Preview: IceHogs Look To Sink Admirals In Midweek Battle
8 hours ago
WEEK 8 REPORT: ROAD-WEARY HOGS PICK UP POINTS IN 3
BACON BITS:
The Rockford IceHogs pushed their winless streak to a season-high six straight games through the first three contests of last week before snapping the skid with a win at the Chicago Wolves on Sunday. The streak concluded as the second-longest winless stretch in the AHL thus far this season (behind San Antonio). Despite the setbacks, Rockford still notched points in three last week’s four games with one win and two shootout losses.
The IceHogs capped the week by limiting Milwaukee and Chicago to just two goals apiece. The Hogs have held opponents to two or fewer goals in half of their first 22 games this season, and only have five contests of allowing more than three goals. Rockford enters the week ranked seventh in the AHL with an average of just 2.91 goals allowed per game.
The Hogs also begin the week having played a league-high 14 road game in 2018-19. The IceHogs will now play seven of their next eight games at the BMO Harris Bank Center, where they have notched points in 30 of 46 games since the beginning of the 2017-18 season.
The Hogs were swept in their two shootout games last week, falling 3-2 at San Antonio and 2-1 at Milwaukee. They have now dropped five of their first six games to extend beyond regulation this season with an 0-4 record in the shootout and 1-1 clip in overtime. The IceHogs rank last in the AHL with a .167 win percentage in overtime games.
Forward Luke Johnson was reassigned from the Chicago Blackhawks to the IceHogs just prior to Sunday’s contest, and netted the game-winning goal in a 3-2 win over the Wolves. He has three points in three games with the IceHogs this year and 17 points (6g, 11a) over his last 23 AHL games (including playoffs) dating to March of last year.
Forward Jordan Schroeder picked up points in three of four games last week and paced Rockford in scoring with four total points (4a) in that stretch. Schroeder has now logged points in four of six games since returning from injury on Nov. 16, and currently is just five points shy of the team lead for the full season despite playing in just 13 contests thus far this year.
UPCOMING GAMES
Saturday, Dec. 1 | Rockford vs. Milwaukee (6 p.m.) The Rockford IceHogs host their annual Teddy Bear Toss on Saturday, where fans are invited to bring stuffed animals to the game and throw the toys onto the ice after the IceHog score their first goal. The stuffed animals will then be collected and donated to local kids charities.
Sunday, Dec. 2 | Rockford vs San Antonio (4 p.m.) The IceHogs welcome the Admirals on Sunday and the first 1,500 fans at the BMO Harris Bank Center Sunday will receive a FREE winter hat, courtesy of BMO. Fans can also stick around after the game to take pictures on the ice with their favorite IceHogs players.
BUD LIGHT MONTHLY MONDAY HOG TALK AT VINTAGE 501:
Bud Light Hog Talk returns to Vintage 501 on Monday, Dec. 3. Vintage 501 is located in downtown Rockford at 501 E. State St. Fans can join broadcaster Joseph Zakrzewski 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. The expected guests are goaltender Collin Delia and defenseman Darren Raddysh.
ICEHOGS BROADCASTING NETWORK:
Catch the IceHogs this season on WIFR’s 23.2 Antenna TV. 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 watchtheAHL.com. Each 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, facebook.com/rockfordicehogs 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 2018-19!
IceHogs individual game tickets can be purchased by calling (815) 968-5222 to reserve your seats for any regular season home game during the 2018-19 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.
