RECAP: Gust Plays Hero in OT, Hogs Win Fourth Straight

ROCKFORD, Ill.—After two scoreless periods, the Rockford IceHogs defeated the Milwaukee Admirals 2-1 in overtime on the back of David Gust’s game-winning goal at the BMO Center on Friday night.

With just over a minute left in the extra frame, Milwaukee netminder Yaroslav Askarov denied rookie forward Colton Dach’s shot from the right circle; however, Gust buried the loose puck over Askarov’s shoulder to seal the IceHogs’ 2-1 win (3:55). The goal came nearly four minutes into overtime after both teams traded chances and IceHogs netminder Drew Commesso made several key saves. Rockford outshot Milwaukee 6-3 in overtime.

The division rivals both got off to a slow start offensively as the contest remained scoreless through the first two frames.

With just under six minutes left in the second period, Milwaukee’s Roland McKeown was called for cross-checking and on the ensuing delayed penalty, Reid Schaefer clipped Brett Seney and earned a tripping minor. On a 5-on-3, the IceHogs were unable to set up cleanly in the offensive zone and failed to convert on the opportunity.

Both goaltenders were perfect in the first two periods as Commesso denied all 16 of Milwaukee’s shots, and Askarov saved all 11 Rockford attempts.

Despite the slow start, Rockford struck first as Dach found the back of the net not 30 seconds into the final frame. While Gust drew a penalty while pursuing a loose puck from Ethan Del Mastro’s shot from the left point, the winger was able to corral the disc behind the goal line to set up the goal. Gust nudged the puck back to the right edge of the crease, and Dach punched it past the glove of Askarov to take a 1-0 lead (0:29).

The Admirals evened the score halfway through the period after Milwaukee won the face-off in the IceHogs’ zone, and Keaton Thompson immediately netted a wrist shot from the left point to tie it 1-1 and send the game to overtime (11:45).

Commesso finished with 32 saves on 33 shots for Rockford and picked up his fifth win of the season. The rookie netminder has now turned in four performances this season in which he has allowed one or less goals.

The IceHogs play the Admirals again on Saturday night at UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin at 6 p.m.

Dec. 9 - Local Artist Series Hat Giveaway & Teddy Bear Toss
Saturday, Dec. 9 at the BMO Center features the Local Artist Series Hat Giveaway (media partners WTVO 17 & FOX 39) and annual Teddy Bear Toss (media partner Big Radio) when the IceHogs take on the San Diego Gulls. Show up early to the game to receive a free IceHogs hat designed by local artist Joe Tallman! Fans can also bring plush toys to throw onto the ice when the IceHogs score their first goal.

Tune In LIVE on the IceHogs Broadcast Network Presented by BMO
Watch and listen to every game this season on the IceHogs Broadcast Network presented by BMO! Listen from your favorite device, at home, or on the road at IceHogs.com and on the IceHogs app and watch LIVE on AHLTV and selected games in High Definition on 19.2 Circle TV! Fans can also tune in on all of Mid-West Family’s local stations including 104.9 The X, B103, 95.3 The Bull, and Rockford Greatest Hits 100.5 and featured on Rock River Current, the Stateline’s premiere source for local events, news and culture.