At the time of my previous article, the Rockford IceHogs were in sixth place in the Central Division. With 38 points in 47 games, the IceHogs sat four points behind the Milwaukee Admirals for a playoff spot. Going 7-7-1 in the 15 games since the break, the gap has only grown. The Admirals hold an eight-point lead for fifth place with two games in hand.
With 11 games left in the regular season, Rockford would need to win out to possibly make the playoffs. Hope is dwindling for the Hogs, and the organization seems to know it. Recent roster moves by Rockford reflects the teams desire to solidify next season’s roster.
Transactions
Chase Dafoe was one of many players signed and re-signed to the IceHogs in recent weeks. (Photo courtesy of the Rockford IceHogs)
The first transaction made that will affect next season was the trading for Derrick Pouliot, already covered in a previous article.
On March 13, the IceHogs made two transactions that have already made an impact. First, they signed college free agent Chase Dafoe. The former captain of the University of Alaska-Fairbanks Nanooks, Dafoe has played four games with the Hogs, recording two goals. Dafoe is signed through the 2026-27 season.
On the same day, the IceHogs acquired forward Ryland Mosley from the Cleveland Monsters in exchange for future considerations. Mosley, 26 years old, has recorded one assist in two games with Rockford.
On March 16, Sacha Boisvert signed an entry-level contract with the Blackhawks. Making his debut on Thursday against the Philadelphia Flyers, Boisvert will remain with the NHL club for the remainder of the regular season. Like with Frank Nazar and Oliver Moore, it is reasonable to believe Boisvert could begin next season in Rockford to hone his craft.
A week later, on March 23, the IceHogs re-signed forward Jamie Engelbert to an extension. With 25 points in 60 games with Rockford, Engelbert remains with his ECHL coach for one more season.
Two days later, Jiri Felcman, a 2023 third-round pick, signed a professional tryout (PTO) with the IceHogs. With 52 games with the SC Langnau Tigers of the National League, Feldman recorded three goals and 17 assists this season. Felcman then signed his entry-level contract today, bringing him to North America for the next three seasons.
Finally, Rockford re-signed forward Kevin Lombardi through the 2026-27 season on Thursday. The 26-year-old forward has split time this season between Rockford and the Indy Fuel. In 35 games with the Hogs this season, Lombardi recorded 21 points.
Final thoughts
Rockford’s playoff chances slim, but the roster still pushes forward. (Photo courtesy of August Marturano / Rockford IceHogs)
This season may end with the IceHogs missing the playoffs. Rockford missing the playoffs for the first time since the 2018-19 seasons would be a let down. However, a lot of talent remains. Key contributors like Taige Harding, Samuel Savoie and Gavin Hayes remain under contract next season. Prospects like Marek Vanacker and AJ Spellacy, signed to their entry-level contracts, will add talent next season.
The 2025-26 season rolls on. Rockford will host the Iowa Wild on Saturday at 7 p.m. CDT.