TOP TEAMS IN THE WEST TANGLE TONIGHT IN ROCKFORD

Dowell, Skille and Hendry loaned to Rockford

Rockford, Ill.- The battle for the top spot in the West Division rages on tonight as the first place Rockford IceHogs take on the second place Chicago Wolves at 7:30 p.m. at the Rockford MetroCentre. The IceHogs will also welcome Hannah Montana’s Jason Earles to the game presented by Camelot World Travel.

Both Rockford and Chicago received three players from their respective parent NHL clubs today. Jack Skille and Jake Dowell along with defenseman Jordan Hendry were loaned to Rockford.

Dowell was recalled from Rockford back on November 19th and scored his first NHL goal, a shorthanded tally, in his first NHL game back on November 22nd at Calgary. He has appeared in 18 games for the Blackhawks this season scoring two goals and three points with six penalty minutes. Dowell missed 12 games with a broken foot earlier this season resulting from a blocking a shot in Edmonton on November 24th.

Skille was recalled from Rockford on December 29th and has appeared in 13 games for the Blackhawks scoring three goals while adding two assists for five points. Skille played in his first career NHL game on December 30th against the Los Angeles Kings. He scored his first career NHL goal on January 8th at Montreal.

Jordan Hendry was recalled from Rockford on January 9th and has appeared in eight games for the Blackhawks and has not scored while posting eight penalty minutes. Hendry played in his first career NHL game versus Dallas on January 9th.

The Wolves received defenseman Joel Kwiatkowski and forwards Brett Sterling and Colin Stuart from the Atlanta Thrashers. All six players are expected to be in Rockford in time for tonight’s game.

For tickets call (815) 968-5222, log on to www.centreevents.com or stop by the MetroCentre Box Office. To listen to tonight’s game tune into 1330 AM WNTA or on the web by clicknig here.

Next Home Game: Saturday, Jan. 26 vs. Iowa Stars. Game time is 7:05 p.m. The Hogs and Stars face-off for the first time in Rockford and fourth overall. The first 1,000 fans to the game will pick up an IceHogs baseball hat courtesy of Wireless One, WXRX FM 104.9 and 23WIFR.