ICEHOGS SET 2010-11 OPENING DAY ROSTER

Rockford, Ill.- Chicago Blackhawks General Manager of Minor League Affiliations Mark Bernard announced on Friday that the Rockford IceHogs, members of the American Hockey League, have set their 2010-11 opening day roster.

The IceHogs open the regular season on Saturday against the Manitoba Moose at the Rockford MetroCentre. The puck drops at 4:35 p.m.

The IceHogs opening day roster stands at 23, including 14 forwards, seven defensemen and two goalies. A total of 13 players have previously worn an IceHogs uniform, all returning from the 2009-10 season. Six players have previous National Hockey League experience, including three in 2009-10. 11 are considered rookies, while five skaters have veteran status.

The following is Rockford’s opening day roster:

Forwards (14): Kyle Beach (R), Brandon Bollig (R), Evan Brophey, Chris DiDomenico (R), Kyle Hagel (R), Peter LeBlanc (R), Hugh Jessiman (V), Rob Klinkhammer, Igor Makarov, Jeremy Morin (R), Brandon Pirri (R), Ryan Potulny (V), Ben Smith (R) and Jeff Taffe (V).

Defensemen (7): Wade Brookbank (V), Brian Connelly, Jassen Cullimore (V), Simon Danis-Pepin, Shawn Lalonde (R), Ryan Stanton (R), Ivan Vishnevskiy.

Goaltenders (2): Alec Richards (R) and Hannu Toivonen.
*(R)-Rookie
*(V)-Veteran

Next Home Game: Saturday, Oct. 9 vs. Manitoba Moose. The puck is set to drop at 4:35 p.m. The IceHogs begin the 2010-11 season against the Manitoba Moose and the first 5,000 fans will receive a 2010-11 IceHogs Magnet Schedule courtesy of U.S. Cellular, Dental Dimensions, Guerilla Graffix and the Illinois Pork Producers. Before the game on Saturday there is a fan festival from 1-4 p.m. where fans can enjoy music, food and entertainment.