ICEHOGS TO HONOR MR. FOURTH OF JULY, JOE MARINO, WITH POSTGAME FIREWORKS FEB. 1

ROCKFORD, Ill. – The Rockford IceHogs are treating fans to the team’s first ever postgame fireworks show, presented by LawnCare by Walter, when they take on the Chicago Wolves for an Illinois Lottery Cup series matchup at the BMO Harris Bank Center on Friday, Feb. 1 at 7 p.m.

The special event is dedicated to the memory of Rockford’s “Mr. Fourth of July,” Joe Marino, who was an icon in the Rockford community prior to his passing in November. Marino, a Rockford native, provided countless contributions to the Forest City during his lifetime and oversaw the Rockford Fourth of July Committee for the last 55 years. Each summer, he helped rally dozens of volunteers to turn Rockford's annual fireworks show into one of the biggest productions in all of Illinois.

The IceHogs are helping the Rockford community celebrate the memory of Marino with their first-ever postgame fireworks show. The event will feature pyrotechnics from both the ceiling and ground mounts of the BMO Harris Bank Center, and patriotic music throughout the fireworks display. BMO Harris Bank will also give away a free American flag to the first 2,500 fans in attendance.

Fans can watch the fireworks show by simply remaining in their seat at the end of the hockey game. Melrose Pyrotechnics will begin the fireworks immediately following the conclusion of the IceHogs' and Wolves' contest.

Note: The Hogs will be raising funds for the Rockford Fourth of July Show during the game on Friday, Feb. 1. Fans are invited to contribute to the fundraiser during the game.

Along with the Fourth of July celebration, the evening will feature the usual Friday promotional slate, complete with a pregame party in the Blue Flame Lounge, courtesy of District Bar and Grill. Fans in attendance can take advantage of food and drink specials and enjoy live music from Recently Paroled. Bud Light beer will also be available for just $2 throughout the evening as part of WXRX's Two-Buck Beers promotion.

The night will be capped off with a book signing by Chicago Blackhawks chairman, Rocky Wirtz, and Hall of Fame goaltender, Tony Esposito. For just $65, fans can purchase a copy of Wirtz's book, "The Breakaway: The Inside Story of the Wirtz Family and the Chicago Blackhawks," a limited-edition Blackhawks hat, special-edition display case and an autograph from Wirtz and Esposito. Packages will be available for purchase in-person at the IceHogs game on Feb. 1, and fans can have their items autographed by Wirtz and Esposito beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Next home game: Fri. Jan. 25, 7 p.m. vs. Manitoba Moose
The IceHogs take on the Manitoba Moose this Friday at the BMO Harris Bank Center. The first 2,500 fans in attendance will receive a free T-shirt, courtesy of Toyota.