THE MONTH OF GIVING BEGINS THIS WEEKEND

Rockford, Ill. – December is the month of giving and the Rockford IceHogs, of the American Hockey League, are asking fans to join in on the giving.

The IceHogs open the weekend with a tilt against the Milwaukee Admirals on Friday, Dec. 7. The Hogs and Admirals meet for the second of 12 meetings on the campaign with the game beginning at 7:05 p.m.

Then, on Saturday the team is hosting their annual teddy bear toss as the Chicago Wolves visit the BMO Harris Bank Center in an Illinois Lottery Cup matchup, beginning at 7:05 p.m.

Fans are encouraged to bring new or gently used stuffed animals and throw them on to the ice after the IceHogs score their first goal against the Wolves. All the teddy bears will be collected and donated to various charities throughout the Rockford area.

The first 1,500 adults (21 and over) into the building on Saturday will receive a voucher for a free IceHogs glass mug courtesy of Applebee’s. Fans can redeem the vouchers at either of the two Rockford area Applebee’s locations to pick up the mugs.

For tickets to either game this weekend, or any IceHogs game, call (815) 968-5222, visit IceHogs.com or any Ticketmaster outlet, or stop by the BMO Harris Bank Center Box Office.

The IceHogs have also teamed up with WXRX for a food and toy drive on Saturday. Fans are asked to bring in non-perishable food items and new toys to donate, benefitting the Salvation Army and Toys for Tots. All fans that make a contribution to either the food or toy drive at the game on Saturday will receive a $5 upper bowl ticket or a coupon for $5 off any regular priced ticket for select games.

Team captain Martin St. Pierre will be doing a little giving of his own. St. Pierre has agreed to shave his head after the game on Saturday, Dec. 15 and donate all of his hair to Locks of Love. Great Clips will be on hand for both games this weekend to cut hair for anyone willing to donate it to Locks of Love as well. Every fan that shaves their head will also receive a free ticket to the IceHogs game on Jan. 9 and an IceHogs hat. Women can receive a free ticket and hat by clipping a portion of their hair.

The IceHogs, along with WIFR and ESPN 1380 are also collecting gently used sports equipment to donate to the Stateline Boys and Girls Club. A bin will be setup at the BMO Harris Bank Center Box Office for fans to drop their equipment and each person to donate will receive a special ticket offer (buy one ticket, get one free) for any IceHogs home game through the January 11th game.

For more information, visit IceHogs.com or call (815) 847-6399.