What a Start

The IceHogs began their 2025-26 campaign rattling off four straight victories against Central Division foes in the opening eight days of the season. Three of those four wins came in overtime, including Samuel Savoie’s OT strike against the Milwaukee Admirals during Rockford’s home opener. The following weekend, Oliver Moore’s tally bested the Texas Stars and Dominic Toninato’s power play goal took down the Chicago Wolves. The four wins in a row would go on to tie a season best.

May I Have Some Moore

Rookie forward Oliver Moore may not have had the longest stint in the Stateline, but the Minnesota native sure made an impact during his nine games with the IceHogs. While skating on the top line, the Blackhawks first rounder notched six goals and three assists in the AHL, before earning the call-up to the NHL in early November. Moore went on to play the remainder of his first pro season with Chicago.

Bouch and Milly

It did not take long for this group of IceHogs to establish an identity right from the jump of the season. First year Head Coach Jared Nightingale preached toughness and physicality, similar to the qualities he showcased as a player in Rockford. IceHogs first-year forwards Dillon Boucher and Connor Mylymok played almost the entirety of the season together skating on Rockford’s checking line and serving as protectors for the entire Rockford line-up. Boucher’s physical presence was noticeable on every shift he took, earning 112 penalty minutes and picking up 10 fights. The Nova Scotia native pitched in with three goals and five assists offensively as well. Mylymok led all league first-years with 187 PIMs and 10 fights. The lefty from Jackson, MS tacked on three goals and five assists in 50 games with the IceHogs. Both forwards re-signed with the IceHogs for 2026-27 during the season.

The Lardy Party

Fresh off a 71 goal campaign in the OHL, first-year forward Nick Lardis had no issue transitioning his scoring touch to the professional level. The 20-year-old was named the AHL’s Rookie of the Month following his first three weeks with the IceHogs in which he recorded 12 points in eight games. His seven power play goals lead the IceHogs roster and his 18 goals rank second on the club. The Oakville, ON native made his NHL debut on December, 13 2025 and scored his first goal with the Blackhawks the following week.

Bitter Rivals

After an intense playoff series that went the distance in the 2025 postseason, the Admirals and IceHogs carried their bad blood into another heavy slate between the Central Division rivals. In late January, Rockford travelled up to Panther Arena twice in the span of a week and played two of the most raucous games of the year. The teams split the two games and had a combined 262 penalty minutes between the week. During the IceHogs 3-1 win on February 7, Milwaukee and Rockford started the game with a bang, tallying up 110 PIMs in the 1st period alone.

Brossoit from Deep

On December 12 inside the BMO Center, goaltender Laurent Brossoit became only the 25th AHL goalie in history to score a goal during a 5-3 win over the Admirals. In Rockford on a conditioning loan, Brossoit found the crease from almost 200 feet down the rink. The veteran became the third IceHogs goalie to score, joining an elite club with Jaxson Stauber and Collin Delia. Those three goals are the most scored by any American Hockey League team in history.

Depth Tested

All season long, Rockford’s depth was tested with key returning pieces missing key time. The tough injury news began when Paul Ludwinski was lost for the season just three games into the year. Second-year IceHogs’ defenseman Cavan Fitzgerald suffered two significant injuries holding him to just 37 games played on the blue line. Forward Jackson Cates laced up for only 29 games and dealt with concussion issues for stretches of the season.

Pitter Back

In December, the IceHogs completed a trade with the Condors to acquire forward Rem Pitlick for his second tenure in Rockford. The veteran made an immediate impact in the Hogs’ lineup notching four points (1G,3A) in his first game back with the IceHogs up in Manitoba. Pitlick would go on to snag 16 goals and 19 assists, providing key scoring to the top-six forward group.

All-Star Weekend

For the first time in organizational history, the IceHogs hosted the AHL All-Star Classic inside the BMO Center from Feb. 10-11. Three Rockford skaters were selected to the Central Division roster, forwards Nick Lardis and Brett Seney, along with reigning AHL All-Star Classic MVP Kevin Korchinski. In front of two sellout crowds, the Rockford hockey community put on a great show for the best of the AHL.

MVP Commesso

In his third full season with the IceHogs, goaltender Drew Commesso enjoyed more success as his development continued in Rockford. Commesso set a new record for overtime wins by an IceHogs’ goaltender, recording the 7th of his AHL career. The 23-year-old’s 7th career shutout moved him into 2nd place all-time amongst Rockford net minders. He earned two separate recalls to the Chicago Blackhawks. On January 10, 2026, the Norwell, MA native earned his first NHL win with a 36-save shutout performance over the Predators.

Goalie Carousel

The 2025-26 IceHogs set a new team record having seven different goaltenders hit the ice during the season, surpassing the previous mark set at six. Adam Gajan made his pro debut in Rosemont on April 12 and became lucky number seven to man the crease. Drew Commesso led the way with 37 appearances, followed by Stanislav Berezhnoy (16 GP) and Olivier Rodrigue (10 GP).