IceHogs Unveil Community Fund Supported by the Blackhawks Foundation; First Grand Award Winner

Since the Rockford IceHogs’ inception in 1999, the organization has operated a charitable arm that has supported organizations and causes in the greater Rockford region. Formerly known as the IceHogs Charitable Foundation, the IceHogs Community Fund, supported by the Chicago Blackhawks Foundation, will continue to strengthen the IceHogs’ impact on the community by supporting initiatives that will help make the Rockford region a better place to work, live, and play. Through partnerships with local organizations, the IceHogs Community Fund will be dedicated to community outreach, social impact, and growing the game of hockey by working to broaden exposure and reduce barriers to the sport.

As a first significant action as the IceHogs Community Fund, the Fund awarded a $50,000 grant to Think Big!, a Rockford-based organization that supports minority owned businesses by helping to remove barriers that prevent the minority community from business growth and development. The grant will help Think Big! launch the “Think Big! School of Business 2.0” and allow Think Big! to provide mini-grants to minority-owned businesses to overcome obstacles and advance their business.

“We believe that as barriers are removed existing and aspiring entrepreneurs will be inspired and encouraged to think big! We know that we do not stand alone in this passion for seeing the growth of entrepreneurship in our region,” said Dr. Sheila Hill, Co-founder of Think Big!. “This grant is an example of this shared passion as we celebrate the gracious support of the Rockford IceHogs.”

“We are thrilled to be able to support the great work being done by Think Big! and look forward to seeing them continue to grow and develop more entrepreneurs in the Rockford region,” said Dave Costello, Manager of Community Relations for the Rockford IceHogs. “As the IceHogs Community Fund continues to evolve, we hope to be able to support more organizations like Think Big! that are committed to economic growth in Rockford.” “What we do off the ice is as important as anything we do on it. We are proud to support the community of Rockford through the IceHogs Community Fund,” added Sara Guderyahn, Executive Director of Chicago Blackhawks Foundation. “Think Big! represents the community-led programs that we are thrilled to partner with and alongside as they invest in their own neighborhoods fueling entrepreneurism and minority-owned small businesses across Rockford.”

Since 1999, the Rockford IceHogs organization has contributed over $1.25 million to support numerous organizations and initiatives in the greater Rockford community. To learn more about the work and impact of the IceHogs Community Fund, and ways you can support, go to IceHogs.com/Community/ICF.

Join the IceHogs’ Opening Act with Hard Rock Casino-Rockford on Oct. 22!
The IceHogs celebrate Opening Night at the BMO on Saturday, Oct. 22 vs. Chicago Wolves at 7 p.m. Start the celebration with the IceHogs and the Hard Rock Casino – Rockford for The IceHogs Opening Act with a block party from 4:30-6:30 p.m. outside the BMO featuring Rockford band, Miles Nielsen and the Rusted Hearts.

Buy Opening Night & Opening Act Tickets Here!

The IceHogs and Hard Rock Casino – Rockford are also teaming up on an exclusive Hard Rock Hammy t-shirt giveaway. Fans attending the block party will have the first chance to get a shirt with the remaining shirts available to fans upon entry to the BMO Harris Bank Center.

Food trucks from Olivo Tacos, 15^th and Chris, TNT Funnel Cakes, Inzombia coffee and more will fuel fans for the Opening Act and fans can participate in exciting pregame events like axe throwing, street hockey provided by the Chicago Blackhawks, giant Jenga, giant Connect Four, bags/cornhole and more! The block party will take place at the intersection of Elm and Main St., outside of the BMO Harris Bank Center Box Office.

The Rockford IceHogs open their 16th American Hockey League season and 24th in the Stateline on Saturday, Oct. 15 against the Manitoba Moose at 2 p.m. CT at Canada Life Centre and wrap up their season-opening weekend on Sunday, Oct. 16 against the Moose at 2 p.m. Listen and watch every game this season on the IceHogs Broadcast Network presented by BMO Harris Bank! Listen and watch every game from your favorite device on AHLTV, at home, or on the road at IceHogs.com and on the IceHogs app!

Be Close to the FUN with an IceHogs Group Ticket Package!

Group ticket packages are on sale now! Experience the excitement of IceHogs hockey with a group of 10 or more family and friends! From skating on the ice before the game, watching pregame warmups from the bench, performing during the game or high-fiving the IceHogs as they take the ice, an IceHogs Group Ticket Package brings you closer to the FUN! Reserve your group experience all season at IceHogs.com!

Season Ticket Memberships for 2022-23 are on Sale Now!

Don’t miss a moment of the action next season! Reserve your seats for the IceHogs’ 16th season as the top AHL affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks. Celebrate Opening Night on Saturday, Oct. 22 at 7 p.m. at BMO Harris Bank Center against the Chicago Wolves! Contact us at (815) 847-6399, at icehogs@blackhawks.com, or visit IceHogs.com to claim your seats for this upcoming season.