ICEHOGS REVEAL THEME FOR 14TH ANNUAL JERSEY AUCTION

Abrahammy Lincoln selected as 2012-13 jersey auction theme

Rockford, Ill. - The Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League announced today that the team will sport a special Abrahammy Lincoln jersey for the 14th annual jersey auction game.

The patriotic jerseys will be worn for the IceHogs annual jersey auction game on Sunday, April 7 against the Peoria Rivermen, with the opening faceoff set for 5:05 p.m.

The white uniforms feature blue stripes with stars in between, on both sleeves and through the middle of the jersey. The crest of the sweater also features the words “In Hammy We Trust” arched across the middle of the logo. The concept was created by Lincoln Middle School students, Madie Miller and Monica Bautista, whose design was selected after a contest was held in art classes at Lincoln Middle School. The jersey design and final logo were designed by Exclusive Pro Sports in Rockford.

Immediately following the game on April 7, the team will hold a live auction out on the BMO Harris Bank Center ice where fans can bid on the specialty jerseys. All proceeds from the jersey auction go to the IceHogs Charitable Foundation. Some of the jersey auction beneficiaries include the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Boy Scouts and Girls Scouts of America, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Rockford and Jr. IceHogs.

Last year’s Viva RockVegas jersey auction raised $30,512 and during the team’s 13 auctions since being founded in 1999, the annual jersey auction night has totaled $644,270 with all proceeds staying in the Rockford community.

The first 2,500 fans into the building will receive a special Abrahammy Lincoln coin, compliments of Lou Bachrodt. T-shirts featuring the jerseys logo will also be sold in the team’s store, Oink Outfitters, throughout the game.

For tickets to the game call (815) 968-5222, visit IceHogs.com or stop by the BMO Harris Bank Center Box Office or any Ticketmaster outlet.

The following are some facts and figures about the history of the jersey auction:
Last Season's Total: $30,512
2011-12 Highest Jersey: $4,000 (Carter Hutton)
2011-12 Average Jersey Bid: $1,024
Largest Auction Total All-Time: $73,195 (2007-08)
Highest Jersey Bid All-Time: $16,000 (J.F. Rivard, 2000-01)
12 Year Total: $644,270
12 Year Average: $49,559
Themes for the jersey auctions:
2012-13 Abrahammy Lincoln
2011-12 Viva Rock Vegas (Gambler Hammy)
2010-11 Serve and Protect Hammy
2009-10 Drum & Bugle Hammy
2008-09 The Dark Hammy
2007-08 Captain Hammy Hook
2006-07 Hammysaurus Rex
2005-06 Lt. Hammy
2004-05 Rockin' The 80's (Mullet Hammy)
2003-04 It's A Bird, It's A Plane, It's Super Hammy (Super Hammy)
2002-03 I Want You To Want This Jersey (Rick Neilson Hammy)
2001-02 Uncle Hammy Wants You For MDA (Uncle Hammy)
2000-01 Hunka Hunka Hammy (Elvis Hammy)
1999-00 Go Green For MDA (St. Patrick's Day Hammy)
IceHogs Record on Auction Night: 9-4-0
First Auction: Wednesday, March 15, 2000 vs. Muskegon Fury

Next Home Game: Friday, March 15 vs. Chicago Wolves. The puck hits the ice at 7:05 p.m. as the IceHogs and Wolves go at it at the BMO Harris Bank Center in an Illinois Lottery Cup matchup. It's Country Night at the BMO sponsored by Frito Lay and Q98.5, where fans will be treated to live music from Back Country Roads. There will also be a mechanical bull on site for fans to ride and a contest for best-dressed cowboy/cowgirl.