SAN DIEGO, Calif. – Despite striking for the first goal of the game 1:31 into the contest, the Rockford IceHogs could not hold off the red hot San Diego Gulls in a 3-2 decision at the Valley View Casino Center in San Diego.

With the game locked up at 2-2 entering the third, Tyler Morley snapped the tie and knocked home the game-winner 4:28 into the frame. Morley found a loose puck at the top of the right circle and blasted it past Jeff Glass for his third tally of the season.

Kyle Baun helped the IceHogs get out to a strong start, as he redirected a Mark McNeill shot into the net just 1:31 into the game, giving Rockford a 1-0 advantage. San Diego, however, struck back with two of their own as Brandon Montour and Jaycob Megna each scored from the high slot to give the Gulls a 2-1 lead after the opening frame.

The IceHogs used a second period power-play chance to even the score. Michael Latta quickly fed a pass to Sam Carrick who directed a shot at the cage. Ville Pokka stepped down the right wing and tossed the rebound under the crossbar to tie the score at 2-2 with his fourth power play goal of the season.

Next Home Game: Tuesday, Feb. 28 vs. Manitoba Moose at 7 p.m. The IceHogs host the Moose in the fifth season matchup between the two teams. Tuesday is a Fas Fuel Winning Weekday and a WXRX Dollar Day.

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