THE FORCE IS STRONG AT THE BMO THIS SUNDAY

Saturday, March 19, 2016 vs. Chicago Wolves –SOLD OUT

Time: 7 p.m. at the BMO Harris Bank Center. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Tickets: Saturday’s game is sold out.

Country Night: Put your boots on, y’all! The Wild West is taking over the arena for Country Night presented by Dusty Boots Saloon. The band South 40 will be playing on the BMO stage throughout the night.

Michael Leighton Recognition: To celebrate breaking the record for most AHL career shutouts, Michael Leighton will be honored by the IceHogs, Chicago Blackhawks, and the AHL preceding the puck drop. Leighton broke Johnny Bower’s 59-year-old record on March 5 in Rockford against the Lake Erie Monsters, in a 5-0 game to secure his 46th shutout.

Matchup: The IceHogs face the Wolves after going head-to-head in Rosemont the previous night. Rockford clinched the Illinois Lottery Cup after defeating the Wolves 4-2 at the AllState Arena on Feb. 20.

Sunday, March 20, 2016 vs. Charlotte Checkers

Time: 4 p.m. at the BMO Harris Bank Center. Doors open at 3 p.m.

Star Wars Night: The force is strong at the BMO for the17th annual jersey auction. Experience the dark side as the IceHogs wear special Darth Vader jerseys when they take the ice against the Checkers. Those in attendance will have the opportunity to take pictures with some of their favorite Star Wars characters, courtesy of 501st Legion. The cast will be taking part in promotions, while others will be roaming the concourse throughout the game to greet, take pictures, and entertain fans.

Jersey Auction: Immediately after the conclusion of Rockford’s contest with the Checkers on Sunday, the team will hold a live auction on the ice surface of the BMO, as fans can bid on the game-worn jerseys. Leighton’s Star Wars helmet designed by Ronnie Espig and Hellion Designs, and Kyle Cumiskey’s jersey will be in the IceHogs eBay store at a later date. All proceeds from the auction will benefit the IceHogs Charitable Foundation. In turn, the IceHogs Charitable Foundation will donate a portion of the jersey proceeds to Special Olympics, Illinois, as well as other local charities.

In-Game Auctions: Fans can go behind section 122 to visit the silent auction tables, which will have a variety of memorabilia to bid on, including:

- Leighton AHL All-Star jersey
- Autographed picture of Andrew Shaw courtesy of Cory Cravatta
- Team-autographed Star Wars sign
- Chance to be in the IceHogs team photo
- Team-signed IceHogs jersey
- Replica Chicago Blackhawks 2015 Stanley Cup Championship ring
- Assorted baskets

Along with the silent auction, a Jay Harrison and customizable Darth Vader jersey will be raffled off during the game.

Matchup: Rockford faces Charlotte for the last time during the 2015-16 regular season on home ice. On Tuesday night, the last time the two met, the IceHogs pulled off a 1-0 victory on a goal from Mark McNeill with just over 10 minutes remaining in the game. Starting against his former team for the first time, goaltender Drew MacIntyre registered his first shutout of the season. The next time the Central Division opponents meet will be in a pair of games April 3 and 4 in Charlotte.

Tickets: Tickets for Sunday’s game can be purchased at the BMO Harris Bank Center Box Office or any Ticketmaster location including Walmart, by phone (815 968-5222) or online at www.icehogs.com.

Broadcast: All games are broadcast locally live on WIFR’s Justice Network on 23.3, and online through AHLLive.com. To listen to a free audio broadcast, tune in through WXRX.com or use the IceHogs app. Follow along on Twitter (@goicehogs) for live updates throughout the game.