone (815 968-5222) or online at www.icehogs.com.

Broadcast: All games are broadcast locally live on WIFR’s Justice Network on 23.3 and online through AHLLive.com. To listen to a free audio broadcast, tune in to WXRX.com or sportsfanradio1330.com, or use the IceHogs app. Fans can also follow in-game updates via the IceHogs’ Twitter, @goicehogs. Saturday’s game can also be heard on AM 1330.