JOKIHARJU'S FIRST HELPS ROCKFORD WIN THIRD STRAIGHT

Rockford, Ill. - Henri Jokiharju potted his first professional goal as part of a four-goal run for the Rockford IceHogs as they downed the Chicago Wolves, 5-2, in an Illinois Lottery Cup showdown Friday night at the BMO Harris Bank Center. The win extended the Rockford winning streak to a season-high tying three games.

The IceHogs fell to an early one-goal deficit, but Jokiharju drew Rockford even 12:30 into the contest. In his first game since being assigned to Rockford by the Chicago Blackhawks, the 19-year-old defenseman fired the tying marker from the right point past the glove side of Wolves goaltender Oscar Dansk.

Alexandre Fortin gave the IceHogs the lead at the 2:54 mark of the second period, redirecting a centering feed from Terry Broadhurst. Broadhurst now has five points in his last four games since snapping a 17-game pointless stretch on Jan. 21 against Iowa.

William Pelletier netted the eventual game-winner 4:25 later, deflecting another centering pass form Broadhurst from the high slot. Then Victor Ejdsell added another tally late in the frame, giving the IceHogs a 4-1 lead entering the third period.

Chicago’s Gage Quinney trimmed the IceHogs lead in the final stanza, but Alexandre Fortin scored his second of the night on an empty-netter to quiet any attempt at a comeback.

Rockford goaltender Kevin Lankinen made 28 saves in the victory, earning wins in consecutive starts for the first time this season.

Next Home Game | Wed. Feb. 6, 7 p.m. vs. Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins
The Rockford IceHogs take on the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins on a Fas Fuel Winning Weekday. If the IceHogs win, all fans in attendance can redeem their game ticket for a free ticket of equal or lesser value to the next weekday home game. In addition, one lucky fan will win a $50 Fas Fuel/ Fas Mart gift card. Like every Wednesday home game this season, this is also a $2 Dog Day. For an additional $2, fans can bring their dog to the arena to enjoy IceHogs hockey. Proceeds from the dog admission will benefit local animal shelters. Hot dogs will also be available for purchase from concessions for just $2.

Additionally, the first 2,000 fans through the doors will receive a free slice of pizza, courtesy of Papa John's.