ROCKFORD FALLS TO FOURTH IN WEST PLAYOFF RACE

Hogs face Iowa, Manitoba in Week 24

Week 23 Recap
As the race tightens for the four playoff spots in the West Division, the Rockford IceHogs could only manage two standings points in three games against three West Division rivals in Week 23. The Hogs finish a three-game road swing against the Iowa Chops on Friday and come home to face the North Division’s first-place Manitoba Moose on Saturday.

Week 23 Results
Wednesday, March 11: Milwaukee 3 vs. Rockford 2
Friday, March 13: Rockford 3 at. San Antonio 0
Saturday, March 14: Rockford 4 at Houston 5

Week 24 Schedule
Friday, March 20 at Iowa, 7:05 p.m.
Saturday, March 21 vs. Manitoba, 7:05 p.m.

Bacon Bits:
-Team captain Tim Brent now leads the IceHogs in points (20g-34a-54pts), multi-point games (16) and special teams points (5g-18a-23pts on power play, 4g-0a-4pts short-handed)

-The IceHogs are 12-3-0-1 when Tim Brent records a multi-point game this season

-Brent has 10 points (2g-8a) in four games on the road against Houston and San Antonio

-Sunday’s 5-4 loss to Houston is Rockford’s second regulation loss in Texas (7-2-0-1) since joining the American Hockey League

-The IceHogs did not have a single power play on Friday

-It’s the first time that an IceHogs opponent has not been short handed at least once in a game in Rockford’s two seasons in the AHL

-San Antonio’s two PIMs on Friday is a season low for a Rockford opponent and lowest since Peoria was called for only one penalty on Feb. 2, 2008

-Goalie Corey Crawford has allowed two goals on 89 shots in two games in San Antonio this season

-He finished with a 43-save shutout, his second of the season and fifth in an IceHogs uniform, on Friday at the AT&T Center

-In their first 11 road games after the All-Star Break (1/29/09-2/28/09), Rockford is 8-2-0-1

-Since then, the IceHogs are 1-2-0-1 on the road

Hot Hog Week 23:
Centerman Tim Brent led Rockford with four points in two games during Week 23 to take over the team lead in points. After receiving his second recall to the Chicago Blackhawks earlier in the week, Brent returned to meet the team in San Antonio. The team captain recorded his fourth short-handed goal of the season and added an assist in the game. He finished with two helpers two nights later in Houston to take over the team lead in multi-point games with 16 in 2008-09. His +2 rating this week gives him a -1 on the season after posting a -7 rating at the All-Star Break. In four games in Texas this season, the fifth-year pro has 10 points (2g-8a).

Upcoming Games:
Friday, March 20 at Iowa Chops. The puck drops at 7:05 p.m. The IceHogs head back to Iowa for the final time in the 2008-09 season for a big West Division show down. It is the ninth of ten games between the two teams this season.

Saturday, March 21 vs. Manitoba Moose. Game time is slated for 7:30 p.m. The Rockford IceHogs welcome the North Division’s first-place Moose into the Forest City for the final of two visits in 2008-09. The first 2,000 fans can pick up a replica Goalie Mask Bank courtesy of MembersAlliance Credit Union. Also Jack the Kangaroo will be making a special appearance thanks to Kanga Roof.

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 AHL Live! Visit the IceHogs Web site (icehogs.com) and click on the “click here to watch the AHL 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 in to 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 Comcast Post-Game Call-In Show following each game at (815) 874-8255.

No Hog Talk Tonight At Cousin’s Bar and Grill:
The team is traveling home from Sunday’s contest in Houston, so Bud Light Hog Talk will be taking the week off. The Next Bud Light Hog Talk will be March 30. Join Jim Stone from 6-7 p.m. at Cousin’s as he chats IceHogs hockey with Hogs Head Coach Bill Peters, players and front office staff. Stop out to Cousin’s, located on the corner of East State St. and Perryville in Rockford, and take advantage of some great food and Bud Light specials. If you can’t make it out to Cousin’s, tune into 1330 AM, WNTA.

Where to Watch the IceHogs:
IceHogs fans can now catch every IceHogs regular season game live on TV! Every IceHogs home game during the 2008-09 season can be viewed on Comcast Cable Channel-57. When the IceHogs are on the road log onto the IceHogs official team Web site, www.icehogs.com, and watch the IceHogs through AHL Live for just $6. Fans can also stop out to the Sports Page, located on Broadway near Alpine Road in Rockford, and watch the IceHogs when the team is on the road.

Tickets Now On Sale!
IceHogs individual game tickets are now on sale! Call (815) 968-5222 to reserve your seats for any IceHogs regular season game during the 2008-09 season. Tickets can also be purchased in person at the Rockford MetroCentre Box Office in downtown Rockford, at Hogs Headquarters inside CherryVale Mall or on the Web at www.metrocentre.com. Tickets start at just $10.