Grand Rapids, MI - The Rockford IceHogs travel to Van Andel Arena to play the Grand Rapids Griffins tomorrow morning, Wednesday, November 11th, at 10:00 a.m. 

The Matchup:

Last Time Out: The IceHogs faced the Griffins on Saturday, November 7th, at the BMO Center. After heading into the first intermission trailing 3-0, the IceHogs climbed all the way back and enjoyed a 6-4 win on their home ice. 

Jamie Engelbert and Derrick Pouliot scored in the second period, but three Rockford rookies stole the show. Marek Vanacker, Sacha Boisvert, and A.J. Spellacy all recorded their first AHL goals (and points), while Vanacker scored his first and second professional goals within 7 minutes of each other in the second period. The IceHogs handed the Griffins only their second regulation loss of the season.

2026-27 Team Leaders: 

Rockford -  

Points: Gavin Hayes - 16 points

Goals: Gavin Hayes - 8

Assists: Derrick Pouliot - 10

Grand Rapids -  

Points: Dominik Shine - 17 points

Goals: Dominik Shine - 10

Assists: Carter Bear - 11

THREE THINGS TO KNOW: 

How Bout Hislop?: The IceHogs have benefited greatly from the improved play of Brayden Hislop. The 22-year-old defenseman has earned more time on the ice and built a strong connection with veteran defenseman Derrick Pouliot since the end of October. Hislop tallied his first point of the season with an assist on 11/9/26 against Grand Rapids and is one of six IceHogs with a positive +/- this year. 

Leaders of the Pack: Even with an IceHogs win against the Griffins the last time these two faced, Grand Rapids still holds top positioning in the AHL. The Griffins come into this game with a 10-2-1-1 record, which lands them at 22 points, the most in the league. Another Central Division opponent isn't far behind, as the Manitoba Moose are tied for 3rd in the AHL with 20 points. The IceHogs will welcome the Moose to the BMO Center on Nov. 14, 2026. 

Roster Shuffle: Earlier this week, goaltender Drew Commesso was recalled to the Chicago Blackhawks. Commesso will have his third NHL stint after posting a 2.74 GAA in seven games with the IceHogs this season. Another goaltender in the Blackhawks organization will take Drew's place in Rockford. After clearing waivers, Arvid Soderblom will join Stanislav Berezhnoy and suit up for the IceHogs. Soderblom played in 71 regular-season and 10 playoff games with the IceHogs from 2021-2023. Forward Paul Ludwinski will also return to Rockford after six games with the Indy Fuel. 

2026-27 Season Matchups: 

The IceHogs return home on Friday, November 13th for a 7:00 p.m. puck drop against the Milwaukee Admirals. It's 2000s Night in the BMO Center, with special 2000s-themed games, events, and promotions all night long. It's also a $3 Beer Friday. You can purchase tickets at icehogs.com.