Rockford, Ill. - The Rockford IceHogs unveiled during Saturday’s season opener that former goaltender Michael Leighton is set to become the fifth member of the IceHogs Ring of Honor. Leighton will be inducted into the Ring of Honor on Friday, Feb. 6, 2026.

A native of Petrolia, ON, Leighton manned the Rockford crease from 2014-2016 and played 88 regular season games and eight playoff contests wearing an IceHogs' uniform.

The goaltender played for 11 different NHL clubs and 13 AHL teams during his career which earned him a spot in the American Hockey League Hall of Fame.

With Rockford, Leighton posted ten shutouts, most in IceHogs history, and set the AHL record for most career shutouts when he blanked the Lake Erie Monsters 5-0 in Rockford on March 5, 2015. Overall, Leighton amassed 50 shutouts in the AHL in 507 games played.

Now in retirement from pro hockey, the 44-year-old runs the Michael Leighton Goalie Academy back in Ontario. 

The IceHogs Ring of Honor was established during the 2023-24 season as part of a season-long celebration of the team's 25th season. The IceHogs inducted three members in the inaugural season: J.F. (Jean-François) Rivard, Corey Crawford, and Steve Martinson. In the 2024-25 season, Bryan Bickell became the fourth person inducted in the Ring of Honor. 

Fans can buy tickets for the February 6, 2026 game vs. the Iowa Wild here: Buy Tickets.