VERSTEEG'S RETURN PROPELS ROCKFORD OVER AEROS

Crawford earns first shutout of the season

Rockford, Ill. – Maybe the Blackhawks will wish they didn't give Kris Versteeg back.

After spending the weekend in the show, the IceHogs winger pushed through two goals in the first period of his first game back in the AHL. The Hogs won 3-0 at the Rockford MetroCentre on Wednesday, slipping by the Houston Aeros. Goalie Corey Crawford backstopped the Hogs to the shutout making 20 saves.

Versteeg's first goal came just 1:58 into the game, with helpers from Cam Barker and Troy Brouwer. The winger deflected a point blast from Brouwer past Barry Brust. The second followed on a power play at 12:59. Assists came from Bryan Bickell and Prestin Ryan.

David Bolland tacked on another marker at 19:32, with assists from Mike Blunden and Jim Fahey.

After allowing three goals on ten shots, Houston pulled starting Brust in the first intermission. Brust was credited with the loss. Anton Khudobin made his AHL debut and turned away all 14 Rockford shots that he faced.

Crawford put together another impressive 60 minutes of hockey, the Hogs' first shutout of the season. Crawford was coming off of a 42-of-43 save game on Sunday against Grand Rapids.

Next Home Game: Wednesday, Dec. 5 vs. Syracuse Crunch. Game time is 7:05 p.m. The Hogs return home to take on the Crunch. Wednesday’s game is sponsored by Jose Curevo.