REGULAR SEASON CLOSES, ROCKFORD SET FOR SECOND SEASON

IceHogs lock up second place in the West Division

Week 28 Recap
The Rockford IceHogs first ever season in the American Hockey League came to a close and the IceHogs are now playoff bound. Rockford secured second place in the AHL’s West Division with a pair of wins during Week 28 and now get ready for the First Round of the Calder Cup Playoffs against the Houston Aeros. The IceHogs set a franchise total attendance record in 2007-08 as 153,056 fans came to IceHogs games at the Rockford MetroCentre.

Week 28 Results
Wednesday, April 9: Peoria 6 vs. Rockford 1
Friday, April 11: Chicago 2 vs. Rockford 3
Saturday, April 12: Rockford 1 at Chicago 7
Sunday, April 13: Iowa 3 vs. Rockford 5
End Of The Regular Season

Postseason Week 1 Schedule
Friday, April 18 vs. Houston, 7:30 p.m. (Game One)
Saturday, April 19 vs. Houston, 7:05 p.m. (Game Two)

Bacon Bits:

-Rockford completed its first ever season in the AHL with a record of 44-26-4-6 and a second place finish in the AHL’s West Division

-The IceHogs set a single season attendance record with 153,056 to fans, topping the previous record set in 2005-06 when the IceHogs drew 150,548 in the 40-game regular season

-Rockford averaged 3,826 in 2007-08 compared to 3,876 in 2006-07

-Winger Troy Brouwer led Rockford with 35 goals and paced the AHL while setting an IceHogs franchise record with 25 power-play goals

-Center Martin St. Pierre finished second in the AHL in scoring with 88 points and second with 67 assists

-St. Pierre’s point total is the second highest single-season point total in Rockford’s nine-year history

-Both of Rockford’s special teams finished the season ranked in the Top 10 as the power-play finished at a season high 7th (18.6%) and tied for 10th on the penalty kill (84.0%)

-Rockford’s power-play percentage of 18.6% is best in franchise history, topping the previous high of 17.1% set in 1999-00

-Winger Petri Kontiola finished the season on an 11-game point streak dating back to 3/22/08

-During Kontiola’s streak, the centerman tallied 4g-13a-17pts

-Goalie Corey Crawford finished the season ranked third in the AHL with 29 wins during the regular season

Hot Hog Week 28:
Rockford center Petri Kontiola completed his first professional season in North America with an 11-game point streak. His hot stretch included a point in each of Rockford’s final four regular season games during Week 28. Kontiola completed Week 28 with a goal and four assists in helping the IceHogs secure second place in the AHL’s West Division.

Upcoming Games:
Friday, April 18 vs. Houston Aeros. (Game One) Game time is slated for 7:30 p.m. Game One of the IceHogs-Aeros First Round Calder Cup Playoff series. The game is the first in the best-of-seven and one team will jump out to an early series lead.

Saturday, April 19 vs. Houston Aeros. (Game Two) The puck drops at 7:05 p.m. One team will try to grab a commanding 2-0 series lead while the other will try to even the series up at one game apiece before the best-of-seven First Round playoff series shifts to Houston.

The IceHogs Broadcasting Network:
Rockford IceHogs fans can catch all of the IceHogs regular and post-season games on the Hogs flagship radio station Rockford’s Voice, WNTA-AM 1330 and 30 regular season games on ESPN Radio 1380-AM, WTJK. Fans can also watch and listen to the Hogs on the World Wide Web with the B2 Networks! Visit the IceHogs Web site (icehogs.com) and click on the “click here to watch the game live” icon, and for just $6, you can catch all of the IceHogs action on your computer. Also, fans with Comcast Cable television can tune into Channel 57 for all the IceHogs hockey action this season. The broadcast begins with the Pregame Show 30 minutes before the puck drops. Make sure to give your opinion during the Post-Game Call-In Show following each home game at (815) 874-8255.

Where to Watch the IceHogs:
IceHogs fans can now catch every IceHogs regular season game live on TV! Every IceHogs home game during the 2007-08 season can be viewed on Comcast Cable Channel-57. When the IceHogs are on the road fans can watch them live at Damon’s Grill in Rockford. Fans can take advantage of great Bud Light specials and food specials at Damon’s Grill.

Playoff Tickets Now On Sale!
IceHogs playoff game tickets are now on sale! Call (815) 968-5222 to reserve your seats for the first two upcoming Calder Cup Playoff games at the Rockford MetroCentre. Tickets can also be purchased in person at the Rockford MetroCentre Box Office in downtown Rockford, at Hogs Headquarters in Cherryvale Mall, or on the web at www.centreevents.com. Tickets start at just $10.