BACON BITS:
-The IceHogs capped the 2017 calendar year with an overall record of 18-13-1-1 and ranked second in the Central Division...Rockford’s start to the year was it’s fifth-best record at the turn of the new year in 11 seasons during AHL affiliation, dating to 2007-08...The team returns to action for the 2018 portion of its schedule with points in eight of the last 12 contests since Dec. 1 (7-4-0-1 over that stretch).
-Rockford has featured five skaters who began the season with the IceHogs and have earned a promotion to the Chicago Blackhawks this season...That total includes forwards David Kampf and Vinnie Hinostroza, defenseman Ville Pokka and goaltenders J.F. Berube and Jeff Glass...Both Kampf and Glass made their respective NHL debuts with the Blackhawks, with Kampf skating against Vancouver on Dec. 28 and Glass earning the win with 42 saves on Dec. 29 at Edmonton.
-The Hogs enter the new year ranked 10th in the AHL and second in the Central Division in both scoring and goals against...The team trails only Manitoba in each of those categories in the Central Division and has combined for 104 goals in 33 games (3.15 goals per game) and 97 goals allowed in 33 games (2.94 goals per game)...In addition, Rockford currently leads the entire AHL in shots with 34.61 shots on goal per game (1142 shots, 33 games).
-The IceHogs roster has featured 10 AHL rookie skaters and two AHL rookie goalies through the first 33 games of the season...Rockford rookies have combined for 289 games and 119 points (52g, 67a) thus far this year, with six different rookie skaters notching double-digit points.
-Rookie Matthew Highmore leads IceHogs rookies and is tied for the overall team lead in points with 14g-8a-22pts in 2017-18...Highmore has notched two hat tricks this season (both against Iowa) and enters this new year ranked fourth among AHL rookies in goals and 13th among league rookies in overall scoring.
-Both Ville Pokka and Tyler Sikura boast three-game point streaks entering the week...Sikura has totaled 3g-1a-4pts over his last three games, while Pokka has notched three assist during his current streak.
UPCOMING GAMES:
Tuesday, Jan. 2 (vs. Cleveland Monsters, 7 p.m.): The IceHogs take on the Monsters in a Fas Fuel Winning Weekday matchup. Tuesday is also a Taco Tuesday and the first 1,000 kids ages 14 and under will receive a free youth jersey, courtesy of Ortho Illinois
Friday, Jan. 5 (at Grand Rapids Griffins, 6 p.m.): Rockford travels to Grand Rapids for a matchup against the reigning Calder Cup champion Griffins.
Saturday, Jan. 6 (vs. Cleveland Monsters, 6 p.m.): The Hogs host Cleveland at 6 p.m. at the BMO Harris Bank Center. The first 1,500 fans in attendance will receive a free IceHogs winter hat, courtesy of BMO Harris Bank.
Sunday, Jan. 7 (vs. Milwaukee Admirals 4 p.m.): The IceHogs cap a four-game week with Kids Eat Free Sunday and the team card set giveaway, courtesy of the Rockford Register Star. Sunday is also the final postgame Skate with the Hogs.
BUD LIGHT MONTHLY MONDAY HOG TALK AT VINTAGE 501:
Bud Light Hog Talk returns to Vintage 501 on Monday, Jan. 8 from 6-7 p.m. Vintage 501 is located in downtown Rockford at 501 E. State St. Fans can join broadcasters Joseph Zakrzewski and Brittany Toolis from 6-7 p.m. on the first Monday of every month throughout the season as the duo chats with IceHogs players, coaches and front office members. For those unable to attend the show in-person, Monday’s show will be streaming live on IceHogs.com. “Bud Light Hog Talk” will also be available on www.icehogs.com following the live show. Fans can access the podcast through the “Audio Highlights” link in the “Multimedia” menu.
ICEHOGS BROADCASTING NETWORK
Catch every IceHogs game, home and road, in 2017-18 on WIFR’s Cozi TV on 23.3. The games can also be viewed on Comcast Cable channel 434, Charter Cable channel 194, Dish Network channel 252 or Mediacom 102 in the Rockford market and online through AHLLive.com. Every TV broadcast will start with “IceHogs Warm Up” 30 minutes prior to puck drop. Fans can also listen to the action for free at sportsfanradio1330.com and IceHogs.com. For a complete listing of TV stations carrying IceHogs games, visit IceHogs.com, and for the complete schedule of radio broadcasts, visit sportsfanradio1330.com.
TICKETS ON SALE FOR 2017-18!
IceHogs individual game tickets can be purchased by calling (815) 968-5222 to reserve your seats for any regular season home game during the 2017-18 season. Tickets can also be purchased online at IceHogs.com, in person at the BMO Harris Bank Center Box Office in downtown Rockford or at any Ticketmaster outlet, including Walmart.