ROCKFORD LOSES RICHMOND FOR THE SEASON

Hogs d-man suffered a season-ending injury on Saturday

Rockford, Ill.- The Rockford IceHogs defense has taken its lumps this season. Injuries and call-ups have decimated the unit and last Saturday, the core hit a new low. Hogs blue liner Danny Richmond was lost for the remainder of the 2007-08 season after rupturing his spleen against the Chicago Wolves.

Richmond was leading an offensive rush into the Chicago zone and caught an edge about 10 feet from the back half wall. The Chicago native then went sliding into the dasherboards on his side after skating full speed. The impact was so severe that Richmond had to have his spleen removed in emergency surgery on Saturday night.

The recovery process overall, with regards to this type of situation, has a variety of factors that dictate the duration and success,” said DJ Jones, IceHogs Athletic Trainer. “One of the key factors for Richmond is his health and fitness level. The high level of Richmond’s physical state prior to the injury will aid tremendously to his recovery and re-entry into the game.

Rockford was already without Prestin Ryan (concussion) and Jerramie Domish (undisclosed) due to injury. Both are expected to be back in the line up at some point this season.

Factor in recalls to Dustin Byfuglien, Cam Barker and Jordan Hendry from earlier this season, and the IceHogs defense has really been stressed.

On Sunday in Milwaukee, the IceHogs skated Jim Fahey, Ryan Stokes, Niklas Hjalmarsson, Matt Macdonald and Kenny MacCaulay on the back line. David Koci also rotated in and out of the d-line-up.

Next Home Game: Sunday, Feb. 24 vs. Milwaukee Admirals. Game time is 4:05 p.m. The IceHogs match-up with the Admirals for a third straight time on Sunday The first 1,000 fans to the game will pick up IceHogs poster #3 courtesy of Pepsi, MedicineMan and Johnson Press. Also, don’t forget your skates as Sunday is another Skate With the Hogs following the game!