IceHogs finish a five-game road trip in Canada, followed by a Sunday contest at home in Week 24
Week 23 Recap
The Rockford IceHogs finished Week 23 picking up points in three out of four games with wins against Lake Erie and San Antonio and taking Texas into overtime. The Hogs will close out a five-game road trip with two games in Canada on Friday and Saturday. Rockford will then play their next seven contests at the Rockford MetroCentre.
Week 23 Results
Wednesday, March 3: Lake Erie 2 vs. Rockford 3
Friday, March 5: Rockford 3 at Texas 4 OT
Saturday, March 6: Rockford 4 at San Antonio 1
Sunday, March7: Rockford 2 at San Antonio 7
Week 23 Schedule
Friday, March 12 at Manitoba, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 13 at Manitoba, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 14 vs. Houston, 5:05 p.m.
Bacon Bits:
-Defenseman Richard Petiot has posted a plus or even plus/minus rating in 21 of his last 25 outings and has a mark of +14 during that span
-Hannu Toivonen became the fourth different goalie to earn a win for Rockford on Saturday when he beat San Antonio, the most different goalies to earn a win in the Hogs AHL era
-Rockford had five different goalies pick up wins during the 2002-03 season and four in 2004-05 in the UHL
-Bracken Kearns overtook the IceHogs points lead on Saturday making it the first time since Oct. 24 that someone other than Mark Cullen was leading the team in points
-A game after holding San Antonio to zero power play chances, Rockford gave them a season-high 10 opportunities
-Danny Richmond had three assists in Rockford’s 4-1 win at San Antonio Saturday, tying an IceHogs season-high and becoming the third different IceHogs defenseman to help on three goals
-Both Richard Petiot and Daryl Boyle did it earlier in the season
-Rockford led 2-0 in all three games over the weekend at some point but carried a record of 1-1-1-0 in those games
-The IceHogs scored goals in the first minute of both games in San Antonio on Saturday (Matt Keith, :27) and Sunday (Bryan Bickell, :37)
-Four times in Rockford’s last 11 games a goal has been scored in the first minute of the first period
-Keith has seven goals and eight points this season against San Antonio in seven games, and a goal in each of his last three contests
-Winger Kyle Hagel has played in six games for Rockford and has four fighting majors
-The seven goals allowed on Sunday at San Antonio matched a season high for most goals given up in a game for Rockford IceHogs
-Rockford’s last five games have featured 20 fighting majors
Hot Hog Week 23:
Center Matt Keith is riding a four game point streak after tallying five points in Rockford’s four games during Week 23. The Aldergrove, British Columbia native notched an assist in the IceHogs 3-2 win against Lake Erie on Wednesday night. Keith then went on to register goals (3) in Rockford’s next three contests. The centerman also recorded his fourth multi-point game of the season with a goal and an assist in Rockford’s 4-1 win on Saturday at San Antonio.
Upcoming Games:
Friday, March 12 at Manitoba Moose: Game time is 7:30 p.m. The Rockford IceHogs make their only trip to Winnipeg to take on the Moose. It is the third of four games played between the two teams this season.
Saturday, March 13 at Manitoba Moose: The puck drops at 7:30 p.m. The IceHogs wrap up a five-game road trip with their final meeting against Manitoba.
Sunday, March 14 vs. Houston Aeros: Game time is 5:05 p.m. Join in the celebration at the Rockford MetroCentre for Hammy's Birthday. The first 2,500 fans into the arena will receive an IceHogs cereal bowl courtesy of General Mills and WROK. The game is also a WXRX Student Rush Night and fans can get Family Four Packs, including four tickets, four hot dogs, four soft drinks and four popcorns for just $44. Plus, the IceHogs are giving away game-worn jerseys of Bracken Kearns, Mike Brennan, Simon Danis-Pepin, Mark Cullen and Evan Brophey. All jersey winners will be drawn at random and fans can sign up to win at the game.
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 $7 you can catch all of the IceHogs action on your computer. Also, fans with Comcast Cable television in Rockford 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 Bud Light Hog Talk Tonight At Hooters:
Due to the IceHogs road-trip to Texas, there will be no Bud Light Hog Talk tonight at Hooters near State and Perryville in Rockford. Fans can join WXRX’s Jim Stone from 6-7 p.m. most Mondays as he chats with IceHogs players, coaches and front office members. Stop by and take advantage of some great food and Bud Light specials. If you can’t make it, tune into 1330 AM, WNTA.
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 2009-10 season. Tickets can also be purchased in person at the Rockford MetroCentre Box Office in downtown Rockford, at Hog Headquarters inside CherryVale Mall or on the Web at www.metrocentre.com. Tickets start at just $10.