With just 13 games remaining on the schedule, the IceHogs currently sit in a tie for fourth place in the AHL Central Division with 62 points. They are tied with the Chicago Wolves, who hold the higher position currently on points percentage, but the Central Division doesn’t adhere to that like the Pacific Division does.

After taking three points out of a possible six against the Grand Rapids Griffins and Chicago Wolves over the weekend, a three games in three days set, the IceHogs will have six days off to rest and hopefully get some healthy bodies back in the lineup. The six days off will also give Rockford a more clear picture of the Calder Cup playoff race, once the rest of the Central Division catches up in games played.

It’s a long way to the top…

Rockford has been working with a depleted roster for a large portion of this season due to injuries. It’s constant of one player comes back, one player goes out. It’s a tough situation to jumble lines and pairings on a consistent basis, but head coach Derek King has done as best a job as he could given then cards he is dealt on a nightly basis. Philipp Kurashev has returned in a major way for the IceHogs, scoring three points in his last six games, but shortly after his return, Rockford is now feeling the loss of John Quenneville.

In net, the IceHogs are riding Collin Delia heavily into the postseason push, making 13 appearances in the last 17 games for Rockford since February 1. He’s performed admirably over that stretch, going 8-4-0 with two shutout performances and a .909 save percentage. But the IceHogs’ depth in net, once their biggest strength, has taken a hit as Kevin Lankinen‘s season ended due to a shoulder injury that required surgery. Matt Tomkins assumed the backup role behind Delia, and the IceHogs added Russian prospect Ivan Nalimov over the weekend, so the three-goalie rotation will live on.

Peter Quenneville of the Rockford IceHogs (Photo Courtesy: Rockford IceHogs.)

The question is if that performance in net will be enough to propel the IceHogs into the Calder Cup playoffs.

Here are the full standings entering Tuesday, March 10:

1. Milwaukee Admirals (62 games played): 40-14-8, 88 points
2. Iowa Wild (62 games played): 37-17-8, 82 points
3. Grand Rapids Griffins (62 games played): 28-27-7, 63 points
4. Chicago Wolves (61 games played): 27-26-8, 62 points
5. Rockford IceHogs (63 games played): 29-30-4, 62 points
6. San Antonio Rampage (60 games played): 24-24-12, 60 points
7. Texas Stars (60 games played): 26-27-7, 59 points
8. Manitoba Moose (61 games played): 27-33-1, 55 points

The IceHogs have the fewest games remaining of any team in the Central Division as of Tuesday, March 10. Rockford is off until Saturday, March 14 when they take on the Chicago Wolves. In the meantime, the rest of the Central Division will catch up in games played, more than likely putting the IceHogs further outside the Calder Cup playoff chase by week’s end, but hopefully not.

Here is how the final 13 games for the IceHogs will be spread out over the final month of the regular season and Rockford’s record against their opponent this season:

• Zero vs. Manitoba (4-3-1)
• Zero vs. Grand Rapids (5-5-0)
• One vs. San Antonio (4-3-0)
• Two vs. Texas (4-1-1)
• Three vs. Milwaukee (1-7-1)
• Three vs. Chicago (6-2-1)
• Four vs. Iowa (1-3-0)

One glaring number that will have to improve if the IceHogs are going to find success down the final stretch of the season is 1-for-38. That is the IceHogs powerplay success rate since February 18.

The lone tally came from Gabriel Gagne in Friday’s contest against the Grand Rapids Griffins. It is an abysmal number on the man-advantage, which ranks 29th in the AHL, a tie for second-to-last in the league with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. While Rockford ranks in the bottom-three on success rate, they are sixth in the AHL in powerplay opportunities with 254. They are the only team in the top eight of opportunities in the league without a success-rate in the teens or higher.

The penalty-kill is even worse at 76.2% this season, last in the AHL. Rockford will need to either play entire games at even-strength down the stretch, or something is going to have to give over the final 13 games of the regular season.

Roster moves

The AHL transaction page was pretty active this week for the IceHogs. First, the team signed Gabriel Gagne and Dmitry Osipov to AHL contracts through the 2020-21 season.

Osipov had signed a one-year AHL deal with the IceHogs last spring, and has seen significant time with Rockford after the loss of Philip Holm and various recalls of Dennis Gilbert and Lucas Carlsson. The 23-year-old defenseman has one goal and 44 PIM in 28 games with the IceHogs this season.

For Gagne, the former Ottawa Senators second-round pick has found it difficult to get his footing in the professional game. Playing for Binghamton/Belleville Senators, Toronto Marlies, Ontario Reign, Wichita Thunder, Newfoundland Growlers, and Allen Americans all before landing with the IceHogs this season, Gagne had shown highly inconsistent flashes of his offensive skill and high-end shooting ability. Prior to joining the IceHogs on a PTO in mid-January, Gagne had 38 points in 36 games with the Allen Americans in the ECHL.

Gabriel Gagne scores on the powerplay late in the 3rd to give the #IceHogs a 4-0 lead #RFDvsGR #AHL pic.twitter.com/VeHcbF4Rzy

— Mario Tirabassi (@Mario_Tirabassi) March 7, 2020

Since joining the IceHogs, Gagne has seen significant ice-time on the powerplay and top-line groupings. In 21 games, Gagne has six goals and six assists with Rockford. He figures to continue to have the elevated role as the Calder Cup playoff push continues for the IceHogs.

Also coming down the wire over the weekend, the IceHogs signed Russian prospect goaltender Ivan Nalimov to a PTO contract. Nalimov, a former sixth-round draft pick by the Chicago Blackhawks, has been playing the last six seasons as a regular in the KHL. Nalimov has been with seven different teams in the KHL. He has a 58-62-12 record with 14 shutouts, a 2.61 GAA, and a .912 save-percentage in his KHL career.

Among the more intriguing prospects in the Blackhawks’ system, Ivan Nalimov will join his sixth team in the KHL for the 2019–20 season. (Photograph courtesy of Kunlun Redstar)

Nalimov joins the IceHogs goaltending rotation after the loss of Kevin Lankinen and figures to see action as the regular season comes to a close. How much action remains to be seen as head coach Derek King has placed a great deal of trust in Collin Delia to be the regular starter during the team’s Calder Cup Playoff push.

Finally, the weekend closed with Brandon Hagel receiving his third recall to the Chicago Blackhawks this season. Hagel has yet to make his NHL debut with Chicago, though that seems like it will not be the case much longer as the Blackhawks lost forward Drake Caggiula to a hand/wrist injury against the St. Louis Blues on Sunday. At the very least, Hagel’s third recall to the Blackhawks should go better than his previous recall, which lasted less than eight hours. At practice today, Hagel was on the third line with Dominik Kubalik on left wing and Kirby Dach at center.

Brandon Hagel of the Chicago Blackhawks (Photo Courtesy: Chicago Blackhawks.)

This season with the IceHogs, Hagel has been one of the key offensive components of the Rockford attack. In his first professional season, Hagel has 31 points in 59 games played. He leads the IceHogs in goals with 19 and is third on the team in points. For the sake of the IceHogs, they will hope that Hagel returns before Saturday’s game against the Chicago Wolves and not have to play without one of their main offensive outlets.

What’s Next?

The Rockford IceHogs are back in action on Saturday, March 14 as they take on the Chicago Wolves. Puck drop for Saturday’s contest is set for 7 p.m. CDT at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont. The IceHogs hold a 6-2-1 record against the Wolves this season, but have dropped three of their last four games against Chicago. There is more than just Calder Cup playoff points on the line on Saturday as the IceHogs could clinch their fourth Illinois Lottery Cup Rivalry title in club history with at least a point against Chicago.

Following Saturday’s contest, the IceHogs return home to take on the AHL Central Division-leading Milwaukee Admirals. Puck drop on Wednesday, March 18 is set for 7 p.m. CDT at the BMO Harris Bank Center in Rockford. The IceHogs hold a 1-7-1 record against the Admirals this season, being outscored 40-14 this season and having dropped their last seven games against Milwaukee.

The post War Pigs Report: IceHogs doing just enough to stay in postseason hunt appeared first on The Rink.

Unlike normal Wolves pieces here at The-Rink, this piece is a little more primed toward the playoffs. As the AHL schedule approaches the month of March, teams are starting to settle into their respective playoff spots. However, the middle of the Central Division is tighter than a parking spot in the city of Chicago. As of March 2^nd, the San Antonio Rampage, Wolves, Grand Rapids Griffins, and Rockford IceHogs are all within one point of each other, with games played being the major differentiator.

This further emphasizes how bad the Wolves five losses in six games was at the end of February and very beginning of March. These games are critical, especially with how often the Wolves play their own division, so every game matters, especially with the season beginning to whine down.

An argument for the Wolves struggles could be their lack of roster depth. With players such as Nicholas Roy and Zach Whitecloud bouncing between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Wolves, it is tough for the Wolves to ice a fully healthy squad on a nightly basis.

The Wolves have received some reinforcements from the Golden Knights. Cody Glass and Nic Hague are both on the roster after seeing significant time with the parent club this season. Both players will be keys in the playoff run the Wolves are about to endure.

Despite Glass being returned to the Wolves, he was injured and has not played since February 20^th. The Wolves are also without Keegan Kolesar, who was hurt against Milwaukee on January 31^st. The Wolves have lacked health lately and that is starting to pile up on the Wolves’ game results as the season wears on.

Another noted problem for the Wolves this season has been scoring. As the team stands now, Tye McGinn leads the team in goals with 17. Other players over ten goals for the season include rookie Lucas Elvenes, Brandon Pirri, Curtis McKenzie, Gage Quinney, and Dylan Coghlan. Aside from those six players, the Wolves do not have anyone else on the roster with more than ten goals. The lack of depth scoring has been an issue.

Brandon Pirri has been nearly a point-per-game player since being returned to Chicago from Vegas 38 games ago. Photo: Chicago Wolves

From a total points perspective, the Wolves have four players above 30 total points so far this season. Those players include Elvenes, Pirri, McKenzie, and Quinney. Unfortunately, the Wolves have not been able to get a lot of scoring, and in games when the offense isn’t clicking, the Wolves tend to fall on the wrong side of the game outcome.

In net, the Wolves have had good goaltending this season. Both goaltenders have a save percentage equal to or better than 0.905 and a goal against average lower than 2.80. However, in games when the offense cannot get going, a two-goal game from either Garett Sparks or Oscar Dansk results in a loss rather than a win.

Garrett Sparks has been part of a good tandem for the Wolves this season with net-mate Oscar Dansk. Photo: Chicago Wolves

As the season begins to come to a close, the Wolves are in a position to control their own destiny as they look to make the playoffs. The Wolves will play six games in a row at home, starting on Thursday, March 5. The Wolves only have one more trip of any major distance left on the schedule when they visit the Texas Stars for two games in mid-to-late March.

Aside from those games, trips to Milwaukee, Grand Rapids and Rockford highlight the schedule for the rest of March and April. The Wolves can take advantage of a home-heavy schedule and short trips against their own division to further solidify their position in the Calder Cup Playoffs picture.

It’s going to be a wild run Wolves’ fans. Until next time, see you at the Wolves Den.

The post From the Wolves’ Den: Wolves in a tough spot heading into playoffs appeared first on The Rink.

After taking two of three games in Texas over the past five days, they improved to a 6-4-0 mark over their last ten games and have worked themselves into a three-way tie for fourth place in the AHL Central Division with 59 points and 16 games left to play. While the IceHogs have the fewest games remaining of any Central Division team (16), they are continuing a slightly positive stretch of play that could see them hang around well enough to have a fighting chance at the organization’s seventh postseason berth in AHL history.

Texas Two-Step

Wrapping up a five-game road trip with three contests in Texas, the IceHogs were able to take both games against the Texas Stars before falling to the San Antonio Rampage in the team’s final trip to San Antonio before they are relocated to Nevada.

Collin Delia backstopped the IceHogs in both wins over the Stars, making 30 saves on 32 shots in 65 minutes of work and making all four stops in the shootout before Dylan Sikura eventually scored the shootout winner on Wednesday night. Gabriel Gagne led the IceHogs attack with both Rockford goals in Wednesday night’s win.

On Friday night, the IceHogs jumped all over the Stars early and often, running out to a 5-1 lead midway through the third period. Goals coming from Philipp Kurashev and Garrett Mitchell in the first period and from Tyler Sikura and Alexandre Fortin in the second period. Brandon Hagel scored his team-leading 19th goal of the season make it a 5-1 game in the third period, but it would shortly turn sour for the IceHogs as the Stars rattled off two goals less than two minutes later to cut the lead to 5-3. Texas’ Joel L’Esperance scored his 21st goal of the season late in the period to make it 5-4, but Delia and the IceHogs were able to fend off a furious comeback effort by the Stars as the final moments ticked away. Delia made 30 saves on 34 shots and improved his record to 15-12-1 on the season with both wins.

The Rockford IceHogs scramble to keep the puck out of their net against the Texas Stars. (Photo Courtesy of the Texas Stars)

Rockford had a chance for a Texas-sized sweep on Sunday afternoon as they traveled to face the Rampage in San Antonio. A tightly contested game that was scoreless into the third period was finally broken with two goals just 31 seconds apart for the Rampage. Austin Poganski and Jordan Nolan both scored their tenth goals of the season to give San Antonio the 2-0 lead and Dakota Joshua potted an empty-net goal to seal a 3-0 win. Matt Tomkins had the start for the IceHogs on Sunday, making 26 saves on 28 shots, but dropping his fifth-straight start and sixth loss in seven starts since December 13. The shutout loss for Rockford marked the sixth time they have been held scoreless this season.

Stayin’ Alive

Rockford had a chance to take sole possession of third place in the AHL Central Division were they to win on Sunday. But with the win, it was San Antonio who would leap-frog their way from tied for fifth-place into third-place by themselves with 60 points on the season. Rockford now sits in a three-way tie for fourth place in the Division, the final Calder Cup playoff spot in the Central.

Here are the full standings entering Tuesday, March 3:

1. Milwaukee Admirals (59 games played): 38-13-8, 84 points
2. Iowa Wild (59 games played): 36-16-7, 79 points
3. San Antonio Rampage (57 games played): 24-21-12, 60 points
4. Chicago Wolves (58 games played): 26-25-7, 59 points
5. Grand Rapids Griffins (59 games played): 26-26-7, 59 points
6. Rockford IceHogs (60 games played): 28-29-3, 59 points
7. Texas Stars (56 games played): 24-26-6, 54 points
8. Manitoba Moose (59 games played): 26-32-1, 53 points

As mentioned prior, the IceHogs have the fewest games remaining of any team in the Central Division as of Tuesday, March 3. But with Rockford off until Friday, March 6, the rest of the Central Division will catch up, more than likely putting the IceHogs further outside the Calder Cup playoff chase by week’s end, but hopefully not.

Here is how the final 16 games for the IceHogs will be spread out over the final five weeks of the regular season and Rockford’s record against their opponent this season:

• Zero vs Manitoba (4-3-1)
• One vs San Antonio (4-3-0)
• Two vs Grand Rapids (3-4-1)
• Two vs Texas (4-1-1)
• Three vs Milwaukee (1-6-1)
• Four vs Chicago (6-2-0)
• Four vs Iowa (1-3-0)

Fairly respectable marks for the IceHogs against the Division this season, aside from the top two teams in the Central (Milwaukee and Iowa), Rockford has seen decent success against their most important opposition this year. If they can continue their ways against Texas and Chicago and steal a game or two against the Admirals and Wild, their postseason hopes should be in good standing. If all goes according to plan, that is.

Brennan’s Back

During last week’s NHL Trade Deadline, the Blackhawks made one minor-league move that affected the Rockford IceHogs, trading forward Nathan Noel to the Philadelphia Flyers organization and acquiring defenseman T.J. Brennan in return. Noel had played eight games for the IceHogs this season with zero points Noel also skated in 39 ECHL games with the Indy Fuel this season, tallying 17 points prior to the trade. Brennan returns to the IceHogs, having played 54 games with Rockford in the 2014-15 season.

T.J. Brennan of the Rockford IceHogs. (Photo Courtesy of the Texas Stars)

Brennan, a former five-time AHL All-Star and two-time AHL Defenseman of the Year winner, played in 28 games with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms this season, recording eight points. He had been out of the Phantoms lineup since January 10. In his career, Brennan is a veteran of 53 NHL games and 676 AHL games. In his first game with the IceHogs on Wednesday, he tallied a secondary assist.

What’s Next?

The Rockford IceHogs are back in action on Friday, March 6, as they take on the Grand Rapids Griffins. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. CST on Friday night at the BMO Harris Bank Center in Rockford. It is the ninth of ten meetings between the teams this season, with Rockford holding a 3-4-1 record against the Griffins this year. Grand Rapids and Rockford are currently tied for fourth place in the AHL Central Division.

The post War Pigs Report: IceHogs sticking around in Calder Cup playoff hunt appeared first on The Rink.

Rockford IceHogs exit interviews

The Rockford IceHogs put a cap on their season with their annual end-of-the-year exit interviews. After finishing the regular season in seventh place in the AHL Central Division, the IceHogs missed the Calder Cup Playoffs for the second time in the last three years. Paired with the Chicago Blackhawks missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the second year in a row, this year marks the first time since becoming the AHL affiliate of the Blackhawks that Chicago and Rockford both missed the postseason.

There are a number of reasons why there is not playoff hockey being played in Rockford this season: coaching changes, injuries, recalls and assignments of key players, etc., but the IceHogs simply could not support their stellar team defense with enough scoring on a regular basis to get them over the hump and into the Calder Cup Playoffs. The league’s best goalie group of Collin Delia, Kevin Lankinen and Anton Forsberg were regularly let down by the league’s lowest scoring offense. Rockford finished the season with a 30–2–2 record when scoring three or more goals in a game, while on the flip side, lost 19 games this year when holding their opponents to two or fewer goals in a game.

But let’s not beat a dead horse any longer.

Interim head coach Derek King

IceHogs head coach Derek King did pretty much as well as he could have been asked after taking over the IceHogs from Jeremy Colliton in early November. King inherited the reigns of a 6–3–3 IceHogs team on Nov. 6 and finished the season with a 35–31–10 record, a 29–28–7 record with King as head coach. As of Wednesday, King’s status with the organization is still undecided, but one would figure he managed his position well enough to be given a chance to remove the interim tag from his coaching position.

Dylan Sikura (46 games played, 17 goals, 18 assists)

One of the brightest spots for the IceHogs this season was Dylan Sikura‘s emergence as a force to reckon with at the AHL level. While his well-hyped arrival in the Blackhawks organization has not lived up to the billing at the NHL level (11 points in 38 NHL games, no goals), Sikura tied Peter Holland for the highest points per game rate for the IceHogs this season at 0.76 points per game. In his first full professional year, Sikura finished third on the team in scoring, having played nearly 20 fewer games than the other Rockford scorers in the top five. He also finished eighth in rookie goal-scoring with 17 tallies on the year. Sikura becomes a restricted free agent this summer after completing a two-year deal with the Blackhawks organization.

Jordan Schroeder (62 games played, 19 goals, 26 assists)

Veteran forward Jordan Schroeder had one of his best AHL seasons of his career in 2018–19 with the IceHogs. Finishing with a career-high 45 points, Schroeder was consistently one of the most relied-upon players for the IceHogs. Paired with Holland down the stretch of the season, Schroeder found scoring chemistry with his newly acquired teammate and it showed. Over his final 25 games of the season, Schroeder tallied 21 points, including a five-game point streak and four multi-point games. Schroeder becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer after completing his one-year deal with the Blackhawks organization. 

Henri Jokiharju (30 games played, two goals, 15 assists)

While there is some debate whether or not Henri Jokiharju actually needed to play with the Rockford IceHogs this season, it showed that his time in the AHL made an impact on him on the ice. Jokiharju finished second on the team in scoring for defensemen (excluding Darren Raddysh), having played half as many games as the leading scorer in Lucas Carlsson. Jokiharju logged heavy minutes with the iceHogs and played in all situations. His 0.57 point per game pace was the highest on the team for defensemen and his plus-7 rating was tied with Sikura for the best rating on the roster. Jokiharju will be joining Finland’s World Championships camp this Summer. Jokiharju has two years remaining on his entry-level contract with the Blackhawks.

Luke Johnson (53 games played, 18 goals, 13 assists) 

After starting the season with the Chicago Blackhawks, Luke Johnson joined the IceHogs in late November for the remainder of the season, save for two games in December. Johnson set new AHL career-highs in goals and points this season, playing all over the lineup. One of the more consistent players on the roster this season, Johnson’s physical aspect of his game seemed unchanged as his ability to score and generate scoring chances improved from last season. Johnson becomes a restricted free agent this summer after completing his entry-level contract with the Blackhawks organization.

Collin Delia (26 games played, 13–8–4, 2.48 goals against average, 0.922 save percentage)

Along with Sikura, another major bright spot for the IceHogs and Blackhawks this season was the continued improvement and development of goaltender Collin Delia. After joining the organization last season and ascending from the ECHL Indy Fuel to the Chicago Blackhawks in one season, Delia again played major roles for both the Blackhawks and IceHogs. Finishing this season with the second-best save percentage in the AHL, Delia, along with Lankinen and Forsberg, made up the best goaltending group in the league this season based on save percentage. Many have speculated that he projects to be the future No. 1 goaltender in the Blackhawks organization and if he continues his development trajectory, he will be. Delia signed a three-year, $3 million contract extension with the Chicago Blackhawks this season, which kicks in next year.

Dennis Gilbert (63 games played, five goals, nine assists)

Winner of the team’s ‘Most Improved’ award this season, defenseman Dennis Gilbert truly came a long way from the beginning of the season. His confidence grew as the year progressed and his ice time increased. At the beginning of the year, Gilbert seemed to do little more than throw his weight around on the IceHogs’ blue line. But as they year went on, he began to open up more in the offensive zone while continuing to be a menace defensively. Gilbert ranked third on the active roster for scoring defensemen and led the team with seven fighting majors. Gilbert has two years remaining on his entry-level contract with the Blackhawks.

Matthew Highmore (12 games played, three goals, six assists) 

The 2018–19 season could have been much different for the Rockford IceHogs had Matthew Highmore been healthy the full year. After tallying seven points over his first eight games of the year, Highmore was lost to a shoulder injury for nearly five months. He returned at the beginning of April, only to re-injure the shoulder and not finish the season on the ice for the IceHogs. Highmore had a lot of promise heading into this season, having set the AHL franchise rookie goal scoring record in 2017–18. Highmore probably would have been like Sikura was this season, up and down with the Blackhawks had he been healthy, but his games lost for the IceHogs truly had an impact across the board. Highmore has one year remaining on his entry-level contract with the Blackhawks.

Anton Forsberg (32 games played, 15–15–2, 2.64 goals against average, 0.919 save percentage)

Much of what was said about Delia before can be repeated for Anton Forsberg this season. Consistently under-supported offensively, Forsberg took the majority of starts for the IceHogs this season after beginning the year as the backup in Chicago. His .919 save percentage finished as the fourth-best in the AHL this season. Forsberg becomes a restricted free agent this summer after completing a two-year contract with the Blackhawks he signed in the summer of 2017.

Victor Ejdsell (61 games played, 12 goals, 17 assists)

It is hard to label Victor Ejdsell‘s 2018–19 season a complete disappointment, but the expectations on him heading into the year certainly did not help his cause. Many, including myself, felt Ejdsell had a better than 50–50 chance of making the Chicago Blackhawks’ NHL roster coming out of training camp. He did not, nor did he receive a recall to the Blackhawks all season. Ejdsell dealt with injuries at times this year and only recently had found his stride within the offense. He still can show flashes of the scoring and playmaking ability that made him an intriguing prospect for the organization, but putting it all together consistently remains his issue. Ejdsell becomes a restricted free agent this summer after completing his two-year entry-level contract that he signed with the Nashville Predators in May of 2017.

Andrew Campbell (64 games played, three goals, five assists)

While there was little chance he would suit up for the Chicago Blackhawks this season, Andrew Campbell did everything asked and expected of him for the Rockford IceHogs this season. As he mentions in his exit interview, there is more to be measured that just numbers for his success this season. He was named a playing captain for the AHL Western Conference at the AHL All Star weekend this year, a testament to his longevity and leadership at the AHL level. Campbell served as a sort of assistant coach for the IceHogs this season, providing a veteran leadership presence for a young locker room. Campbell becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer after completing his one-year contract with the Blackhawks organization.

Alexandre Fortin (47 games played, six goals, six assists)

After a quick two-game stint with the IceHogs to begin the year, Alexandre Fortin joined the Blackhawks for a generous portion of the season, skating in 24 games at the NHL level, before rejoining the IceHogs for the remainder of the season. At multiple points over the two years that Fortin has spent with the Blackhawks and IceHogs organizations, he as shown the abilities to be a dangerous speedster who can create space and scoring chances with his feet. His downfall is his ability to actually finish those chances. Over the final 21 games of the season, Fortin tallied just three points. The abilities are there, but putting them together needs to be the next step for Fortin. He has one year remaining on his entry-level contract with the Blackhawks.

Andreas Martinsen (38 games played, three goals, eight assists)

Another forward who played a good portion of his 2018–19 season with the Chicago Blackhawks before coming to the Rockford IceHogs, Andreas Martinsen was exactly as expected in his time with the IceHogs: a physical player who can now and again contribute offensively and provide a veteran presence in the locker room, same as his role last season with the IceHogs. The problem is that he has more than likely reached his ceiling with the Blackhawks and IceHogs organizations. Martinsen becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer after completing his one-year contract with the Blackhawks.

Tyler Sikura (50 games played, seven goals, 12 assists)

Similar to the season of Victor Ejdsell, Tyler Sikura‘s 2018–19 campaign was a let down. After playing his first full season in the AHL last year and finishing second in the team in goals and third in points in 2017–18, the elder Sikura failed to reach that productivity this season. Hampered by injuries for a while this year, Tyler was now and again the net-front presence he was last season, but did not reach his same ice time nor did he have the same opportunities on the power play that he had last year. Like Martinsen, Tyler has more than likely also reached his ceiling with the IceHogs organization. He becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer after completing his one-year contract with the Blackhawks.

William Pelletier (41 games played, seven goals, 10 assists)

Rockford’s 2018–19 ‘Man of the Year,’ William Pelletier bounced back from missing nearly half of the season due to injury to provide jump and energy into the lineup late in the season. Pelletier’s highlight of the year came from scoring back-to-back goals just 13 seconds apart against the San Antonio Rampage on April 2 to spark an epic comeback win. Unfortunately, those were his final two points of the season. Pelletier plays above his 5-foot-7 frame and can provide a bit of offense at the AHL level. He becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer after completing his one-year AHL contract with the Rockford IceHogs.

Terry Broadhurst (40 games played, four goals, eight assists)

Hampered by injuries this season, Terry Broadhurst‘s return to the IceHogs did not really live up to what both he or the team maybe would have hoped for. Broadhurst started hot with five points in his first eight games with the IceHogs, but tallied just seven more points over his other 32 games played this season. At 30 years old, it is unclear what the next step will be for Broadhurst in his playing career, as he becomes an unrestricted free agent after completing his one-year contract with the Rockford IceHogs.

Blake Hillman (54 games played, one goal, three assists)

In and out of the lineup for a portion of the season, Blake Hillman seemed to stall in his development in his first full professional season. After joining the organization late last season, Hillman looked like he might be in line for a shot at the NHL roster entering last summer. He never took that next step. Inconsistent with the puck on his stick, Hillman still has a lot of hockey ahead of him and could be brought back into the mix next season. He becomes a restricted free agent this summer after completing his two-year entry-level contract with the Blackhawks.

Nathan Noel (46 games played, two goals, four assists) 

It is hard to get a true read on Nathan Noel. He has dealt with injuries the last two seasons with the IceHogs, but when healthy, he looks the part of a decent depth AHL player. He mixes speed, physicality and a good touch with the puck on his stick at times, but cannot find it consistently. He has one year remaining on his entry-level contract with the Blackhawks.

Josh McArdle (19 games played, one goal, two assists)

The first Rockford-area native to play for the IceHogs, Josh McArdle was a solid ECHL call-up for Rockford this season. He was able to step in during a thin stretch of the season for the iceHogs when they were dealing with injuries to the blue line. He played 33 games with the Indy Fuel in the ECHL this season, his first full professional season. McArdle becomes an unrestricted free agent after completing his one-year contract with the Rockford IceHogs.

Dmitry Osipov (Eight games played, zero goals, two assists)

A big-bodied defenseman like Dmitry Osipov was missing from the IceHogs roster for the majority of the season. While Gilbert and Campbell both weigh in at over 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds, Gilbert was the only true physical presence in the defensive group for Rockford. Osipov, coming in at 6-foot-4 and 234 pounds, provided a physical element that King wanted more of in his lineup. Osipov played in 66 games with the Indy Fuel in the ECHL this season, totaling 13 points. He becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer after completing his contract with the Indy Fuel.

Reese Johnson (Six games played, zero goals, four assists)

A late-season signing from the Red Deer Rebels of the WHL, Reese Johnson stepped into the IceHogs’ lineup late in the season alongside his Red Deer teammate Brandon Hagel and made an immediate impact. Johnson showed flashes of playmaking skill and a high motor in his small sample of AHL play. He looks to be a part of the IceHogs’ lineup next season as he begins he three-year entry-level contract with the Blackhawks.

Brandon Hagel (Eight games played, zero goals, one assist)

Speaking of Hagel, the WHL’s fourth-leading scorer this season joined the IceHogs late in the year after signing as a junior free agent in October. While he only tallied one assist in his eight games with Rockford, Hagel’s scoring ability should make him a key figure for the organization to keep an eye on going into next season. He begins a three-year entry-level contract with the Blackhawks next season.

Philipp Kurashev (Three games played, zero points)

Another late-season addition for the IceHogs this year was QMJHL standout Philipp Kurashev. After leading the Quebec Remparts in scoring this season, Kurashev joined the IceHogs for their final three games of the season. While not tallying a point in those three games, Kurashev’s 125 points over the last two seasons with Quebec, paired with him showcasing his abilities at the World Juniors this past January, make him an exciting prospect for the Blackhawks and IceHogs heading into the summer. He begins a three-year entry-level contract with the Blackhawks next season.

The IceHogs’ 20th anniversary season did not end with another run at the Calder Cup, but it was far from unsuccessful.

https://twitter.com/goicehogs/status/1118597418000560128

For the depth of the Chicago Blackhawks organization, the IceHogs have plenty of players to be excited about for the future and be encouraged for how many of them are progressing in their careers.

What’s next?

A giant thank goes out to the great media and communications staff with the Rockford IceHogs for providing all the videos of the exit interviews.

The Calder Cup Playoffs begin this week, but not for the IceHogs. Stay tuned to The-Rink for more news and analysis on the Chicago Blackhawks organization, top to bottom, as the spring and summer roll along.

The post Rockford IceHogs 2018–19 season exit interviews appeared first on The Rink.

Rockford IceHogs close 2018–19 season with loss to Milwaukee

After Saturday night’s 3–0 loss to the Iowa Wild, the IceHogs were officially eliminated from the Calder Cup Playoff race in the Central Division. Heading into Sunday night, they faced the red-hot Milwaukee Admirals, who came into the game winners in 10 of their last 13 games, with no losses in regulation over that stretch. As the Ads prepared for the postseason, Rockford could have played a bit of a spoiler.

Here is the lineup for the season finale that the Ice Hogs rolled out on Sunday night:

Hello, hello and welcome to the final edition of #IceHogs hockey this season. We will deploy our troops like so:

Louis-T.Sikura-Pelletier
Moutrey-R.Johnson-L.Johnson
D.Sikura-Kurashev-Hagel
Fortin-McLaughin-Ejdsell

Tuulola-Jokiharju
Krys-Campbell
Hillman-Osipov

Lankinen

— Rockford IceHogs (@goicehogs) April 14, 2019

In the lineup for the IceHogs were a few newer names that you can expect to be back next season for either the Blackhawks or Rockford, including Chad Krys, Brandon Hagel, Philipp Kurashev and Reese Johnson, among others.

Lankinen made his first start for the IceHogs since March 10, and made 27 saves on 30 shots faced against the Admirals in the 3–2 loss. His season record fell to 7–8–4 for 2018–19 with a 2.50 GAA and a 0.910 save percentage in his first season in North America.

Rockford IceHogs goaltender Kevin Lankinen guards the goal during Sunday’s game against Milwaukee. (Photograph courtesy of Rockford IceHogs)

The Admirals jumped out to a 2–0 lead by the midway point of the first period, thanks to goals by Tanner Jeannot and Cole Schneider just under two minutes apart. The IceHogs would pull one back against Milwaukee in the first period, thanks to Alexandre Fortin‘s seventh goal of the season, just his second goal since a two-goal night on Feb. 1. Milwaukee would take their 2–1 lead into the second period and add onto it in the middle period thanks to a goal from Adam Helewka, extending their lead to 3–1 after 40 minutes of play.

Dear @TheAHL,
Here's a late entry for your Save of the Year Award.

Love, the Admirals. pic.twitter.com/fTWn2NZZSW

— x – Milwaukee Admirals (@mkeadmirals) April 15, 2019

The IceHogs would try to mount a comeback for the home crowd on Fan Appreciation night, pulling the game to 3–2 in the third period with Luke Johnson‘s 18th goal of the season with just over 11 minutes to play in the final period. Johnson’s tally helped him set a new AHL career-high in points with 31 on the season in 53 games, surpassing last season’s total of 30 points in 73 games played. The comeback would fall short though, including a spectacular glove save on Kurashev from Tom McCollum in the final minute, and the IceHogs would fall in their final game of the season, 3–2 to the Admirals.

Rockford IceHogs team salutes the home fans at the BMO Harris Bank Center after the season finale against the Milwaukee Admirals. (Photograph courtesy of Rockford IceHogs)

The IceHogs finished the 2018–19 regular season with a 35–31–10 record and 80 points in the Central Division standings. Rockford finished the year going 3–3–0 in the month of April, and 5–6–1 in March to go 8–9–1 for the final two months of the season. Compared to the final two months of last season, in which the IceHogs went 12–5–2 and qualified for the Calder Cup Playoffs with 88 points in the standings.

Calder Cup Playoff picture: Central Division

A few notes worth mentioning as the IceHogs season comes to an end in regard to the AHL Central Division. First, the Milwaukee Admirals take a 14-game unbeaten streak into the postseason, having not lost in regulation since March 9 against the Grand Rapids Griffins. Speaking of the Griffins, they limp into the Calder Cup Playoffs on the opposite end of the spectrum from the Admirals, having lost nine straight games. Grand Rapids has not won a game since March 26 against the Iowa Wild.

Final AHL Central Division standings for 2018–19.

The Wild come into the postseason having won three straight games, and will match up against Milwaukee. The Central Division winning Chicago Wolves cruised to their third straight Division title this season and will have home-ice advantage to begin the Calder Cup Playoffs, taking on the Griffins. The Calder Cup Playoffs begin on Wednesday, April 17 with the Central Division action beginning on Friday, April 19.

Rockford IceHogs 2018–19 Team Awards

Prior to Sunday night’s contest, the Rockford IceHogs announced a number of team-based awards for the 2018–19 season. A few names to note from the winners include William Pelletier as the team’s Man of the Year, Dylan Sikura as the team’s Rookie of the Year and Nilsson as the team’s Most Valuable Player for the season.

Rockford IceHogs forward Jacob Nilsson accepts the Team MVP award at the season finale against the Milwaukee Admirals. (Photograph courtesy of Rockford IceHogs)

Full list of winners below:

• MVP: Jacob Nilsson
  • Nilsson 2018–19 stats: 61 games played, 15 goals, 17 assists, 32 points, -5
• Rookie of the Year: Dylan Sikura
  • Sikura 2018–19 stats: 46 games played, 17 goals, 18 assists, 35 points, +7
• Defenseman of the Year: Lucas Carlsson
  • Carlsson 2018–19 stats: 69 games played, nine goals, 24 assists, 33 points, -5
• Unsung Hero: Tyler Sikura and William Pelletier
  • Tyler Sikura 2018–19 stats: 50 games played, seven goals, 12 assists, 19 points, +1
  • Pelletier 2018–19 stats: 41 games played, seven goals, 10 assists, 17 points, +5
• Heavy-Hitter: Andreas Martinsen
  • Martinsen 2018–19 stats: 38 games played, three goals, eight assists, 11 points, -3
• Most Improved Player: Dennis Gilbert
  • Gilbert 2018–19 stats: 63 games played, five goals, nine assists, 14 points, -8, team-leading 67 penalty minutes
•  Man of the Year: William Pelletier

My write-in vote for the IceHogs award not listed here would be a group award, Team MVP, and it would go to Anton Forsberg and Collin Delia. With the worst goal-support in the AHL all season, Delia and Forsberg finished the season both in the top-five in the league in save percentage. Delia’s .922 ranked second in the league, while Forsberg’s .919 save percentage ranked in a tie for third-best in the AHL this season. Forsberg and Delia also both ranked in the top-20 in the AHL for goals against average. Delia and Forsberg’s combined team save percentage (.916) finished the season ranked at the top of the league in a tie with the Syracuse Crunch. The Crunch, who won the AHL North Division, finished the season with the second-fewest goals allowed this season with 187, five more than the Bakersfield Condors (182), who played eight fewer games.

By the numbers: What went right?

• Team save percentage: .916
  • Tied for first in AHL
• Goals allowed: 214
  • 10th-fewest in the AHL
• Penalty kill percentage: 82.3
  • 10th in the AHL
• Penalty minutes: 715
  • Second-fewest in the AHL (714 by San Jose, who played eight fewer games)

Rockford IceHogs goaltender Collin Delia makes a save against the Grand Rapids Griffins. (Photograph courtesy of Rockford IceHogs)

• Times shorthanded: 271
  • Fifth-fewest in the AHL
• Record when scoring three or more goals: 30–2–2
• Overtime Wins: 12
  • Tied for most in the AHL (Toronto Marlies)
• AHL career-best season totals
  • Peter Holland points (65), goals (27)
    • Seven goals, 16 points with IceHogs
  • Jordan Schroeder points (45)
  • Luke Johnson points (31), goals (18)
  • Darren Raddysh points (26), goals (eight)
    • Prior to trade to Hartford
  • Graham Knott points (13)
  • Collin Delia goals against average (2.48), save percentage (.922)

By the numbers: What went wrong?

• Goals scored: 184
  • Fewest in the AHL (2.42 goals per game)
• Powerplay percentage: 14.5
  • Third-lowest in the AHL
• Powerplay opportunities: 283
  • Fourth-fewest among teams to play 76 games, ninth-fewest in the AHL

Matthew Highmore of the Rockford IceHogs carries the puck during a game this season. (Photograph courtesy of Rockford IceHogs)

• Number of shutouts: 0
  • 56 AHL goalies recorded a shutout in 2018–19
• Matthew Highmore games played: 12
  • Due to a shoulder injury and then a re-injury, Highmore missed nearly the entire AHL season after setting the team’s AHL rookie goal-scoring record last season.
• Number of losses when allowing two or fewer goals: 19
  • Overtime and regulation game losses

What’s next?

Not much hockey, that’s for sure.

For the second time in three years, the IceHogs will not be playing for the Calder Cup. For a number of Rockford players, their next real hockey action for the Chicago Blackhawks organization will be at this summer’s prospect camp, with formal training camp opening later this fall.

Until then, enjoy the summer.

The post Rockford IceHogs finish 2018-19 season with loss to Milwaukee Admirals appeared first on The Rink.

Iowa Wild def. Rockford IceHogs, 3-0. Rockford eliminated from postseason contention

The IceHogs began the night controlling most of the pace and action against the Wild, seemingly in the offensive zone at will for the opening few minutes. Anton Forsberg was the Rockford starter on Saturday, took a few tests early on, but was up to the task. At the 8:40 mark of the first period, the Wild were able to get on the board first, capitalizing on a net-front scramble goal. Mason Shaw‘s eighth goal of the season put Iowa up 1-0. At that point of the night, Rockford trailed 1-0 and the Milwaukee Admirals had taken a 3-0 lead over the Griffins on their first three shots of the game.

Rockford finished the first period strong, re-gaining the control of the pace, but couldn’t find the equalizing goal before the end of the opening frame. The Wild would extend their lead in the second period on Gerald Mayhew‘s 27th goal of the season, making it a 2-0 lead for the home side early in the middle frame. Rockford’s postseason fate went from bad to worse at that point of the night, as Milwaukee scored a pair of goals on their first three shots of the second period of their contest against the Grand Rapids, leading 5-0 at that time.

Rockford IceHogs goaltender Anton Forsberg makes a save against the Iowa Wild. (Courtesy: Iowa Wild)

Rockford began the third period with 1:36 of powerplay time, which would come up fruitless. Less than a minute after killing off the Rockford powerplay, the Wild would take a 3-0 lead thanks to Will Bitten‘s 13th goal of the season. The Wild were able to keep the door shut on the IceHogs from there on out and the game would end, as would the IceHogs’ hopes of playing in the postseason, with Iowa coming out on top, 3-0 the final. Rockford starter Anton Forsberg made 27 saves on 30 shots faced as his record this season fell to 15-15-2 with a 2.64 GAA and a 0.919 save-percentage. Dylan Sikura led the IceHogs in shots on goal with six, followed by William Pelletier and Henri Jokiharju with three each.

The Admirals finished off the Griffins, 5-0 in Milwaukee to not only eliminate the IceHogs, but also putting the Texas Stars on the outside looking in at the Calder Cup Playoff race. Grand Rapids finishes their regular season on a nine-game losing streak, going 0-8-1 over that stretch and will need the IceHogs to defeat the Admirals on Sunday night. I wouldn’t say that the IceHogs will intentionally lose to spite the Griffins, but then again, Grand Rapids did no favors for Rockford or Texas down the stretch of the season.

Joking of course.

Rockford could find a bit of solace to end the season knowing they could end the Admirals’ current 13-game points streak (10-0-3) with a win in the season finale on Sunday night.

Calder Cup Playoff Race

For the IceHogs, it’s over.

#Moose losing to the #Wolves 3-0 in the 3rd
A loss by Manitoba will lock in the 4 teams in the #AHL Central Division as Chicago, Grand Rapids #Griffins, Milwaukee #Admirals, and Iowa #Wild. Seeding still to be ironed out. #IceHogs #Rampage and #Stars already out of contention

— Mario Tirabassi (@Mario_Tirabassi) April 14, 2019

For the rest of the Central Division, this is how the four teams will fill out the Calder CUp Playoff positions.

What’s Next?

The Rockford IceHogs are back in action, for the final time this season, against the Milwaukee Admirals on Sunday night in Rockford. Although the IceHogs will not be going to the Calder Cup Playoffs, they have a chance to play spoiler against the Admirals in the season-finale. Rockford is 5-5-1 this season against the Admirals. Puck drop for the last game of the 2018-19 season for the IceHogs is at 6 p.m. Central Time at the BMO Harris Bank Center in Rockford.

The post IceHogs eliminated from Calder Cup Playoff contention with loss to Iowa appeared first on The Rink.

IceHogs complete comeback in overtime vs. Milwaukee

On a night where the physicality was turned up and Dmitry Osipov and even Collin Delia got into tussles, the IceHogs were able to keep their heads about them enough to come away with a win in their AHL-leading 26th game that went into the extra period of play.

The IceHogs got off to a fast start just 40 seconds into the game, as Luke Johnson ripped home his 17th goal of the season off a face-off won by Reese Johnson, now known as the “No Tears Line” (Johnson and Johnson products, get it?). Luke Johnson tied his AHL season-high in points with 30 on the game’s opening goal. From there, the Admirals would score three unanswered goals from Cole Schneider, Anthony Richard and a second-period goal from Justin Kirkland to give Milwaukee a 3–1 lead midway through the contest.

Looking for life in the second period, Anthony Louis won a board battle and Lucas Carlsson was able to skate the puck in between the circles and score his ninth goal of the season to cut the Milwaukee lead to 3–2. Carlsson’s first goal since Feb. 9 pulled the IceHogs within striking distance heading into the third period.

In the final period of regulation, the IceHogs grabbed control of the pace of play, out-shooting the Admirals 12–4 and finding the game’s equalizing goal from Sikura with 15:22 to play. Sikura’s 16th goal of the season was enough to tie the game and force overtime for the 26th time this season for Rockford.

In the extra period, the IceHogs again controlled the pace of play, continuing to cycle in and out of their offensive zone nearly at will against Milwaukee. With just over 90 seconds remaining, Sikura found space in the Admirals’ zone and fired home his 17th goal of the season and second of the game for the 4–3 overtime-winner.

Sikura, along with Reese Johnson and Carlsson all tallied multi-point nights for the IceHogs while Delia made 14 saves on 17 shots as his record improved to 13–8–4 this season. Delia has won six of his last eight starts for the IceHogs since March 1.

Since returning to the IceHogs on April 2, Sikura has five points in four games, including two multi-goal games. With 35 points in 44 games, Sikura ranks third on the IceHogs in scoring and his 0.80 points per game pace is tied with Peter Holland for the team lead.

Finally, two notes to finish the thrilling win. First, with the 4–3 overtime win, the IceHogs record this season when scoring three or more goals in a game improved to 30–2–2. Secondly, on a sour note, Matthew Highmore took a big hit in the first period and did not return to the game from then on. He suffered a shoulder injury in early November that required surgery and had just returned to the IceHogs lineup at the beginning of April. After the game, interim head coach Derek King said Highmore bruised up his shoulder but would be fine.

Calder Cup Playoff race

With the win on Tuesday night, the IceHogs move within one-point of a Calder Cup Playoff spot. Milwaukee earned a point to move to 84 points, which is also the maximum amount of points that the IceHogs could reach with two games remaining.

1. x- Chicago Wolves (73 games played) – 43–21–9 – 95 points (at Iowa, vs. Manitoba, vs. Manitoba)
2. Grand Rapids Griffins (73 games played) – 38–24–11 – 87 points (vs. Iowa, vs. Manitoba, at Milwaukee)
3. Milwaukee Admirals (74 games played) – 34–24–16 – 84 points (vs. Grand Rapids, at Rockford)
4. Manitoba Moose (73 games played) – 37–29–7 – 81 points (at Grand Rapids, at Chicago, at Chicago)
5. Iowa Wild (73 games played) – 34–26–13 – 81 points (at Grand Rapids, vs. Chicago, vs. Rockford)
6. Texas Stars (73 games played) – 36–29–8 – 80 pts (vs. San Antonio, at San Antonio, vs. San Antonio)
7. Rockford IceHogs (74 games played) – 35–29–10 – 80 pts (at Iowa, vs. Milwaukee)
8. e – San Antonio Rampage (73 games played) – 29–37–7 – 65 pts (at Texas, vs. Texas, at Texas)

x = Clinched Playoff Spot
e = Eliminated From Playoff Spot
(Remaining Games)

The Iowa Wild, Texas Stars and Manitoba Moose will all play at least one game before the IceHogs take the ice again, with the Wild and Stars playing twice. Rockford will pull for those three teams hopefully coming away with no points over those games to keep their playoff chances as high as possible in the Central Division.

What’s next?

The Rockford IceHogs are back in action on Saturday night, as they travel to take on the Iowa Wild, then return home for their season finale against the Milwaukee Admirals on Sunday night. Saturday’s puck drop is set for 6 p.m. Central Time at the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa. Rockford this season holds a 4–4–1 record against the Wild in their nine previous meetings. Sunday’s puck drop at the BMO Harris Bank Center in Rockford is also set for 6 p.m. Central Time against the Admirals. Rockford this season holds a 5–5–1 record over the Admirals in their previous 11 meetings.

The post IceHogs keep playoff hopes alive with win over Admirals appeared first on The Rink.

IceHogs split weekend series against Stars

Rockford came into Texas with the ability to control their destiny and path into the Calder Cup Playoffs, were they to win both games in regulation. They did not win either game in regulation, instead dropping a 2–1 regulation loss to the Stars on Friday night, followed by a 4–3 shootout win on Saturday night. Texas holds their position over the IceHogs after the weekend mini-series, having a two-point cushion over the IceHogs and being just one point behind the Iowa Wild and Manitoba Moose in the standings.

On Friday, the IceHogs fell behind the Stars in the first period as Brad McClure was able to get Texas on the board first with his eighth goal of the season. Collin Delia made 10 saves in the opening period and followed that up with a perfect middle frame to enter the third period with 19 saves on 20 shots, continuing to keep the IceHogs alive in the contest. Just over seven minutes into the third period, Rockford was able to level the score with a goal from Peter Holland. His 26th goal of the season and sixth since joining the IceHogs was the break that Rockford needed to keep their head above water. But, at the 7:09 mark of the third period, the IceHogs surrendered a penalty shot after Ty Dellandrea picked up a loose puck and went off to the races. Henri Jokiharju slashed Dellandrea on his breakaway attempt and the referee awarded the penalty shot. Dellandrea went high glove-side on Delia to take a 2–1 lead in the third period and Texas held on for the win.

Delia finished with 26 saves on 28 shots, seeing his record fall to 12–8–4, with a 2.47 goals against average and a 0.924 save percentage. Delia’s save percentage still leads the AHL among qualified goalies. The loss was the 19th this season in which Rockford allowed two or fewer goals.

Rockford IceHogs forward Peter Holland (right) celebrates a goal against the Texas Stars. (Photographp courtesy: of Texas Stars)

Needing a rebound to keep their postseason hopes alive, the IceHogs bounced back on Saturday to top the Stars in a shootout behind Anton Forsberg‘s 32-save performance. Rockford got on the board first thanks to Luke Johnson‘s 16th goal of the season just under four minutes into the opening period. Johnson is one point behind matching his career-high total for an AHL season, doing so with playing nearly 20 fewer games this year than in years past. Just over seven minutes later, the Stars tied the game on Joel L’Esperance‘s 30th goal of the year to take the 1–1 game into the second period.

In the middle frame, the Stars and IceHogs scored just 36 seconds apart before the five-minute mark of the period. Nicholas Caamano gave Texas the 2–1 lead, but Holland scored his 17th goal of the season, his seventh since joining Rockford, to tie the game at 2–2 in the second period. The score would remain the same until the midway point of the third period when Texas would retake the lead on Rhett Gardner‘s second goal of the season. Reaching a desperation point in the final period, the IceHogs were able to tie the game at 3–3 with just over five minutes to play thanks to Tyler Sikura‘s seventh goal of the year. Hindered by injury this season, Sikura has seen his production drop from last year’s 23-goal, 39-point pace, but has stepped up recently with three points in his last five contests.

Every point counts for @goicehogs, and Jacob Nilsson made sure they picked up the extra one last night. pic.twitter.com/coMayuuBhA

— American Hockey League (@TheAHL) April 7, 2019

With no breakthrough found in the overtime period, the IceHogs and Stars went to the shootout. Colton Hargrove put the Stars on the board in the first round, but it was Holland getting the IceHogs a potential season-saving shootout goal in the third round to extend the contest. Forsberg was able to stop Joel Hanley and Erik Condra, setting the table for Jacob Nilsson to bury the shootout-winning goal in his first attempt this season. Forsberg saw his record this season improve to 15–14–2 with a 2.63 goals against average and a 0.920 save percentage. Forsberg’s 0.920 save percentage ranks fourth in the AHL among qualified goalies.

Rockford’s record this season, when scoring three or more goals, is a staggering 29–2–2. The IceHogs have the lowest-scoring offense in the AHL with 178 goals for this season, averaging out to 2.44 goals per game. It is mind-blowing to see that in 33 games where the IceHogs score at least three goals, they have only come away with no points twice.

As it has been all season long for the IceHogs, the defense and goaltending has been rock-solid, yet the offense will be the make or break in their final three games of the regular season.

Calder Cup Playoff Race

While the IceHogs will need some help, the Calder Cup Playoffs are not out of their reach. With each team in the division having three games left to play, here are the Central Division standings heading into the final week of the AHL regular season.

1. x- Chicago Wolves (73 games played) – 43–21–9 – 95 points (at Iowa, vs. Manitoba, vs. Manitoba)
2. Grand Rapids Griffins (73 games played) – 38–24–11 – 87 points (vs. Iowa, vs. Manitoba, at Milwaukee)
3. Milwaukee Admirals (73 games played) – 34–24–15 – 83 points (vs. Rockford, vs. Grand Rapids, at Rockford)
4. Manitoba Moose (73 games played) – 37–29–7 – 81 points (at Grand Rapids, at Chicago, at Chicago)
5. Iowa Wild (73 games played) – 34–26–13 – 81 points (at Grand Rapids, vs. Chicago, vs. Rockford)
6. Texas Stars (73 games played) – 36–29–8 – 80 pts (vs. San Antonio, at San Antonio, vs. San Antonio)
7. Rockford IceHogs (73 games played) – 34–29–10 – 78 pts (at Milwaukee, at Iowa, vs. Milwaukee)
8. e – San Antonio Rampage (73 games played) – 29–37–7 – 65 pts (at Texas, vs. Texas, at Texas)

x = Clinched Playoff Spot
e = Eliminated From Playoff Spot
(Remaining Games)

The IceHogs will need help from teams like Chicago, Grand Rapids and San Antonio to take points away from Manitoba, Texas, Iowa and Milwaukee in the games that are not in Rockford’s control. With a maximum of 84 points to close out the season, the IceHogs only have about two points to spare among the four teams within striking distance of Rockford.

What’s next?

The Rockford IceHogs are back in action on Tuesday night as they take on the Milwaukee Admirals on the road. The IceHogs return familiar territory in the Midwest and travel for the 11th of 12 matchups between them and the Admirals. Puck drop at the UW-Panther Arena in Milwaukee is set for 7 p.m. Central time. Rockford holds a 4–5–1 record against Milwaukee in 10 previous meetings this season, having lost their last three meetings in regulation.

The post IceHogs in ‘do or die’ mode after Texas road trip appeared first on The Rink.

IceHogs in the driver seat

It is a tall task to string together five wins in a row at any point in the season, let alone in the final five games of the year. For the IceHogs, winning the final five games of this season would all but lock them into a spot in the Calder Cup Playoffs. The final five games this season are against teams that are above them in the Central Division, meaning each game has a possible four points on the line, rather than the usual two (in theory).

Rockford is first tasked with a Friday-Saturday set against the Texas Stars, a team the IceHogs have taken points from in four of the six meetings this season. Following that are road games against the Milwaukee Admirals and Iowa Wild, before closing the season at the BMO Harris Bank Center in Rockford against the same Admirals on April 14. Depending on how the next week goes, that April 14 game against Milwaukee could every well mean the difference between making or not making the postseason for both clubs.

A couple of things that the IceHogs have going in their favor heading into the last stretch of the season include their AHL-leading goaltending and a shot in the arm offensively coming back from the NHL.

Rockford IceHogs goaltender Collin Delia makes a save against the San Antonio Rampage. (Courtesy: Rockford IceHogs)

First, the IceHogs continue to be at the top of the AHL when it comes to stopping the puck. Goaltenders Anton Forsberg and Collin Delia continue to sit atop the league leaders in save percentage this season. Forsberg’s 0.920 save percentage ranks fourth in the AHL among qualified goalies, while Delia leads the league with a 0.923 save percentage. Although he has not played since March 10, Kevin Lankinen‘s 0.911 save percentage this season is nothing to scoff at.

A key for the IceHogs will be the continued play in net from Delia and Forsberg down the stretch. Last season, Delia was the work-horse that led the IceHogs into the postseason and through the first two rounds of the Calder Cup Playoff run for Rockford. If he can duplicate that kind of success keeping the puck out of the net, Rockford will be able to win these meaningful games with the minimal goal support they have created for their goalies this season.

But, that brings about a second, and maybe more important, key for Rockford if they are to make the Calder Cup Playoffs and make some noise: the goal scoring. Rockford has been at or near the bottom of the AHL all season in creating goals and scoring chances this season. While some of it can be chalked up to some bad luck, the personnel the IceHogs have had to play with has not been littered with high-quality finishers for most of this season.

Rockford IceHogs forward Peter Holland awaits a face-off during a game this season. (Courtesy: Rockford IceHogs)

After losing Matthew Highmore early this season to injury, the IceHogs had to make up his depletion in goals. Players like Jordan Schroeder, Anthony Louis and Dylan Sikura did their best to pick up the scoring slack. But a cold streak from Louis and Sikura being up and down with the Blackhawks had stalled the offense.

But in the last half of the season, and more importantly the last few days, the IceHogs have been able to add firepower back into their offense. Making a trade for Peter Holland in January added a veteran player who can create and finish at the AHL to the Rockford offense. This season, Holland ranks ninth in the AHL in scoring with 62 points in 69 games, with 13 points coming in his 17 games with the IceHogs. His 62 points and 25 goals this season are new AHL career highs for Holland.

Rockford IceHogs forward Dylan Sikura fires a shot against the Grand Rapids Griffins. (Courtesy: Rockford IceHogs)

Along with Holland’s addition, the IceHogs benefitted from the return of Dylan Sikura to the lineup on Tuesday night after playing the better part of the last two months with the Chicago Blackhawks. On Tuesday night, Sikura scored his first two goals in nearly two months with a pair of tallies against the San Antonio Rampage.

This season with the IceHogs, Sikura ranks tied for third on the team in scoring with 32 points in 41 games. His 0.78 points per game pace is tied with Highmore for the highest on the team. The re-addition of Sikura into the lineup and getting Matthew Highmore back healthy should surely rejuvenate the Rockford offense, as was evident in the 5–3 win over the Rampage on Tuesday night.

William Pelletier named Rockford IceHogs’ ‘Man Of The Year’

On Wednesday, the AHL announced their list of every team representative for the IOA/American Specialty AHL Man of the Year awards. The awards are presented to players for their outstanding contributions to the local community and charitable organizations during the 2018–19 season.

Last season, Collin Delia was named the IceHogs’ ‘Man of the Year,’ and he is followed this season by William Pelletier. By being awarded the team’s ‘Man of the Year’ award, Pelletier is now in the running for the AHL’s Yanick Dupre Memorial Award for the league’s ‘Man of the Year’ title.

Rockford IceHogs forward William Pelletier skates onto the ice prior to a game this season. (Courtesy: Rockford IceHogs)

From the Rockford IceHogs:

“Pelletier spearheaded Rockford’s Brovember campaign this year, helping raise awareness and funds for the fight against men’s cancer. Pelletier’s father was diagnosed with prostate cancer two years ago and Will has since led the IceHogs locker room’s efforts in the Brovember initiative.

Pelletier and the IceHogs also took the lanes of Cherry Bowl on March 3 for the Hogs’ annual Bowl-A-Thon fundraiser. Brovember Inc. was the primary benefactor of the event, and the IceHogs players generously donated their time to help raise money for the local charity.

Overall, Pelletier helped the IceHogs raise more than $30,000 for the fight against cancer this season. That total includes more than $8,000 at the annual Bowl-A-Thon and more than $22,000 through Hockey Fights Cancer. “

Roster moves

On Thursday afternoon, the Chicago Blackhawks and Rockford IceHogs announced a number of roster moves being made.

First, after being recalled to the Blackhawks on Wednesday and making his NHL debut for Chicago against the St. Louis Blues, defenseman Dennis Gilbert was re-assigned back to the IceHogs. Gilbert played 12:46 minutes against the Blues on Wednesday night, recording a team-high six hits in the process. Gilbert has played in 59 games this season for the IceHogs, recording 14 points and a team-high 65 penalty minutes.

Rockford IceHogs defenseman Dennis Gilbert carries the puck during an IceHogs game this season. (Courtesy: Rockford IceHogs)

Also announced on Thursday was the addition of Dmitry Osipov and Philipp Kurashev to the Rockford IceHogs. Osipov rejoins the IceHogs on a PTO contract after playing in four games for Rockford two weeks ago. As for Kurashev, he joins the IceHogs following his third full season in the QMJHL with the Quebec Remparts. In his QMJHL career, Kurashev has played in 183 games and has tallied 179 points.

Quebec Remparts forward Philipp Kurashev joined the IceHogs this week. (Courtesy: Quebec Remparts)

A fourth-round pick by the Blackhawks in 2018, Kurashev set his QMJHL career highs in goals (29) and points (65) this season. Adding Kurashev to the forwards group comes at a perfect time for head coach Derek King, as the team’s second-highest scorer in Jordan Schroeder went down with a lower-body injury on Tuesday night against the Rampage.

Calder Cup Playoff race

The Central Division at one point this season was a two-spot race with the first and fourth spots up for grabs. As the season has wound down, the Iowa Wild have hit a cold streak and the third-place spot is now in play for the final five teams searching for a Calder Cup Playoff position.

1. x – Chicago Wolves (70 GP) – 42–2–8 – 92 pts.
2. Grand Rapids Griffins (71 GP) – 38–23–10 – 86 pts.
3. Iowa Wild (72 GP) – 34–25–13 – 81 pts.
4. Manitoba Moose (71 GP) – 36–28–7 – 79 pts.
5. Milwaukee Admirals (71 GP) – 32–24–15 – 79 pts.
6. Texas Stars (71 GP) – 35–29–7 – 77 pts.
7. Rockford IceHogs (71 GP) – 33–28–10 – 76 pts.
8. e – San Antonio Rampage (72 GP) – 28–37–7 – 63 pts.

x – Clinched playoff spot
e – Eliminated from playoff contention

All five of the remaining games for the IceHogs come against teams ahead of them with two games against Texas, two games against Milwaukee and one game against Iowa left to play.

What is next?

The Rockford IceHogs are back in action on Friday night as they begin a four-game road trip. On Friday and Saturday night, the IceHogs travel to take on the Texas Stars. Both games are set for 7 p.m. CT puck drops at the H-E-B Center at Cedar Park in Cedar Park, Texas. Rockford holds a 2–2–2 record against the Stars this season in six previous meetings. Texas sits one point ahead of the IceHogs in the Central Division.

The post Rockford IceHogs control their playoff destiny appeared first on The Rink.

Rockford IceHogs def. Chicago Wolves, 2-1 (SO)

The IceHogs came into Wednesday night’s contest with a slim one-point lead over the Texas Stars for fourth-place in the Central Division. In the AHL, the top four teams in each Division make the Calder Cup Playoffs, so the race in the Central Division has come down to two spots: a race between the top three teams for first-place and a race between the other five teams for fourth-place. Rockford “leads” the fourth-place race currently and the win over Chicago helped keep their one-point lead alive for another night.

Rockford IceHogs forward Victor Ejdsell celebrates a goal against the Chicago Wolves. Courtesy: Rockford IceHogs)

The IceHogs and Wolves were scoreless through the first period, but it took just under four minutes in the second period for Victor Ejdsell to breakthrough and get the game’s first goal. Alexandre Fortin put a shot on net that deflected off a Wolves defender and Ejdsell was able to re-direct it on net and get by Oscar Dansk. The goal was Ejdsell’s 10th of the season and gave the IceHogs a 1-0 lead.

Rockford IceHogs forward Jordan Schroeder celebrates with his teammates after scoring a shootout goal against the Chicago Wolves. (Courtesy: Rockford IceHogs)

The lead would last almost to the end of the period, but with just under two minutes to go in the middle frame, the Wolves were able to get a breakaway chance on a Rockford powerplay and Cage Quinney found the back of the net. Quinney’s 17th of the season tied the game at 1-1 heading into the third period.

Neither team was able to break the 1-1 tie in the third period, thanks to some stellar goaltending on both ends of the ice from Delia and Dansk. The game would head to overtime, and while Rockford had at least three chances in the extra frame to put the game away, including a Henri Jokiharju shot off the post and a failed Dennis Gilbert breakaway chance, they would come up empty and the game would head to the shootout.

In the shootout, the Wolves and IceHogs were both shut down in the first and second rounds with Dansk and Delia making two saves a piece. It wasn’t until Jordan Schroeder‘s turn in the top of the third round that a breakthrough was made as he beat Dansk with a patient backhand move. It was down to Delia against T.J. Tynan with the game on the line and Delia was able to make a five-hole save to seal the win for Rockford.

Mood:
COLLIN DELIA VICTORY STRUT#IceHogs top #Wolves in the shootout!#RFDvsCHI #AHL#HockeyTwitter pic.twitter.com/M5SmCK8HNs

— Mario Tirabassi (@Mario_Tirabassi) March 21, 2019

Delia celebrated with a McMahon/McGregor style strut and it was well-deserved after his 32-save performance against the Wolves. With the win, the IceHogs are riding a four-game win streak and keep hold of the fourth spot in the Central Division. Delia improved his record to 10-6-4 with a league-leading (min. 20 GP) 0.932 save-percentage and a 2.26 GAA which ranks second in the AHL (again, min. 20 GP).

It a hotly contested, playoff-like rivalry game against the Wolves, the IceHogs were able to kill all six powerplays against them, but as 0-for-5 on their own powerplay. Rockford ranks eighth in the league on the penalty-kill with an 82.6% kill-rate.

Calder Cup Playoff Race

With the shootout win over the Wolves, the IceHogs kept hold of the fourth spot in the Central Division with 72 points this season. The Texas Stars defeated the Grand Rapids Griffins on Wednesday night, but remain one point behind Rockford in fifth-place.

1. Chicago Wolves (64 GP) – 37-19-8, 82 pts
2. Grand Rapids Griffins (64 GP) – 35-19-10, 80 pts
3. Iowa Wild (65 GP) – 34-19-12, 80 pts
4. Rockford IceHogs (65 GP) – 31-24-10, 72 pts
5. Texas Stars (66 GP) – 32-27-7, 71 pts
6. Manitoba Moose (64 GP) – 31-27-6, 68 pts
7. Milwaukee Admirals (65 GP) – 26-24-15, 67 pts
8. San Antonio Rampage (65 GP) – 27-31-7, 61 pts

Rockford’s final 11 games this season will all be against Central Division opponents, including three straight games against the Milwaukee Admirals coming up in their next three games.

Roster Updates

Late Wednesday night, the IceHogs made an addition to their roster by signing 2014 Blackhawks draft pick Fredrik Olofsson. Drafted in the fourth round by Chicago in 2014, Olofsson played the last four seasons at Nebraska-Omaha, skating in 137 games and tallying 95 points (35 G, 60 A) in his NCAA career. Olofsson set a career-high in points with 34 as a Senior this year.

Blackhawks forward prospect Fredrik Olofsson of the University of Nebraska-Omaha. (Courtesy: Omaha Athletics)

Olofsson also has spent time playing for Team Sweden in his junior ranks, skating with Sweden in the 2016 World Junior Championships and tallying three points in seven games. He joins the IceHogs on a PTO deal and could factor into the Rockford lineup as the Calder Cup Playoff push continues.

What’s Next?

The Rockford IceHogs are back in action on Friday as they open a three-game set against the Milwaukee Admirals that will stretch over six days until Wednesday, March 27. On Friday, the IceHogs travel North to Milwaukee for a 7pm CT puck drop at the Panther Arena. Following Friday night’s contest, the IceHogs turn around and host the Admirals for a 6pm CT puck drop at the BMO Harris Bank Center. Finally, on Wednesday March 27, the IceHogs again host the Admirals for a 7pm CT puck drop in Rockford. This season, Rockford holds a 4-2-1 record over Milwaukee with all four IceHogs wins decided by one goal.

The post IceHogs, Delia Stop Wolves In Shootout Win appeared first on The Rink.

AHL Releases Rockford IceHogs 2018-19 Schedule

The Rockford IceHogs look to follow-up last season’s historic run with another successful campaign in the 2018-19 AHL season. The IceHogs begin their 12th year in the American Hockey League on the road, taking on former Central Division foes, the Cleveland Monsters, who now play in the AHL’s North Division in the Eastern Conference. After back-to-back road games against the Monsters, the IceHogs host the Texas Stars on October 13 for their home opener at the BMO Harris Bank center.

The full 2018-19 IceHogs AHL schedule can be found below:

Rockford closes the season with four of their final five games coming on the road, all against Central Division opponents. The IceHogs will close the 2018-19 season with a home game on April 14 against the rival Milwaukee Admirals.

Take a look in-depth at the IceHogs schedule with the Rockford broadcast team of Mike Peck and Joseph Zakrzewski:

Take a tour of the first half of the #IceHogs 2018-19 regular season schedule with broadcasters Mike Peck and @JoeyZRadio!

The full schedule can be viewed on https://t.co/FHLGZDbsrA pic.twitter.com/M0F7whkjdb

— Rockford IceHogs (@goicehogs) July 11, 2018

Part Two:

Verse 2! Broadcasters Mike Peck and @JoeyZRadio break down the stretch run of the #IceHogs 2018-19 schedule! pic.twitter.com/NDklT3ppnQ

— Rockford IceHogs (@goicehogs) July 11, 2018

Games To Watch In 2018-19

With the full schedule released, here are a few games to keep and eye on next season.

October 13 – Texas Stars at Rockford IceHogs

The IceHogs open the season against the same team that ended their 2018 Calder Cup Playoffs run. The Texas Stars and IceHogs fought a hard six-game series in the Western Conference Finals last season that ultimately saw Texas move on to the Calder Cup Final before falling to the Toronto Marlies. Rockford will be looking for a bit of revenge early on against the defending Western Conference champions.

October 19 – Rockford IceHogs at Tucson Roadrunners

The IceHogs travel to Arizona to take on the Tucson Roadrunners for the first time in franchise history early in the season. The Road Runners came into existence in the 2016-17 season in the AHL and face the IceHogs four times during the 2018-19 season.The first time that the Road Runners come to the BMO Harris Bank Center is on February 8.

December 31 – Rockford IceHogs at Grand Rapids Griffins

The IceHogs will ring in the New Year on the road this season as they will be in Grand Rapids taking on Central Division foe the Griffins. Last season, the IceHogs were off on New Year’s Eve, with a road game in Chicago the night before.

March 17 through April 14 – 13-Game Division Stretch

The IceHogs play their final 13 games of the 2018-19 season against Central Division opponents. Included in that 13-game stretch are five contests against the Milwaukee Admirals and playing four of the final five games of the season on the road. Last year, the final stretch of the season was crucial to the IceHogs qualifying for the Calder Cup Playoffs and next season is setting up to be just as critical.

The post Rockford IceHogs 2018-19 Season Schedule Released appeared first on The Rink.

Tyler Sikura Makes Good On First Full AHL Season

Stepping into the Rockford IceHogs lineup this season, Sikura had only a handful of AHL experience over the last three seasons. Primarily cutting his teeth in the ECHL, Sikura joined the IceHogs and got off to a slow start. With only three points on the season after 19 games entering December, it looked as if Sikura would fade into the background for Rockford, but a resurgence in December rolled into a solid winter portion of the schedule for Sikura and propelled him into the forefront of the IceHogs attack.

Tyler Sikura takes a shot against the Manitoba Moose. (Courtesy: Rockford IceHogs)

Capping off a 39-point season, Sikura enjoyed a seven-game point streak in March where he tallied nine points over that span. Sikura played the most games for the IceHogs during the 2017-18 season with 74 games, finished the season ranking second on the team in goals with 23, one behind team-leader Matthew Highmore, and led the team in plus-minus with a +24.

Final Season Grade: B+

Sikura scored the IceHogs first goal of the Calder Cup Playoffs in Game One against the Chicago Wolves and in-total tallied six points over the 13-game playoff run. The highlight of Sikura’s postseason came in Game Two against the Manitoba Moose with a two-point effort.

Future Outlook

Sikura earned himself an NHL deal with the Chicago Blackhawks late last year and will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2018-19 season. This season offers a large opportunity to Sikura to not only be a top option for the Rockford IceHogs, but also gives him an opportunity to play with his younger brother at the NHL level with Chicago.

Sikura is a bigger-bodied player who has a scoring touch around the net, and with a strong showing at Fall training camp, he could position himself to be a bottom-six forward option for the Blackhawks this season if they are thin with injuries.

The post Rockford IceHogs 2017-18 Season Review: Tyler Sikura appeared first on The Rink.

Matthew Highmore Sets Goal-Scoring Record In Rookie Season

Highmore joined the IceHogs after a relatively promising showing in the summer Development Camp and rookie tournament in Traverse City. After beginning the season with five points in the first three games, Highmore began to level off into a consistent contributor for Rockford. In November, he notched his first of two hat-tricks last season, the second of the two coming a month later in late December.

Matthew Highmore takes a shot against the Bakersfield Condors. (Courtesy: Todd Reicher)

After Vince Hinostroza and Erik Gustafsson were originally named to the AHL All-Star Weekend, Highmore, along with teammate Carl Dahlstrom, were named AHL All-Star Weekend replacements for the IceHogs.

Highmore not only made his professional debut with the IceHogs last season, but also made his NHL debut with the Blackhawks on March 1. In 13 games with Chicago last Spring, Highmore tallied two goals, with his first NHL goal coming against the Bruins on March 10.

The experience in the NHL showed for Highmore upon his return to the IceHogs in late March, finishing the final eight games of the regular season with eight points en route to 24 goals and 19 assists on the season. He finished second on the IceHogs in scoring with 43 points, one behind team-leader Anthony Louis.

Final Season Grade: A-

In the Calder Cup Playoffs, Highmore continued to be one of the key contributors for Rockford. Over the 13-game Calder Cup Playoffs run, he tallied nine points (2G, 7A), including three multi-point games.

Future Outlook

At 22-years old, Highmore has time to find more of what his true potential holds. As he is right now, with two years left on his entry-level contract, there is a real chance that Highmore is a regular in the Chicago NHL lineup by the end of next season. Able to play down the middle at Center or on the Wing, the versatility that Highmore brings to his game makes him a valuable asset to the Blackhawks organization.

Obviously the scoring touch is there, but IceHogs Head Coach Jeremy Colliton regularly used Highmore in all situations of the game and has the ability to do the same at the NHL level. Realistically, the ceiling for him maybe lay in a third-line role of the Blackhawks by this time next season.

The post Rockford IceHogs 2017-18 Season Review: Matthew Highmore appeared first on The Rink.

He did not.

Lance Bouma Fades Into IceHogs Lineup To End 2017-18 Season

Bouma began the season in Chicago playing in a bottom-six wing role and for the most part, was doing his part in that role to help the team succeed. The problem was that the team was not succeeding and Chicago began to go south in the standings once the middle of the Winter schedule hit.

Bouma would begin to lose ice-time over the back half of his time with Chicago, logging less than ten minutes a game 21 times during his 53 games with the Blackhawks during the 2017-18 season, including just over seven minutes in his final game with the Blackhawks in February before being a healthy-scratch the rest of his time in Chicago.

With his role diminishing in Chicago, the Blackhawks sent Bouma to the Rockford IceHogs in late February and would not make a return to the NHL squad the rest of the way out. Bouma ended his tenure with the Blackhawks after 53 games with nine points (3G, 6A).

Lance Bouma (left) fights for the puck in front of Mike McKenna in Game Three of the Western Conference Finals. (Courtesy: Rockford IceHogs)

In his time with the IceHogs, Bouma skated in 20 regular season games, tallying 14 points (7G, 7A) and was frequently slotted into a top-six role. While playing higher-priority minutes with the IceHogs, Bouma continued to play his physical role on the ice and added to the growing veteran presence in the Rockford locker room as the playoff push intensified.

Bouma’s highlight with the IceHogs came in a 5-3 win over the Chicago Wolves in late March as he notched a three-point night with two goals and an assist.

Final Season Grade: C+

In the Calder Cup Playoffs, Bouma nearly disappeared into thin air if you only looked at the box score of each game. Through the IceHogs’ 13-game run in the Calder Cup Playoffs, he tallied just one goal and one assist. But Bouma’s influence in each game was felt more by the chances he was creating for his teammates and the physicality he was able to bring, to match that of the opposing team every night.

Most notably were Bouma’s efforts during the IceHogs epic triple-overtime win over the Chicago Wolves in the opening round, where he tallied seven shots on goal.

While it was not the type of season that maybe he or the Blackhawks organization had pictured, Bouma’s influence on the young IceHogs roster will hopefully be felt as the players in the Blackhawks system progress.

Future Outlook

An unrestricted free agent when the July 1 free agency widows opens, Bouma does not look like he will factor into the Chicago Blackhawks’ plans moving forward. On the other side of the coin, Bouma probably would want a fresh start elsewhere, too. Bouma didn’t suffer any major injury during the season and should be looked at as a potential target for most NHL teams this summer.

The post Rockford IceHogs 2017-18 Season Review: Lance Bouma appeared first on The Rink.

Landing with the Canucks organization, Clendening helped the Utica Comets reach the 2015 Calder Cup Final before falling to the Manchester Monarchs. From the beginning of the 2015-16 season until last January, Clendening spent time with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Edmonton Oilers, New York Rangers, and Arizona Coyotes organizations before being traded back to the Blackhawks organization.

Adam Clendening Set Franchise Records In Return To IceHogs

In January, Clendening made his return to the Blackhawks organization, and subsequently, the Rockford IceHogs. In his previous stint with the IceHogs from 2012-2015, Clendening skated in a total of 185 games and racked up 118 points. Upon his return, Clendening would play in 38 regular season games, tallying 30 points (4G, 26A) and set the IceHogs AHL franchise records for most assists by a defenseman (122) and most points scored by a defenseman (148).

Adam Clendening defends against the Bakersfield Condors. (Courtesy: Greg Hamil)

Once he arrived in Rockford, Clendening was a force on the offensive-side of the ice and on the IceHogs powerplay. Other than Chris DiDomenico’s 23 points over 22 games and Vince Hinostroza’s 22 points over 23 games with Rockford, Clendening’s 30 points over 38 games ranked third-highest for point-per-game pace on the IceHogs at 0.79. Over a full 76 game schedule, Clendening was on pace for a 60-point season, which would have out-scored the highest AHL defenseman by five points.

Final Season Grade: A-

In the Calder Cup Playoffs, Clendening continued to pace the defensive scoring output with 14 points (1G, 13A) over the IceHogs’ 13-game run to the Western Conference Finals before falling to the Texas Stars. Clendening, long with DiDomenico and Cody Franson, formed a forceful trio on the Rockford powerplay unit and was a major factor in the success of the team during the Calder Cup Playoffs. After bouncing around to numerous organizations over the past six professional seasons, Clendening commented after the conclusion of the year that this IceHogs team was the most fun locker room he had been a part of.

Future Outlook

While it seems plausible that the Chicago Blackhawks could have given Clendening a qualifying offer at the end of the season, the organization decided not to do so by the restricted free agent offer deadline and thus Clendening becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1. While it still could be possible that the Blackhawks offer Clendening a contract in July, it is unlikely that he factors into the organization’s future plans on the blue-line. He has the ability to play in the NHL, but will need to find the right opportunity for him to crack the big league roster.

The post Rockford IceHogs 2017-18 Season Review: Adam Clendening appeared first on The Rink.

Cody Franson Made The Most Of Disappointing 2017-18 Season

Injured in December, Franson lost his spot in the Blackhawks defensive rotation and was assigned to the Rockford IceHogs on January 9. After 23 games with Chicago, Franson tallied seven points (1 G, 6A) but was heading back to the AHL after 9 seasons. Franson’s last stint in the AHL was during the 2009-10 season with the Milwaukee Admirals and was a six-game stint.

Cody Franson (left) makes a pass against the Manitoba Moose in Game One of the Calder Cup Western Conference Semi-Finals. (Courtesy: Manitoba Moose)

As soon as Franson joined the IceHogs, his impact was felt on the offensive-side of the ice. Franson played 37 games, tallying 28 points (9G, 19A) and was a force on the IceHogs powerplay along with Chris DiDomenico and Adam Clendening, all who joined Rockford late in the season. Franson finished the regular season with a 0.76 point per game pace, meaning over a full 76-game schedule for the AHL season, Franson was on pace for 58 points, which would have been the highest point total of any defenseman in the 2017-18 season.

Franson’s consistency continued into the Calder Cup Playoffs as he finished the IceHogs’ 13-game run with 13 points (6G, 7A), highlighted by a two-goal effort in the Game Four sweep-clinching game against the Manitoba Moose in the Western Conference Semi-Finals.

Final Season Grade: A-

While the season did not go the way that he would have like, Franson continued to play at a high-level and was a complete professional in the locker room. Rockford head coach Jeremy Colliton praised Franson’s leadership of the IceHogs’ young locker room and while wasn’t thrilled with the situation, took the reigns as a leader on the team.

Future Outlook

At the end of the season, it was pretty clear through Franson’s words that he would not be re-signing with the Blackhawks this offseason. An unrestricted free-agent this summer, Franson’s legs are not what they once were, but his shot and offensive vision from the blue-line are still at the NHL-level. At 30-years old, turning 31 in August, Franson is far from a worn-down commodity and could give another club a solid option as a third-pairing defenseman for relatively cheap.

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Chris DiDomenico Makes Short Stint Count

Acquired in a trade with the Ottawa Senators that sent defenseman Ville Pokka to Ottawa in exchange for DiDomenico, the Chicago Blackhawks organization brought DiDomenico back to have one last role with the IceHogs. He previously played with the IceHogs from 2010-2012 and skated in 74 games in the AHL with Rockford.

After spending time in Europe from 2012-2017, DiDomenico returned to North American ice late in 2017 and began the year with the Ottawa Senators organization before being sent down to the Belleville Senators and then making his way to Rockford. DiDomenico stepped into the Rockford lineup and instantly became a factor, tallying 23 points (8G, 15A) in the final 22 games of the regular season, helping propel the IceHogs into the fourth and final spot in the AHL Central Division, securing a Calder Cup playoff spot.

Chris DiDomenico celebrates with teammates after his game-tying goal against the Texas Stars in Game One of the Western Conference Finals. (Courtesy: Texas Stars)

In the postseason, DiDomenico continued his offensive onslaught and led the IceHogs in scoring with 18 points (7G, 11A) in 13 Calder Cup Playoff games. A force on the powerplay, DiDomenico held the AHL postseason scoring lead at 18 points up until Game Three of the Calder Cup Final between the Texas Stars and eventual Champion Toronto Marlies.

Final Season Grade: A-

It was short, sweet, and to the point. Chris DiDomenico’s end to the 2017-18 season with the Rockford IceHogs didn’t close with a Calder Cup Championship, but it did go down as the best season result that the organization has had since joining the AHL in the 2007-08 season. DiDomenico was a giant part of it.

Future Outlook

In the last few days, it became official that DiDomenico would be re-joining the SCL Tigers in the Swiss Pro League after completing the AHL season with the IceHogs. It seemed as if his play could have warranted another North American opportunity with another organization, or even with the Blackhawks, but DiDomenico chose to return to Europe to continue his playing career.

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Delia Shines In Rookie Season With IceHogs

Beginning the year by signing a contract out of Rookie Prospect Camp with the Blackhawks, Delia started the year in the ECHL as the starting goalie for the Indy Fuel. It did not go as planned. Delia started off giving up four goals, four goals, and two goals in his first three starts with the Fuel before notching his first win in his fourth appearance of the season. But it would be his lone win of the season with the Fuel as he would total a 1-7-2 record with a 4.12 GAA and a .887 save-percentage in ten appearances with Indy.

In December, Delia was recalled to the Rockford IceHogs as a result of goaltender injuries piling up for the Blackhawks and IceHogs. Delia had made one appearance, a loss to the Iowa Wild, for the IceHogs in November before his long-term assignment to Rockford. Ready or not, Delia was thrust into a regular role in-between the pipes for Rockford.

Collin Delia makes a save against the San Antonio Rampage. (Courtesy: Todd Reicher)

While his transition from ECHL to AHL competition was going to need time and would be rocky at the beginning, 1-3-0 in four starts to begin his long-term assignment with a 3.59 GAA and a .849 save-percentage, Delia would eventually find his groove. Beginning on January 6 and spanning until the end of the regular season, he made 23 appearances for the IceHogs and racked up a 16-3-4 record with a 2.59 GAA and a .935 save-percentage over that span. All-totaled, Delia finished the season at 17-7-4 with a GAA of 2.72 and a save-percentage at .900 for his time in Rockford.

His 2017-18 season hit a high-note as the Chicago Blackhawks recalled Delia in late March and made his NHL debut on March 29 against the Winnipeg Jets in Chicago. Delia would be making his first NHL start on an emergency basis and would hold Winnipeg to just two goals before being injured in the third period and would not finish the game. He earned the win with help from emergency backup goalie Scott Foster. Delia made a second NHL start the next night against the Colorado Avalanche, making 31 saves on 36 shots faced.

His improvement from day one with the IceHogs to the end of the regular season was incredible to witness. Delia’s play on the ice and confidence in net improved and helped push the IceHogs into the Calder Cup Playoffs picture as the second-half of the season progressed. Off the ice, Delia became an ingrained member of the Rockford Community and was named the team’s ‘Man of the Year.’

Collin Delia waves to some fans before the IceHogs and Penguins game. (Courtesy: Todd Reicher)

Delia’s stellar-play rolled over into the Calder Cup Playoffs and was a key factor to the IceHogs being able to start their postseason run with back-to-back series sweeps of the Chicago Wolves and Manitoba Moose. Over the first two series’ of the Calder Cup Playoffs, Delia was a perfect 7-0 with a 1.65 GAA and a .947 save-percentage as the IceHogs advanced to the Western Conference Finals for the first time in AHL franchise history.

That’s where things got dicey.

Facing the Texas Stars, Rockford dropped the next three games, giving up four goals, three goals, and six goals over that span and Rockford found themselves in a 3-0 series hole. To Delia’s credit, his play realistically had to fall off at some point as he was playing a tremendous amount of hockey from January all the way into the month of May. The IceHogs would turn to Jeff Glass to close the series in net before falling in Game Six to the Stars.

FINAL SEASON GRADE: A-

From day one to the completion of the 2017-18 season, he remained one of the most consistently improving players in the Chicago Blackhawks’ minor-league system and seems to have a bright future with the organization.

Future Outlook

While he was ever-improving through the first full pro season under his belt, Delia has a lot of more room to grow. At 23 years old (turning 24 on June 20), he’s at a point in his development where another full season as the starter at the AHL could give him the time to fully round out his game at the minor-pro level and eventually set him up for an opportunity to make the jump to the NHL level. There have been rumblings or suggestions that Delia could be the backup to Corey Crawford with the Chicago Blackhawks next season, but there is still a lot to be determined as training camp looms in August.

The California-native has a bright future with the organization and realistically could push for a spot at the NHL level next season with the uncertainty that surrounds the Blackhawks at the goaltender position, but a second year in the AHL and continued improvement can shore up those expectations by the 2019-20 season.

The post Rockford IceHogs 2017-18 Season Review: Collin Delia appeared first on The Rink.

DiDomenico Returns To Europe

The 2017-18 season probably did not go the way that Chris DiDomenico probably had hoped. He began the year with the Ottawa Senators, with a short waiver claim stint with the Tampa Bay Lightning thrown in, before returning to the Senators via waivers again. DiDomenico played in 24 games with Ottawa this season, tallying 10 points (6G, 4A) while also skating in 25 games with the Belleville Senators in the AHL, racking up 14 points (5G, 9A).

In February, the Senators and Chicago Blackhawks put together a deal that sent DiDomenico to the Blackhawks in exchange for defenseman Ville Pokka. Re-joining the Rockford IceHogs organization for the first time since the 2011-2012 season, DiDomenico skated in 22 games in the regular season with 23 points (8G, 15A) scored and helping Rockford qualify for the Calder Cup Playoffs after missing last year’s postseason play.

Chris DiDomenico celebrates with his teammates after a goal in Game Four of the Western Conference Semi-Finals. (Courtesy: Todd Reicher)

In the Playoffs, Rockford was able to sweep their way past the Chicago Wolves and Manitoba Moose in the first two rounds before falling in a six-game series to the Texas Stars in the Western Conference Finals. It goes with saying that the IceHogs would not have been able to make their Calder Cup Playoff run and have the success that they did without the contributions of DiDomenico. In 13 postseason games, he racked up 18 points (7G, 11A), setting the IceHogs franchise record for points in the Calder Cup Playoffs and was the AHL postseason points leader up until Game Four of the Calder Cup Final.

He’ll join the SC Langnau Tigers of the National League in Switzerland on a two-year contract with an option for a third season. DiDomenico previously played with the Tigers from 2014-2017, helping them receive a promotion from the B-League in the 2014-15 season to the top tier A-League the next year. In 138 regular season games with the Tigers, he has totaled 139 points (47G, 92A) while also skating in 44 playoff games and scoring 71 points (18G, 53A).

The post Chris DiDomenico Signs Contract With SCL Tigers In Switzerland appeared first on The Rink.

In one of the more memorable season’s in Rockford IceHogs AHL history, the team accomplished a tremendous amount together and individually in the 2017-18 season. To note a few:

• Furthest run in the Calder Cup Playoffs, including deepest postseason run since 2007 Colonial Cup win (UHL).
• Chris DiDomenico sets franchise record for postseason point total (18 points, 13 games)
• Matthew Highmore sets franchise rookie goal-scoring record (24 goals)
• Adam Clendening sets franchise all-time assists and points record for a defenseman (122 assists, 148 points)
• Carl Dahlstrom becomes 100th IceHogs player to reach the NHL
• Vince Hinostroza and Erik Gustafsson named AHL All-Stars, replaced by Matthew Highmore and Carl Dahlstrom at AHL All-Star Classic

Rockford IceHogs Exit Interviews

(Key: Regular Season Stats / Calder Cup Playoff Stats)

Head Coach Jeremy Colliton

In his first season coaching in North America, Colliton led the Rockford IceHogs back to the Calder Cup Playoffs after a last-place finish in the Central Division last season. At just 33-years old, Colliton is already proving his worth to the Chicago Blackhawks organization and maybe, just maybe, a possible replacement for Blackhawks Head Coach Joel Quenneville in the near future.

Cody Franson, Defenseman – 37 GP, 9 G, 19 A / 13 GP, 6 G, 7 A

Cody Franson‘s 2017-18 season did not go as planned. He signed a one-year deal with the Chicago Blackhawks, expecting to be a top-six defenseman for the NHL club. Those plans changed mid-way through the season and he finished the year with the IceHogs. One of the leading point scorers in the regular season and playoffs, Franson made the most of his stint in Rockford and helped propel the IceHogs offensively and defensively.

Adam Clendening, Defenseman – (38 GP, 4 G, 26 A / 13 GP, 1 G, 13 A)

Much like Franson, Adam Clendening did not expect his 2017-18 season to wind up with the Rockford IceHogs. Acquired via trade with the Arizona Coyotes, Clendening re-joined the IceHogs late in the season and made his reunion count. Leading all Rockford defensemen in points in the regular season and playoffs, Clendening was a big part of the trio of veteran players that led the IceHogs through the Calder Cup Playoffs alongside Franson and Chris DiDomenico.

Chris DiDomenico, Forward – (22 GP, 8 G, 15 A / 13 GP, 7 G, 11 A)

Rounding out the trio of players who all joined the IceHogs late in the year, but had some of the biggest impacts in their time with the team, Chris DiDomenico also found his 2017-18 season come to a close with the IceHogs via a trade. Late in the season, DiDomenico  joined Rockford and immediately made his presence known on the ice and in the locker room. Head Coach Jeremy Colliton praised DiDomenico’s contributions to the roster mentally and physically, saying he brought the feeling to the group that on any given night, they should come away winners. Over his last 35 games combined, DiDomenico put up 41 points.

Jeff Glass, Goaltender – (28 GP, 15-9-2, 2.82 GAA, .904 SV% / 3 GP, 2-1, 1.48 GAA, .955 SV%)

What a ride the 2017-18 season was for goaltender Jeff Glass. A journeyman net-minder, who has played the majority of his career in the KHL, becomes the starting goalie for the Rockford IceHogs and Chicago Blackhawks at different points of the season. At 32-years old, Glass made his NHL debut with Chicago and tallied three wins in the big league. With Rockford, Glass continued to lead the IceHogs through tough stretches of the season and graciously took a back seat at the beginning of the Calder Cup Playoffs to Collin Delia. When called back upon in the postseason, Glass gave the IceHogs every chance to complete an improbable comeback, before ultimately coming up just two wins short of the Calder Cup Final.

Collin Delia, Goaltender – (28 GP, 17-7-4, 2.72 GAA, .900 SV% / 10 GP, 7-3, 2.34 GAA, .924 SV%)

Speaking of wild rides this season, Collin Delia had one of the more unbelievable start to finishes this year for the IceHogs. Starting the year with the Indy Fuel in the ECHL, making his NHL debut with the Chicago Blackhawks, and leading the Rockford IceHogs into the Calder Cup Playoffs, Delia was the most improved player from day one. Having a stretch from early January to the end of the regular season, Delia lost just a handful of games, with the majority of those losses coming in overtime or the shootout. It goes without saying that the IceHogs would not have been in the position they were in the final six weeks of the season without Delia. Oh, and he was named the Rockford IceHogs Man of the Year.

Lance Bouma, Forward – (20 GP, 7 G, 7 A / 13 GP, 1 G, 1 A)

Lance Bouma found himself in similar shoes as Cody Franson did with the Chicago Blackhawks this season. Signing a one-year contract, Bouma started the year as a regular in the Blackhawks’ lineup, but as the year progressed his play wasn’t what Chicago needed and the opportunity to give players with more of a future with the organization arose. Thus, Bouma headed to Rockford and made the most of his situation, providing a physical presence on the ice and a leadership quality in the locker room.

Tanner Kero, Forward – (36 GP, 8 G, 12 A / 12 GP, 0 G, 3 A)

Tanner Kero dealt with injuries on and off this season, which was a factor in him having a less-than-stellar outing with the Chicago Blackhawks this year. Being one of the players on the fence between the NHL and AHL in the organization, Kero saw his spot as a bottom-six center with Chicago go to David Kampf and found himself with the IceHogs. Once healthy, he was a consistent presence for Rockford during the regular season and Calder Cup Playoffs.

John Hayden, Forward – (24 GP, 5 G, 12 A / 13 GP, 3 G, 0 A)

One of the younger players that plays on that same NHL/AHL fence for the Chicago Blackhawks organization, John Hayden could have taken his assignments to the Rockford IceHogs this season as a negative. But, to Hayden’s credit, he played well and understood that his time with the IceHogs this season was to give him time to develop his game. Playing with Chicago, Hayden’s game started to deviate from size and skill, to size and slam. Hayden has more to offer than just a big-bodied player and with Rockford, Hayden was able to play more meaningful minutes and find his skill-set at the pro level. A restricted free agent this summer, the Blackhawks will more than likely sign Hayden and make him a part of the bottom-six in Chicago next season.

Tyler Sikura, Forward – (74 GP, 23 G, 16 A / 13 GP, 5 G, 1 A)

Next to Collin Delia, Tyler Sikura was one of the most improved players over the course of the season. In his first full-year in the AHL, Sikura scored 23 goals (2nd on the team) and earned himself his first NHL deal with the Chicago Blackhawks. Sikura can find himself in a position battle for a bottom-six forward spot with Chicago next year as he showed that he has a scoring touch around the net for the IceHogs and can play physical when called upon.

Andreas Martinsen, Forward – (64 GP, 12 G, 16 A / 13 GP, 2 G, 3 A)

Joining the IceHogs right as the 2017-18 season began, Andreas Martinsen was brought in to the organization to help lead a young locker room early on. Far from a grizzled veteran, Martinsen brought some NHL experience to a locker room in Rockford that started the year with nearly a dozen players making their first year pro debuts. Martinsen was a leader on and off the ice for the IceHogs and provided consistent physical play throughout the year and into the Calder Cup Playoffs. Martinsen was also able to get a few NHL games under his belt with the Blackhawks late in the NHL season.

David Kampf, Forward – (33 GP, 7 G, 11 A / 13 GP, 1 G, 0 A)

David Kampf came into the Chicago Blackhawks organization with a ton of question marks surrounding him. A free agent signing from Europe, the 23-year old Czech Center joined the IceHogs out of training camp and was a player that head coach Jeremy Colliton gave a large amount of ice-time to. It worked in Kampf’s favor as he was recalled to the Blackhawks mid-way through the season and would only re-join the IceHogs with a few games remaining in the regular season. While only scoring one playoff point, Kampf created a ton of offensive chances. He’ll figure to be in the mix for a bottom-six position with Chicago next year.

Carl Dahlstrom, Defenseman – (64 GP, 3 G, 25 A / 13 GP, 3 G, 6 A)

The 2017-18 season narrative of the Rockford IceHogs continued to be young talent making huge improvements all season, and for defenseman Carl Dahlstrom, that narrative rang true. A sizable defender, Dahlstrom more than doubled his point production from last season in fewer games played. Named an AHL All-Star replacement for Erik Gustafsson, Dahlstrom also made his NHL debut with the Blackhawks during the 2017-18 campaign and will figure to challenge for a spot on Chicago’s blue-line next season.

Gustav Forsling, Defenseman – (18 GP, 2 G, 3 A / 13 GP, 1 G, 4 A)

One of the more interesting defenseman in the Chicago Blackhawks organization, Gustav Forsling had a difficult 2017-18 season. Bouncing between the Blackhawks and Rockford IceHogs, Forsling dealt with injuries that hindered his season. But, when healthy, Forsling showed flashes of why the Blackhawks still have a ton of faith that he will be able to play the role of a defenseman who can jump into the offense and produce points in the NHL. At 21-years old (turning 22 in mid-June), Forsling still has room for development, but figures to be in the mix for a spot on Chicago’s blue-line next season.

Robin Norell, Defenseman – (63 GP, 2 G, 5 A / No Playoff Stats)

Robin Norell had an odd 2017-18 season. As a defenseman, Norell played solid on both ends of the ice for the IceHogs, but ultimately found himself dressing for more games as a forward than a defender. Once the latter half of the season rolled around, and the Rockford blue-line took shape, Norell saw his spot in the lineup go away and he did not dress for the Calder Cup Playoffs. He’ll more than likely figure to be a part of the IceHogs defensive core again next season.

Viktor Svedberg, Defenseman – (73 GP, 6 G, 18 A / 13 GP, 0 G, 5 A)  

A stalwart in the Rockford IceHogs organization for the last few years, Viktor Svedberg had arguably his best season of his career in 2017-18. His highest point total in his AHL career (24 points), Svedberg had a decent shot with the Chicago Blackhawks during the 2015-16 season, playing in 24 NHL games, but it seems as if the organization may have moved on from the towering Swedish defenseman. An unrestricted free agent this summer, it will be interesting to see if the Blackhawks bring Svedberg back, as he has become an integrated part of the Rockford organization, but may not have an NHL future with Chicago.

Matt Tomkins, Goaltender – (8 GP, 1-4-2, 4.04 GAA, .871 SV%) / (No Playoff Stats)

Another goalie for the IceHogs who did a fair share of bouncing around this season was Matt Tomkins. While largely only playing in a backup role with the IceHogs, Tomkins was another first-year pro who made his debut with Rockford this season. Tomkins figures to be a starting option in net for the ECHL Indy Fuel next season, but could be a challenger for some AHL time too.

Victor Ejdsell, Forward – (5 GP, 0 G, 1 A) / (13 GP, 7 G, 5 A)

Acquired in the Ryan Hartman trade with the Nashville Predators, Victor Ejdsell came into the Chicago Blackhawks organization late in the year and quickly took the sting away from the Hartman deal for many fans. A big-bodied forward, Ejdsell played a handful of game with the Blackhawks and Rockford IceHogs once he arrived in North America and showed flashes of quick hands and a powerful shot from the wings. Ejdsell was a huge factor for the IceHogs in the Calder Cup Playoffs, scoring two overtime goals over the 13-game run. Ejdsell should get a chance with the Blackhawks early on next season.

Henrik Samuelsson, Forward – (25 GP, 9 G, 3 A) / (4 GP, 0 G, 0 A)

Henrik Samuelsson joined the IceHogs late in the season from the ECHL Idaho Steelheads and jumped right into the lineup in a way. Scoring a goal in each of his first three games, Samuelsson is a former-first round pick making his way back to the top leagues of North America. A big-bodied forward, Samuelsson was scratched to start the Calder Cup Playoffs for the IceHogs, but found his way back into the lineup later in the postseason. Samuelsson signed an extension into next season and should factor into the Rockford lineup as a regular.

Graham Knott, Forward – (70 GP, 4 G, 5 A) / (No Playoff Stats)

Another first-year pro making his debut with the Rockford IceHogs this season, Graham Knott had an underwhelming first year. Nine points in 70 games played for the former second-round pick by the Chicago Blackhawks, Knott played a fourth-line role all season for Rockford before being scratched for the Calder Cup Playoffs. Another large-bodied forward, Knott will need to improve his strength and skating over the summer, but will have a spot with the IceHogs next season.

Darren Raddysh, Defenseman – (66 GP, 5 G, 17 A) / (9 GP, 0 G, 2 A)

Making his professional debut with the Rockford IceHogs this season, Darren Raddysh played his way into and NHL contract with the Chicago Blackhawks while in the midst of the Calder Cup Playoffs. Raddysh was a regular in the IceHogs defensive core, but was a scratch for the final few games of the postseason. He’ll be a factor in the Rockford blue-line again next season, maybe with an outside chance at making his NHL debut in 2018-19.

Luke Johnson, Forward – (73 GP, 13 G, 17 A) / (13 GP, 4 G, 4 A)

Luke Johnson made a huge leap from the 2016-17 to 2017-18 season. Playing in 73 games again this season, Johnson doubled his point production from last season and saw his on and off-ice responsibilities increase under head coach Jeremy Colliton. Johnson should be a key player for the IceHogs next season and could even make his NHL debut with the Blackhawks next season if Chicago gets bitten with injuries.

Nathan Noel, Forward – (17 GP, 1 G, 0 A) / (No Playoff Stats)

Nathan Noel had a tough season in his first year as a pro. Dealing with injuries and playing on the fence between the Rockford IceHogs in the AHL and the Indy Fuel in the ECHL, Noel made the most of his time with Rockford but left more to be desired. Next season should provide more opportunities for Noel at the AHL level, but he’ll need an impressive summer.

Matheson Iacopelli, Forward – (50 GP, 11 G, 8 A) / (No Playoff Stats)

One of the more interesting cases for the Chicago Blackhawks and Rockford IceHogs organizations, Matheson Iacopelli has the skill-set to be a regular contributor at the AHL level and his shot has been said to be NHL quality. But, for some reason, although scoring at a 0.40 point per game pace over his 58 AHL games, Iacopelli was scratched and even sent to the Indy Fuel in the ECHL late in the season. In 10 games with Indy, Iacopelli scored 10 points (9 G, 1 A) and was quickly brought back to Rockford, but didn’t see any action in the Calder Cup Playoffs. He’ll factor into the IceHogs lineup next season, but wouldn’t hurt to have a standout summer.

Matthew Highmore, Forward – (64 GP, 24 G, 19 A) / (13 GP, 2 G, 7 A)

One of the more impressive first-year players with the Rockford IceHogs this season, Matthew Highmore went from undrafted free agent signing out of the QMJHL, to Rockford’s top goal-scorer in 2017-18. Setting the rookie goal-scoring record with 24 goals in 63 games, Highmore took over the production role, alongside Anthony Louis, when Vince Hinostroza left Rockford for his permanent stay with the Blackhawks early in the season. The Chicago Blackhawks took a flyer on Highmore and it has already paid off in one year for both organizations. He made his NHL debut with the Blackhawks late this season, including his first NHL goal, and will again be looked at as an option for the Blackhawks next season.

Anthony Louis, Forward – (70 GP, 14 G, 44 A) / (9 GP, 0 G, 5 A)

As mentioned above, Anthony Louis was one of the key players for the Rockford IceHogs all season. The 2017-18 points leader for Rockford, Louis emerged as one of the go-to players after Vince Hinostroza was recalled to the Chicago Blackhawks. In his first full year in the AHL, Louis showed that he has the speed and vision to create for his teammates offensively. He’ll need more time in the AHL to round out his game and will undoubtedly be one of the key players for the IceHogs next season.

Alex Fortin, Forward – (53 GP, 4 G, 21 A) / (1 GP, 0 G, 0 A)

Alexandre Fortin, by all accounts, had a fine first professional year in the AHL with the Rockford IceHogs. Outside of dealing with injuries, Fortin made his pro debut and did well in the role he was given by head coach Jeremy Colliton. The problem comes with the expectations that Fortin came into the Chicago Blackhawks organization with. He was a free agent signing and had a monster summer showing, enough to make some people believe he was NHL-ready. But Fortin’s first full pro season left something to be desired. If Fortin can have another decent showing over the summer, he’ll be a regular again in the IceHogs lineup and could potentially get his NHL shot in 2018-19.

William Pelletier, Forward – (69 GP, 14 G, 15A) / (13 GP, 2 G, 0 A)

Guess what? Another first-year pro! William Pelletier made a few appearances late last season for the Rockford IceHogs, but the 2017-18 season was his first full season in the AHL. A former Division III standout at Norwich University, Pelletier is another “water-bug” type of player in the Chicago Blackhawks system that has excelled with the IceHogs. Like Hinostorza and Anthony Louis, Pelletier uses his quick feet and playmaking ability to create offensive chances for his linemates and has an ability for finding open space to find his shot. Over his 77 career games with Rockford, Pelletier is playing at a .47 point per game pace and will be a regular for the IceHogs next season.

Luc Snuggerud, Defenseman – (40 GP, 5 G, 12 A) / (No Playoff Stats)

Another player hinder by the injury big this season, Luc Snuggerud made his pro debut in his first full year in the AHL with the Rockford IceHogs this season. When healthy, Snuggerud was a regular part of the Rockford defensive core and showed the ability to play effectively at both ends of the ice. While healthy at the end of the season, Snuggerud was edged out in the defensive rotation and did not dress for any games in the Calder Cup Playoffs. Over his 53 career games with the IceHogs, Snuggerud is producing at a .42 point per game pace which is great from a defenseman. With a solid showing this summer, Snuggerud will be a regular part of the Rockford defensive lineup next season.

A GIANT thank goes out to the great Media and Communications staff with the Rockford IceHogs for providing all the videos of the exit interviews.

As the 2017-18 season comes to an official close for the Rockford IceHogs, it goes without saying that this squad came together under familiar circumstances with a rookie head coach being paired with so many first-year pros. The locker room gelled and added the right veteran pieces to produce some AHL magic and create a renewed vigor in the Rockford hockey community. Adam Clendening’s statement that this group was the most fun group he has ever played with spoke volumes to what Jeremy Colliton, the coach staff, and management did to rebuild the IceHogs from their disappointing 2016-17 run.

While the Chicago Blackhawks regulars have had their spring to relax and recover from last season, the IceHogs have been going through a tough Calder Cup Playoffs run. For most players, the offseason will be short as Summer Prospect Camp gets underway in the latter half of July, leading into the Rookie Showcase in Traverse City before Training Camp in late August. While the additions of new free agent and draft pick signings will re-shape the look of the IceHogs for the 2018-19 season, the organization is back on the right track and provides a hopeful look into the future of the Chicago Blackhawks.

The post Rockford IceHogs 2017-18 Season Exit Interviews appeared first on The Rink.

Game Six: Texas Stars def. Rockford IceHogs, 2-1 (OT)

Game Six got off to an unfamiliar start from Rockford’s Game Four and Five performances, in which the opening goal of the game came within the first seven minutes of action. The IceHogs and Stars would trade scoring chances in the first period, equaling each others amount of shots on Jeff Glass and Mike McKenna, 11-11, but no breakthrough would be found in the first 20 minutes of action.

Rockford would be playing catch-up in the second period, being out-shot 7-0 to begin the period. It would be right up to the mid-way point of the second period when Sheldon Dries would get the puck past Jeff Glass for the game’s opening tally. Dries shot the puck off the back of Glass, who caught it behind him, but the referees deemed that the puck crossed the goal-line behind him, and Texas held a 1-0 lead. Roope Hintz nearly had a devastating second goal in the period for the Stars, but it was waved off due to a high-stick.

Jeff Glass tries to make a save against the Texas Stars in Game Six of the Western Conference Finals. (Courtesy: Texas Stars)

Rockford would eventually pull the scoring chance totals closer to even, 23-20 in favor of Texas at the end of the second period, 12-9 for Texas in the middle frame, and would need a furious 20-minute effort in the third period if they were to extend their season to a Game Seven. In the ridiculous stat department, neither team had committed a penalty heading into the final period of play.

In the third period, the IceHogs started to give the Stars a taste of what the second period was like, out-shooting the Stars 6-0 in the first 6 and a half minutes of the period. Also, Viktor Svedberg laid a hit on Travis Morin the knocked a pane of glass off the boards and into the stands. So it was safe to say that Rockford came out and held nothing back to start the third.

Cody Franson takes a shot against the Texas Stars in Game Six of the Western Conference Finals. (Courtesy: Texas Stars)

Reaching just four minutes to play, Rockford was firing everything they could at Texas, trying to find the equalizing goal, out-shooting the Stars 13-4 at that point in the period. Still, a single powerplay had not been called for either team as the final minutes clocked down in the third period. With that in mind, the IceHogs would force their own powerplay as they pulled Glass for the empty net and extra attacker.

With Glass on the bench, the usual suspects that have powered the Rockford offense this postseason showed up in the biggest moment of the Calder Cup Playoffs to that point. Cody Franson and Adam Clendening teamed p to find Chris DiDomenico for the game-tying goal with just 1:34 to play in regulation. DiDomenico, the IceHogs’ leading scorer in the Calder Cup Playoffs, nets his seventh goal of the postseason and it came without a moment to spare.

Chris DiDomenico celebrates his goal in Game Six in the Western Conference Finals. (Courtesy: Texas Stars)

Tied 1-1, Rockford wouldn’t take their foot off the gas as they looked to find a winner before regulation time ran out. Franson hit a post late in the third period but it would not go. DiDomenico’s tally would send the game to overtime, the fourth overtime game in the six-game Western Conference Finals series, making this the first series since 201 to do so.

In the overtime frame, the Stars and IceHogs would again trade scoring chances through the first-half of the first overtime period, but neither team could find a winner. Credit to Mike McKenna and Jeff Glass for keeping their respective teams in the game through tense moments in the overtime.

Rockford would mount an attack with John Hayden and Andreas Martinsen getting a 2-on-1 chance, Matthew Highmore with a chance on a wrap-around, and Cody Franson trying to find a way to the net from the blue-line. But all chances were defended by McKenna, keeping the game tied as the overtime period would get its first break in the action.

GAME SIX HIGHLIGHTS: Texas Stars def. Rockford IceHogs, 2-1 (OT)

As the overtime continued into the latter half of the extra time, Jeff Glass would be called on again with under five minutes to play as the Stars had a one-time, re-direction attempt on net, but Glass was able to make the save. One for the highlight-reel and kept the Rockford season alive.

The jubilation wouldn’t be able to continue for long as the IceHogs, trying to hold on in the final moments of the overtime period, would give up the series-winning goal to the Stars with just eight second remaining on the clock. Roope Hintz would get the game-winning tally, his fourth goal of the Calder Cup Playoffs, sending the Stars to the Calder Cup Final to face the Toronto Marlies.

The Texas Stars celebrate their overtime winning goal in Game Six of the Western Conference Finals over the Rockford IceHogs. (Courtesy: Texas Stars)

Rockford would be out-shot in the overtime frame, 11-4, and out-shot in the game 40-39. Mike McKenna would make 38 saves on 39 shots faced, while Jeff Glass made 38 saves on 40 shots faced. Glass, in just three games of work in the postseason, made 106 saves on 111 shots faced after coming into the starting role in Game Four of the Western Conference Finals in relief of Collin Delia.

Chris DiDomenico finishes the Calder Cup Playoffs as the IceHogs’ leading point-scorer with 18 points (7G, 11A) over 13 games, setting the franchise playoff points record. He also leads all point-scorers in the AHL as the postseason shifts to the Calder Cup Final. After arriving with the IceHogs, DiDomenico tallied 41 points in 35 games with regular season and playoff games included.

Finally, what a season this has been for first year head coach Jeremy Colliton. He steps into the IceHogs organization, making his coaching debut in North America and being barely older than some of his own players, and completely turns around the culture in Rockford/ Colliton took a young roster with more than a dozen first-year players on it, added a few key veterans, and turned the IceHogs into must-watch hockey. Not only is the future bright for the Chicago Blackhawks organization with the players on the IceHogs, but it can be said that the future of the organization for those behind the bench is bright as well.

Postgame Reaction

As the IceHogs season comes to a close, Head Coach Jeremy Colliton spoke after the overtime loss. Watch it here:

WATCH: Jeremy Colliton Game Six Postgame

Rockford’s season ends, obviously before anyone would have wanted it to, in one of the most-tightly contested series’ in recent Calder Cup Playoff history.

What’s Next?

For the Stars, they move on to face the Toronto Marlies in the Calder Cup Final. This is the third appearance in the Final for Texas, the second appearance in the Final for the Marlies.

As for the IceHogs, there is a busy summer ahead. A few players that were key to the Rockford organization are on expiring contracts, and a number of those players figure to be in the mix for roster spots with the Chicago Blackhawks. It will be interesting to see which direction the organization goes with those younger players. For a few veterans, this may have been the last game with Rockford that they play. But much of that is to be decided later this summer.

For now, stay tuned to The-Rink for a full Rockford IceHogs 2017-18 season wrap-up, including exit interviews and full player evaluations in the coming days/weeks as the off-season begins.

This was a wild ride for the Rockford IceHogs and it is sad to see it end this way. But, the future is bright in Rockford and as well in Chicago.

The post IceHogs Fall In Overtime, Stars Advance To Calder Cup Final appeared first on The Rink.

Game Five: Rockford IceHogs def. Texas Stars, 3-1

The IceHogs hoped to begin Game Five with the same momentum that they ended Game Four with. Early in the first period, they would do just that with a goal from Cody Franson to open the scoring just under three minutes into the period. Franson’s sixth goal of the playoffs gave Rockford the 1-0 lead. Fitting in with that narrative from head coach Jeremy Colliton of getting off to a good start in every game, the IceHogs would net a second goal within the first half of the first period as Luke Johnson would tally his fourth goal of the Calder Cup Playoffs and give the home team a 2-0 lead nearing the mid-way point of the period. Assists would go to Adam Clendening and Victor Ejdsell on Johnson’s goal, continuing their respective hot-streaks in the postseason, continuing to drive Rockford’s offense.

Luke Johnson celebrates his goal in Game Five of the Western Conference Finals. (Courtesy: Rockford IceHogs)

The IceHogs couldn’t have asked for a better start to another elimination game, including getting the better of a Curtis McKenzie vs. Cody Franson scrap. Jeff Glass would stop a,l 15 shots he faced in the first period and secured the 2-0 Rockford lead into the second period.

Rockford began the second period, weathering an early push from the Stars, as they tried to get off to a fast start to revive their game being down 2-0. Early in the second, the IceHogs were forced to kill-off their first penalty against them in the game and it was Glass that would come to the rescue early. However, as the second period reached the mid-way point, the Stars would find their way to the scoreboard. Roope Hintz scored his third goal of the playoffs and cut the Rockford lead to 2-1.

The Stars would continue to pressure the IceHogs as the second period would go on, forcing Jeff Glass to answer the bell as Texas out-shot Rockford in the period 14-6. Glass was able to make 13 saves in the period, keeping the IceHogs lead at 2-1 heading into the third period.

Jeff Glass makes a save in Game Five of the Western Conference Finals. (Courtesy: Rockford IceHogs)

With 20 minutes separating Rockford from forcing a Game Six back in Texas, the IceHogs would have to continue to weather the spirited effort from the Stars early on. Two breakaway chances for Texas came up empty with Glass and his friend, the goal-post, doing what they could to keep the 2-1 Rockford lead alive. That theme would continue as the third period shifted into the latter half, and that would be when the Hockey God’s would smile upon David Kampf. Looking for his first point of the Calder Cup Playoffs after 12 games, Kampf shot the puck on Mike McKenna on a routine dump-in, and McKenna mishandled it into his own net. It would be the luckiest of bounces for Kampf and the IceHogs, leading to a 3-1 Rockford lead late in the third period.

With Kampf’s goal, all 18 regular skaters for the IceHogs have tallied at least one point in the 12 Calder Cup Playoff games played.

GAME FIVE HIGHLIGHTS: Rockford IceHogs def. Texas Stars, 3-1

The final five and a half minutes would have a football-esqe feel, with starts and stops every few seconds as the IceHogs looked to hold onto their two-goal lead and play defensively sound. With just about three and a half minutes to play in the period and having a powerplay opportunity, the Stars would pull McKenna from their net and go with a six-on-four attack. Jeff Glass and the IceHogs would be able to hold off the Stars’ attack in the final moments of the game and get a well-deserved 3-1 win over Texas and send the Western Conference Finals series to a Game Six.

Jeff Glass celebrates a win in Game Five of the Western Conference Finals over the Texas Stars. (Courtesy: Rockford IceHogs)

Glass made 40 saves on 41 shots faced, making him 68 for 71 on shots faced in Games Four and Five combined. Mike McKenna made 18 saves on 21 shots faced for the Stars. Game Six will be in Texas on Monday night and it will most certainly be Glass back in net for the IceHogs as he has come off the bench and led this Rockford team back from the brink of elimination.

Postgame Reaction

After the game, IceHogs head coach Jeremy Colliton, Jeff Glass, and Cody Franson spoke to the media about getting the win, forcing a Game Six and what it means to play with a never-say-die attitude. Watch the postgame reaction here:

WATCH: Jeremy Colliton Postgame – GAME FIVE

WATCH: Jeff Glass Postgame – GAME FIVE

WATCH: Cody Franson Postgame – GAME FIVE

Game Six will be on Monday night in Cedar Park, Texas, with the IceHogs attempting to avoid elimination, once again, and potentially force a Game Seven.

What’s Next?

This Western Conference Finals series marks the third time in AHL history that the IceHogs and Stars have met in the postseason. Both teams hold a series sweep over the other with Texas winning a first-round series in 2010, and Rockford winning a first-round series in 2015.

Here is the schedule for the IceHogs and Stars in the Calder Cup Playoffs Western Conference Finals:

• Game One: Texas Stars def. Rockford IceHogs, 4-2 (TEX leads series 1-0)
• Game  Two: Texas Stars def. Rockford IceHogs, 3-2/OT (TEX leads series 2-0)
• Game Three: Texas Stars def. Rockford IceHogs, 6-5/OT (TEX leads series 3-0)
• Game Four: Rockford IceHogs def. Texas Stars, 3-2/OT (TEX leads series 3-1)
• Game Five: Rockford IceHogs def. Texas Stars, 3-1 (TEX leads series 3-2)
• Game Six: Rockford IceHogs at Texas Stars, Monday, May 28th, 7pm
• * Game Seven: Rockford IceHogs at Texas Stars, Tuesday, May 29th, 7pm (*If Necessary)

The Winner of the series will advance to the Calder Cup Finals and play the Toronto Marlies. Toronto swept the Lehigh Valley Phantoms in the Eastern Conference Finals and will have home-ice advantage in the Calder Cup Final. Games One and Two will be held in Toronto on June 2 and 3 to begin the Calder Cup Final.

The post IceHogs Refuse To Go Quietly, Defeat Stars To Force Game Six appeared first on The Rink.

Head Coach Jeremy Colliton turned to Jeff Glass to take over in net for Collin Delia and maybe spark some Calder Cup Playoffs magic. Through ten games in the postseason, Delia worked a 7-1-2 record with a 2.34 GAA and a .924 save-percentage. As a whole, nothing to scoff at. But in the Western Conference Finals against Texas, Delia has lost all three of his starts, two in overtime, and had a 4.16 GAA and .843 save-percentage. Glass would make his first Calder Cup Playoffs start of his professional career and in yet another overtime game, the IceHogs would find a way in the end to extend the series with a 3-2 victory.

Game Four: Rockford IceHogs def. Texas Stars, 3-2 (OT)

With Glass in net, the IceHogs pulled no punches to begin Game Four. With a powerplay chance early and out-shooting the Stars just over six minutes into the game, Rockford controlled the action to begin their must-win game. It was then that Victor Ejdsell continued his tremendous play in the Calder Cup Playoffs, beating two Texas defenders on his way to the net and beating Mike McKenna for the opening goal of the game. Ejdsell’s sixth goal of the postseason gave Rockford exactly the start they were looking for.

Victor Ejdsell celebrates a goal with his teammates in Game Four of the Calder Cup Playoffs Western Conference Finals. (Courtesy: Rockford IceHogs)

The IceHogs’ hot start continued through the period, including hitting the post twice but not finding the back of the net. The first period was playing mostly within the Rockford zone, but back-to-back penalties by the IceHogs forced them in to their first adversity of the game. On a 5-on-3 powerplay, Travis Morin was able to go high on Glass and tie the game up 1-1 with just over six minutes remaining in the period. Morin’s fourth of the Calder Cup Playoffs marked the fourth-straight game in which the IceHogs had allowed a powerplay goal. The period would end tied at 1-1, with Rockford holding a 16-14 shots on goal advantage.

In the second period, the IceHogs and Stars would be more evenly matched and the early ice-tilt that favored Rockford wouldn’t be felt as much in the second. At the mid-way point of the period, Rockford had a chance at a two-on-none chance, catching Texas on a line-change. Unfortunately, the puck skipped off of Victor Ejdsell’s stick and Rockford couldn’t capitalize. Carl Dahlstrom would create another quality scoring chance for Rockford off the rush, but was dragged down with no call coming on the play and the game carried on into the latter half of the second period, still tied 1-1.

Carl Dahlstrom drives to the net in Game Four of the Western Conference Finals against the Texas Stars. (Courtesy: Rockford IceHogs)

Late in the second period, the IceHogs would be called for a penalty away from the play and with less than a minute to play in the period, Matt Mangene would get a fortunate bounce and give the Stars the late 2-1 lead on his seventh goal of the post season. Another powerplay goal given up by Rockford put them in considerably their most desperate point of the season: down a goal with just one period between them and the off-season.

In the third period, the Stars would play a “keep away” strategy to begin, and it stifled the IceHogs offense early on in the final frame. As the third period reached the mid-way point, Rockford has mustered up the only two shots on net in the period, but still couldn’t find the equalizing goal. The IceHogs would pick up the pace and begin to build momentum with just about seven minutes remaining in the period as Lance Bouma and David Kampf started to create scoring chances late.

Cody Franson (center) celebrates his game-tying goal against the Texas Stars in Game Four of the Calder Cup Playoffs Western Conference Finals. (Courtesy: Rockford IceHogs)

With 6:58 to play in the third period, Rockford would find their breakthrough as Luke Johnson would tip a shot from the point and it would find its way through traffic and into the net. Johnson’s third of the Calder Cup Playoffs and the game would be tied 2-2. Jeff Glass would come up big late in the third period with a pad save in close with 3:24 to play in the third, it would be the first shot on net he would see in the period. He would be called upon a few more times to keep the tie intact and the horn would sound, signaling the third-straight overtime game that the IceHogs and Stars would need in the series. It would also be the eighth overtime game in 13 Calder Cup Playoff games for the Stars in which they would go to overtime.

In the overtime period, the IceHogs would draw a penalty just 37 seconds into the extra frame marking the third man-advantage for Rockford on the night. It would be all the time that the IceHogs would need as Victor Ejdsell would bury his second goal of the night to cap-off a three-point game and send the series to a Game Five on Friday night in Rockford.

GAME FOUR HIGHLIGHTS: Rockford IceHogs def. Texas Stars, 3-2 (OT)

Jeff Glass would make 28 saves on 30 shots faced, while Mike McKenna made 33 saves on 36 shots faced from the IceHogs. Glass gets his first win in the Calder Cup Playoffs of his professional career and will like remain the starter for Friday night’s Game Five.

Victor Ejdsell notched three points in the win, making his total for points in the Calder Cup Playoffs 11 (7G, 4A) in 11 games played. His total since joining the IceHogs this season is 12 points in 16 games.

Postgame Reaction

After the win, Head Coach Jeremy Colliton, Luke Johnson, Victor Ejdsell, and Jeff Glass spoke to the media. Take a listen to what they had to say as Rockford prepares for Game Five:

Head Coach Jeremy Colliton

Luke Johnson

Victor Ejdsell

Jeff Glass

With the quick turnaround to Game Five, the IceHogs look to build on their momentous win and force the Western Conference Finals back to Texas.

What’s Next?

This Western Conference Finals series marks the third time in AHL history that the IceHogs and Stars have met in the postseason. Both teams hold a series sweep over the other with Texas winning a first-round series in 2010, and Rockford winning a first-round series in 2015.

Here is the schedule for the IceHogs and Stars in the Calder Cup Playoffs Western Conference Finals:

• Game One: Texas Stars def. Rockford IceHogs, 4-2 (TEX leads series 1-0)
• Game  Two: Texas Stars def. Rockford IceHogs, 3-2/OT (TEX leads series 2-0)
• Game Three: Texas Stars def. Rockford IceHogs, 6-5/OT (TEX leads series 3-0)
• Game Four: Rockford IceHogs def. Texas Stars, 3-2/OT (TEX leads series 3-1)
• Game Five: Texas Stars at Rockford IceHogs, Friday, May 25, 7pm
• * Game Six: Rockford IceHogs at Texas Stars, Monday, May 28th, 7pm (*If Necessary)
• * Game Seven: Rockford IceHogs at Texas Stars, Tuesday, May 29th, 7pm (*If Necessary)

The Winner of the series will advance to the Calder Cup Finals and play the winner of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Lehigh Valley Phantoms and Toronto Marlies.

The post IceHogs Find Overtime Winner, Extend Series To Game Five appeared first on The Rink.

Prior to the game, head coach Jeremy Colliton felt his team had more in the tank for Game Three, saying, “I’m excited to see how we respond. When you play at this time of the year, it brings out the best in the best guys and I think we have a lot to show.” Colliton harped on his team for taking penalties they did not have to in Games One and Two, hoping to cut down on the penalty-killing for Game Three.

Defenseman Adam Clendening spoke to the feeling of the dressing room prior to puck drop for Game Three, stating, “We know going down 0-3 makes it really hard to come back, but at the same time, they did their job and won on home ice, so why can’t we?” Forward John Hayden added to that, “It hasn’t been pretty all year and we had to come back from being down in games or in the standings and we have clawed our way out. If we have that same approach to the series, we’ll find a way.”

Rockford would need to get back to the recipe for success that they had in the previous two rounds of the Calder Cup Playoffs to get back into their series against the Stars. Needing a positive effort from their special teams and a quality start from Goaltender Collin Delia, the IceHogs would get less than both of those goals. Going none-for one on the powerplay, two-for-three on the penalty-kill and Delia allowing six goals, Rockford would fall in their second-straight overtime game and a 0-3 series hole with a 6-5 loss.

Game Three: Texas Stars def. Rockford IceHogs, 6-5 (OT)

The IceHogs wouldn’t waste much time in getting the upper-hand in Game Three and came out of the gate fast. It would be just under five minutes into the game when Tyler Sikura would knife his way through the Texas defense and finish off a great individual effort to opening the scoring. Rockford up 1-0 after Sikura’s fifth goal of the season, would see their lead only last a few minutes as the Stars would make the most of a five-on-three powerplay chance. Curtis McKenize found the back of the net on the two-man advantage for the Stars and tied the game at 1-1 nearing the mid-way point of the first period.

The Rockford IceHogs celebrate a goal against the Texas Stars in Game Three of the Western Conference Finals. (Courtesy: Rockford IceHogs)

The Theme of back-and-forth in the first period would continue as John Hayden would find the net for the IceHogs to give them the lead back at 2-1. Hayden’s third goal of the postseason, second in as many games, but the Rockford lead would be short-lived as Justin Dowling would tie the game 2-2 just over a minute later. The frantic first period would continue as the Stars took the 3-2 lead at the 5:28 mark of the period as Sheldon Dries scored his fifth of the postseason to put Texas on top. Dries’ goal also marked the most goals that the IceHogs have given up in a single period in the Calder Cup Playoffs.

The IceHogs would start the second period much like they did the first; scoring early. As the end of their first powerplay of the game was coming to a close, Gustav Forsling was able to find the back of the net on a bomb from the blue-line for the first time in these Calder Cup Playoffs and tie the game at 3-3, under seven minutes into the middle frame. Forsling’s first of the postseason gave the IceHogs a tie for the third time in the game, as Rockford and Texas would see-saw throughout the game.

The wildness of Game Three would continue as off of a penalty-kill, Chris DiDomenico would spring a great chance for Matthew Highmore and Luke Johnson. On the forced turnover by DiDomenico, Highmore would find Johnson and he would bury his second goal of the Calder Cup Playoffs and re-take the lead, 4-3 just beyond the mid-way point of the second period.

Collin Delia scrambles to make a save in Game Three of the Western Conference Finals. (Courtesy: Rockford IceHogs)

DiDomenico, with the secondary assist, notched his AHL-leading 16th point of the Calder Cup Playoffs and further cemented him as one of the MVP’s of the IceHogs this postseason. Rockford held the Stars to just six shots in the second period, while out-shooting them 16-6 in the middle frame and 27-19 after two periods of play. The IceHogs went into the second intermission just 20 minutes away from making the Western Conference Finals a real series.

In the third period, the IceHogs controlled most of the action to begin the period, out-shooting the Stars 6-3 over the mid-way point of the period, but Sheldon Dries would find space and tie the game on his second goal of the contest, making it a 4-4 game with just over nine minutes to play in the third period. The IceHogs would miss on a number of chances to re-gain the lead and it would be the Stars who would get back on top as Austin Fyten would tally his first goal of the Calder Cup Playoffs and give Texas the lead once again, 5-4 with just over five minutes left in regulation.

Lance Bouma (left) fights for the puck in front of Mike McKenna in Game Three of the Western Conference Finals. (Courtesy: Rockford IceHogs)

With 2:43 to play in the third period, Rockford would pull Delia for the extra attacker, trying to get yet another game-tying goal. It would be the usual suspects late in the period as DiDomenico and Luke Johnson would setup Cody Franson for a snapshot from the blue-line and he buried the game-tying goal with just 50 seconds to play. Franson’s fifth goal of the postseason would send the Stars and IceHogs to overtime for the second game in-a-row, tied at 5-5.

In the overtime period, the IceHogs would yet again compile chances but wouldn’t be able to find the ability to finish them off. Unfortunately it would come back to bite them as the Stars were able to find the game-winning goal 5:12 into the extra frame. Curtis McKenzie put a shot on net, it deflected off of Adam Clendening and found its way behind Delia. McKenzie’s second goal of the night gave the Stars a second overtime win in the series and puts the IceHogs in a tough position, down 0-3 in the series and facing elimination.

GAME THREE HIGHLIGHTS: Texas Stars def. Rockford IceHogs, 6-5 (OT)

Collin Delia finished the game with 21 saves on 27 shots faced, while Mike McKenna made 34 saves on 39 IceHogs shots. Texas improves to 6-1 in overtime games during this Calder Cup Playoffs run and wins their seventh-straight game. Rockford drops their third-straight game for the first time since a four-game skid from February 9-17.

Postgame Reaction

After falling in overtime to the Texas Stars, head coach Jeremy Colliton, forwards Matthew Highmore and John Hayden spoke to the media.

WATCH: Postgame Head Coach Jeremy Colliton

WATCH: Postgame John Hayden 

WATCH: Postgame Matthew Highmore

With Rockford facing elimination for the first time in the Calder Cup Playoffs this season, they will need four-straight wins to advance to the Calder Cup Final.

What’s Next?

This Western Conference Finals series marks the third time in AHL history that the IceHogs and Stars have met in the postseason. Both teams hold a series sweep over the other with Texas winning a first-round series in 2010, and Rockford winning a first-round series in 2015.

Here is the schedule for the IceHogs and Stars in the Calder Cup Playoffs Western Conference Finals:

• Game One: Texas Stars def. Rockford IceHogs, 4-2 (TEX leads series 1-0)
• Game  Two: Texas Stars def. Rockford IceHogs, 3-2/OT (TEX leads series 2-0)
• Game Three: Texas Stars def. Rockford IceHogs, 6-5/OT (TEX leads series 3-0)
• Game Four: Texas Stars at Rockford IceHogs, Thursday, May 24, 7pm
• * Game Five: Texas Stars at Rockford IceHogs, Friday, May 25, 7pm (*If Necessary)
• * Game Six: Rockford IceHogs at Texas Stars, Monday, May 28th, 7pm (*If Necessary)
• * Game Seven: Rockford IceHogs at Texas Stars, Tuesday, May 29th, 7pm (*If Necessary)

The Winner of the series will advance to the Calder Cup Finals and play the winner of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Lehigh Valley Phantoms and Toronto Marlies.

The post IceHogs Drop Second-Straight Overtime Game, Face Elimination appeared first on The Rink.

Game Two: Texas Stars def. Rockford IceHogs, 3-2 (OT)

The IceHogs would have Collin Delia in net opposite the Stars’ Mike McKenna. Two of the top goaltenders in the Calder Cup Playoffs, Game One marked Delia’s first postseason loss this year and his first pro playoff loss of his career. Even in the loss, Delia was still a factor in Rockford being close in the first game of the best-of-seven series. Game Two would need to be one that he could build on to get Rockford back into the series.

John Hayden (left) and the Rockford IceHogs celebrate a goal against the Texas Stars in Game Two of the Calder Cup Playoffs Western Conference Finals. (Courtesy: Texas Stars)

In the first period, the IceHogs would jump onto the scoreboard first when John Hayden scored his second goal of the Calder Cup Playoffs to give Rockford the 1-0 lead. Rockford would hold that lead into the second period, but the tide would shift to favor the Stars in the second period as Texas tied the game on Jason Dickinson‘s second goal of the Calder Cup Playoffs just under three minutes into the middle frame. Texas would strike again in the second period as Brent Regner tallied his first goal of the playoffs, coming on the powerplay, and Texas held a 2-1 lead over the IceHogs at the mid-way point of the second period.

The 2-1 lead would not last long as the IceHogs would score a powerplay goal, their 11th straight game with a powerplay goal, and tie the game at 2-2 in the second period. Chris DiDomenico was able to level the game with his sixth goal of the Calder Cup Playoffs and the tie score would carry over into the third period.

Collin Delia makes a save against the Texas Stars. (Courtesy: Texas Stars)

Rockford would not help their case for getting the go-ahead goal in the third period, committing four penalties and only being able to put up four shots on net in the period. While the IceHogs would kill off each penalty taken, the momentum was squarely in the favor of the Stars as they were able to out-shoot the IceHogs 12-4 in the final frame and would eventually force overtime tied at 2-2.

The Stars and IceHogs would trade opportunities in the overtime period and at the mid-way point, the IceHogs would face their seventh penalty-kill of the game. Gustav Forsling headed to the box for a tripping call and on the ensuing powerplay, Curtis McKenzie would find a rebound off of Delia and put it home for the overtime winner. McKenzie’s fourth goal of the Calder Cup Playoffs gives the Stars a 2-0 series lead as the Western Conference Finals shift to Rockford for Game Three on Tuesday.

Collin Delia made 34 saves on 37 shots faced in the three and a half periods of play, but suffers his second loss of the Calder Cup Playoffs. On the other side, Mike McKenna made 24 saves on 26 shots faced and improved his record in the Calder Cup Playoffs to 9-2-0.

Rockford’s powerplay continues to produce, scoring a powerplay goal in the second period for their 11th straight game with a powerplay goal, while on the penalty-killing side, Rockford killed-off five of the seven Texas opportunities on the man-advantage.

What’s Next?

This Western Conference Finals series marks the third time in AHL history that the IceHogs and Stars have met in the postseason. Both teams hold a series sweep over the other with Texas winning a first-round series in 2010, and Rockford winning a first-round series in 2015.

Here is the schedule for the IceHogs and Stars in the Calder Cup Playoffs Western Conference Finals:

• Game One: Texas Stars def. Rockford IceHogs, 4-2 (TEX leads series 1-0)
• Game  Two: Texas Stars def. Rockford IceHogs, 3-2/OT (TEX leads series 2-0)
• Game Three: Texas Stars at Rockford IceHogs, Tuesday, May 22, 7pm (BMO Harris Bank Center, Rockford, Illinois)
• Game Four: Texas Stars at Rockford IceHogs, Thursday, May 24, 7pm
• * Game Five: Texas Stars at Rockford IceHogs, Friday, May 25, 7pm (*If Necessary)
• * Game Six: Rockford IceHogs at Texas Stars, Monday, May 28th, 7pm (*If Necessary)
• * Game Seven: Rockford IceHogs at Texas Stars, Tuesday, May 29th, 7pm (*If Necessary)

The Winner of the series will advance to the Calder Cup Finals and play the winner of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Lehigh Valley Phantoms and Toronto Marlies.

The post IceHogs Fall Short In Overtime, Stars Take 2-0 Series Lead appeared first on The Rink.

Game One: Texas Stars def. Rockford IceHogs, 4-2

With two of the best goaltenders in the Calder Cup Playoffs, the Stars and IceHogs should expect a tightly contested Western Conference Finals series. Collin Delia of the IceHogs holds a perfect 7-0-0 record with a 1.64GAA and a save-percentage of .948, while Stars net-minder Mike McKenna is 7-2-0 with a 1.65 GAA and a .952 save-percentage heading into this series.

It wouldn’t take very long for the first goal of the series, though. Just over four minutes into the opening frame, the Stars got on the board as Curtis McKenzie was able to find the back of the net on a scramble goal. Delia made the initial save, but McKenzie was able to find the puck and score his third of the postseason and put the Stars ahead 1-0. It would stay that way until the IceHogs had a chance at a five-on-three powerplay just beyond the mid-way point of the period.

The Texas Stars score the opening goal of Game One of the Western Conference Finals. (Courtesy: Texas Stars)

While the best powerplay unit in the Calder Cup Playoffs didn’t convert on the two-man advantage, Rockford was able to extend their powerplay goal streak to 10 games as Chris DiDomenico setup Carl Dahlstrom for a one-timer and Dahlstrom found the back of the net to make it a 1-1 game. Shortly after the IceHogs tied the game, the Stars found themselves back on top as Roope Hintz found space behind the Rockford defense and put home his second goal of the postseason to give Texas a 2-1 lead, which would hold until the end of the period.

Just like the first period, the second period would only need four and a half minutes to find a goal as Chris DiDomenico was able to find a rebound off a Stars blocked shot and put home the game-tying goal early in the period. DiDomenico’s fifth goal of the Calder Cup Playoffs and the game would be knotted up at 2-2 early in the middle frame.

Chris DiDomenico celebrates with teammates after his game-tying goal against the Texas Stars in Game One of the Western Conference Finals. (Courtesy: Texas Stars)

The tie wouldn’t last long though as the Stars would find their third lead of the game, coming from a powerplay goal by Remi Elie just before the mid-way point of the second period. The goal would mark the first powerplay goal against Rockford over their last six games. The 3-2 lead for the Stars would hold into the third period, marking the first time that the IceHogs would be down heading into the final frame, but Rockford continued to keep the pressure high on Texas heading into the third period.

The IceHogs would begin the third period with that momentum, but the early push was halted do to a Rockford penalty. While the IceHogs would kill off the Stars’ powerplay opportunity, they would score just a few seconds after the game returned to even-strength. Sheldon Dries was able to get his fourth goal of the Calder Cup Playoffs on a slick backhand shot and give Texas the two-goal lead. In unfamiliar territory, the IceHogs had to play from behind late in a game against a Stars team that was able to hunker-down and hold Rockford to just five shots in the third period. While Rockford would push late, they ultimately would not be able to find any magic and took their first loss of the Calder Cup Playoffs 4-2, and find themselves down 1-0 to the Stars in the Western Conference Finals.

HIGHLIGHTS: Texas Stars def. Rockford IceHogs, 4-2

Collin Delia made 20 saves on 24 shots faced, a sub-par day based on numbers alone, but two of the four goals given up were hard to hold over his head, as they came on net-front scrambles. On the other side, Mike McKenna stopped 31 of the 33 shots he faced on the night and improved his record in the Calder Cup Playoffs to 8-2-0.

What’s Next?

This Western Conference Finals series marks the third time in AHL history that the IceHogs and Stars have met in the postseason. Both teams hold a series sweep over the other with Texas winning a first-round series in 2010, and Rockford winning a first-round series in 2015.

Here is the schedule for the IceHogs and Stars in the Calder Cup Playoffs Western Conference Finals:

• Game One: Texas Stars def. Rockford IceHogs, 4-2 (TEX leads series 1-0)
• Game  Two: Rockford IceHogs at Texas Stars, Sunday, May 20, 5pm
• Game Three: Texas Stars at Rockford IceHogs, Tuesday, May 22, 7pm (BMO Harris Bank Center, Rockford, Illinois)
• Game Four: Texas Stars at Rockford IceHogs, Thursday, May 24, 7pm
• * Game Five: Texas Stars at Rockford IceHogs, Friday, May 25, 7pm (*If Necessary)
• * Game Six: Rockford IceHogs at Texas Stars, Monday, May 28th, 7pm (*If Necessary)
• * Game Seven: Rockford IceHogs at Texas Stars, Tuesday, May 29th, 7pm (*If Necessary)

The Winner of the series will advance to the Calder Cup Finals and play the winner of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Lehigh Valley Phantoms and Toronto Marlies.

The post IceHogs Suffer First Loss In Calder Cup Playoffs, Fall 4-2 To Stars appeared first on The Rink.

Texas Stars vs Rockford IceHogs: By The Numbers

IceHogs Final Record and Standings: 40-28-8, 88 points, 4th Central Division

Stars Final Record and Standings: 34-28-14, 90 points, 2nd Pacific Division

Head-to-Head: 2-1-1, Rockford

Rockford Regular Season Goals For vs Texas: 13

Texas Regular Season Goals For vs Rockford: 5

Rockford Second-Round Series: 4-0 over Manitoba Moose

Texas Second-Round Series: 4-1 over Tucson RoadRunners

Rockford Calder Cup Playoffs Powerplay: 15/40 (37.5%), 1st in AHL

Texas Calder Cup Playoffs Powerplay: 5/29 (17.2%), 10th in AHL

Rockford Calder Cup Playoffs Penalty-Kill: 26/28 (92.9%), 2nd in AHL

Texas Calder Cup Playoffs Penalty-Kill: 24/28 (85.7%), 6th in AHL

Rockford Calder Cup Playoffs Top Skater: Chris DiDomenico (4G, 7A), 11 points

Texas Calder Cup Playoffs Top Skater: Brian Flynn (6G, 4A), 10 points

Rockford Calder Cup Playoffs Top Goalie: Collin Delia (7-0-0), 1.64 GAA, .948 Save-Percentage

Texas Calder Cup Playoffs Top Goalie: Mike McKenna (7-2-0), 1.65 GAA, .952 Save-Percentage

Series Preview Audio

Ahead of their Western Conference Finals series against Texas, hear from Rockford head coach Jeremy Colliton, Matthew Highmore, and Collin Delia as they breakdown the upcoming matchup with Texas, having a full week off before Game One, and the journey it has been reaching this point of the season.

Head Coach Jeremy Colliton

Matthew Highmore

Collin Delia

Players To Watch

Collin Delia, G, Rockford IceHogs

The success of the IceHogs essentially starts and stops with Delia in net. He has played outstanding in the postseason and in the two month run-up to the Calder Cup Playoffs. Delia is one of the two hottest net-minders in the postseason this year and his work in net has been one of the key factors in getting Rockford to this point. If Delia continues what he has done since the beginning of February, and out-duel Stars goalie Mike McKenna, the IceHogs penalty-kill can continue to be successful and the pucks will stay out of their net.

Collin Delia salutes the home crowd after the Rockford IceHogs defeat the Manitoba Moose in Game Four of the Western Conference Semi-Finals in the Calder Cup Playoffs. (Courtesy: Alec Reicher)

Mike McKenna, G, Texas Stars

It’ll be a tall order for Delia to out-duel McKenna in net as the 35-year old McKenna has been at the top of the AHL this season in net. The Stars continue to ride McKenna and rely on him in the penalty-killing game, just like Rockford with Delia. The IceHogs will have to simplify their game in getting pucks to the net and force McKenna to work for saves. Getting traffic in front of net and cycling the puck on the powerplay will be keys for Rockford if they are to crack McKenna.

Chris DiDomenico, C, Rockford IceHogs

Speaking of Rockford’s powerplay, the top-ranked unit in the Calder Cup Playoffs has been key in getting the IceHogs to this point in the season. The biggest contributor to the man-advantage success is forward Chris DiDomenico. Eight of his eleven points so far in the postseason have come on the powerplay (2G, 6A) and he has facilitated a ton of offensive chances while at even-strength as well. Rockford’s offense seems to go as DiDomenico does.

Chris DiDomenico celebrates with his teammates after a goal in Game Four of the Western Conference Semi-Finals. (Courtesy: Todd Reicher)

Brian Flynn, RW, Texas Stars

The leading point-scorer for the Stars so far in the Calder Cup Playoffs, Flynn has come up at big spots for the Stars this postseason with timely goals. Flynn, a veteran of 275 NHL games since 2013, is playing in his first full season in the AHL since the strike-shortened 2012-13 season. He has tallied six goals in nine games for the Stars so far, including an overtime winner in the First Round and a overtime-forcing goal in the Second Round. If the IceHogs are going to have success defensively, keeping Flynn off the scoreboard will be key.

Victor Ejdsell, LW/RW, Rockford IceHogs

This postseason has been a bit of a showcase for the sizable Swedish forward. Ejdsell took a bit to come around to the North American game, joining the IceHogs late in the season. But what he has shown in the Calder Cup Playoffs so far is that he has a tremendous vision on the ice and a deceptive shot. As he has earned ice-time, his confidence and comfort level have increased and it shows in his play. If Ejdsell can continue to find his game, he’ll continue to find the scoresheet and help Rockford’s offense.

Victor Ejdsell of the Rockford IceHogs. (Courtesy: Todd Reicher)

Travis Morin, C, Texas Stars

Morin is one of three current Stars players who are still on the team that won the Calder Cup in 2014 (Morin, Curtis McKenzie, Justin Dowling) and won the Jack A. Butterfield award as Calder Cup Playoff MVP during the Stars’ 2014 run. He ranks third in points for Texas with six (3G, 3A) over their nine games in the postseason and has been one of the key forwards for Texas for nine years. A veteran of 623 AHL games and 74 Calder Cup Playoff games (all with Texas) Morin can always be counted on to lead a talented Stars roster. He leads the Stars in penalty minutes (12) in the postseason and Rockford could find a way to get Morin in the box and give their top-powerplay units opportunities to get on the board.

What’s Next?

The Rockford IceHogs and Texas Stars meet in the Calder Cup Playoffs for the third time in AHL history, with both teams owning a sweep in the postseason over the other.

Here is the schedule for the IceHogs and Stars in the Calder Cup Playoffs Western Conference Finals:

• Game One: Rockford IceHogs at Texas Stars, Friday, May 18, 7pm (H-E-B Center at Cedar Park, Cedar Park, Texas)
• Game  Two: Rockford IceHogs at Texas Stars, Sunday, May 20, 5pm
• Game Three: Texas Stars at Rockford IceHogs, Tuesday, May 22, 7pm (BMO Harris Bank Center, Rockford, Illinois)
• Game Four: Texas Stars at Rockford IceHogs, Thursday, May 24, 7pm
• * Game Five: Texas Stars at Rockford IceHogs, Friday, May 25, 7pm (*If Necessary)
• * Game Six: Rockford IceHogs at Texas Stars, Monday, May 28th, 7pm (*If Necessary)
• * Game Seven: Rockford IceHogs at Texas Stars, Tuesday, May 29th, 7pm (*If Necessary)

The Winner of the series will advance to the Calder Cup Finals and play the winner of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Lehigh Valley Phantoms and Toronto Marlies.

The post IceHogs To Face Stars In Calder Cup Western Conference Finals appeared first on The Rink.

Game Four: Rockford IceHogs def. Manitoba Moose, 6-3

The IceHogs hoped that their recipe of stellar goaltending from Collin Delia and the best combined special teams units in the Calder Cup Playoffs could power them to a seventh-straight win in the postseason, and subsequently a second sweep in the Calder Cup Playoffs. Delia, through his first six games, held a 6-0-0 record with the lowest GAA in the postseason at 1.44, and the second-highest save-percentage at .953%.

Collin Delia takes the ice for the Rockford IceHogs. (Courtesy: Todd Reicher)

The first period, got off to a familiar start for Rockford as Cody Franson would open the scoring with a powerplay goal. Let me know if you’ve seen me write this before. (Hint: you have.) Franson from the left-circle blasted a one-timer by Eric Comrie with a great setup from Adam Clendening and it was 1-0 Rockford. With under seven minutes to play in the period, Manitoba would respond with a game-tying goal from Julian Melchiori, his second of the series, and it would be a 1-1 game.

But, less than a minute later, Chris DiDomenico would put the IceHogs back on top with his fourth goal of the Calder Cup Playoffs, giving Rockford the 2-1 lead. In the theme of back-and-forth of the first period, the Moose would capitalize on a Rockford turnover. While on a five-minute powerplay after Moose Captain Patrice Cormier was assessed a match-penalty for kicking, along with a roughing and boarding-major penalty, the IceHogs turned the puck over and J.C. Lipon scored short-handed to tie the game 2-2 and head to the first intermission knotted up.

Chris DiDomenico celebrates with his teammates after a goal in Game Four of the Western Conference Semi-Finals. (Courtesy: Todd Reicher)

Rockford would begin the second period with a powerplay that carried over from the first period, they would make sure that Manitoba would pay. Carl Dahlstrom would score his second goal of the Calder Cup Playoffs to give the IceHogs the 3-2 lead on their second poweplay goal of the game. The intensity and physicality would increase as the game progressed, with Manitoba throwing all they could at Rockford, trying to hold off being swept out of the playoffs.

Their aggressive play would come back to cost Manitoba as they yielded a powerplay to the IceHogs and Victor Ejdsell would earn a penalty shot while on the man-advantage. Ejdsell would go back-hand, top-shelf to beat Comrie for his fifth goal of the Calder Cup Playoffs and give Rockford the 4-2 lead in the second period. It would get even better for the IceHogs in the second period as the Moose would take yet another penalty and it would be another powerplay goal for Cody Franson. A near carbon-copy of his first powerplay goal of the game, Franson one-timed it by Comrie with help from DiDomenico and Clendening. The period would come to a close with Rockford ahead 5-2 and 20 minutes away from yet another historical elimination scenario.

Collin Delia makes a sliding save against the Manitoba Moose in Game Four of the Western Conference Semi-Finals in the Calder Cup Playoffs. (Courtesy: Todd Reicher)

In the third period, the IceHogs would hold their 5-2 lead well into the final frame while continuing their perfect night on the penalty-kill and chewing more time off the clock by controlling play with their eighth poweprlay of the night. Collin Delia would keep the Moose at bay, shutting down 15 of 16 shots in the third period. Helping the cause, with the Moose net empty, Andreas Martinsen would send the puck deep and find the yawning cage with just over three minutes remaining in regulation to seal the deal. Rockford completes the sweep of the Moose, 4-0 in the series and remains undefeated in the Calder Cup Playoffs in 2018.

GAME FOUR HIGHLIGHTS: Rockford IceHogs def. Manitoba Moose, 6-3

Collin Delia with another quality night in net, see his record to 7-0-0 with a 1.65 GAA and a .948 save-percentage. Through the first two rounds of the Calder Cup Playoffs, the Rockford special teams records are a staggering 15/40 (37.5%) on the powerplay and 26/28 (92.9%) on the penalty-kill, including a perfect 11/11 against the Manitoba Moose.

Impressive.

Postgame Reaction

Watch the postgame reaction from Head Coach Jeremy Colliton and Collin Delia after the Rockford IceHogs defeat the Manitoba Moose 6-3, and sweep the Calder Cup Playoffs Western Conference Semi-Finals series.

WATCH: Jeremy Colliton Postgame after Game Four vs Manitoba Moose 

WATCH: Collin Delia Postgame after Game Four vs Manitoba Moose

What’s Next?

With the victory, the IceHogs head to the Western Conference Finals in the Calder Cup Playoffs for the first time in the club’s AHL history. They also are the first team in the AHL to win seven consecutive postseason games since the Toronto Marlies in 2014. Rockford takes a sweep over the Chicago Wolves and a sweep of the Manitoba Moose into the third round of the playoffs.

There they will face the Texas Stars after Texas ousted the Tuscon RoadRunners 4-1 in their Western Conference Semi-Finals series. Here is the schedule for the IceHogs and Stars in the Calder Cup Playoffs Western Conference Finals:

• Game One: Rockford IceHogs at Texas Stars, Friday, May 18, 7pm (H-E-B Center at Cedar Park, Cedar Park, Texas)
• Game  Two: Rockford IceHogs at Texas Stars, Sunday, May 20, 5pm
• Game Three: Texas Stars at Rockford IceHogs, Tuesday, May 22, 7pm (BMO Harris Bank Center, Rockford, Illinois)
• Game Four: Texas Stars at Rockford IceHogs, Thursday, May 24, 7pm
• * Game Five: Texas Stars at Rockford IceHogs, Friday, May 25, 7pm (*If Necessary)
• * Game Six: Rockford IceHogs at Texas Stars, Monday, May 28th, 7pm (*If Necessary)
• * Game Seven: Rockford IceHogs at Texas Stars, Tuesday, May 29th, 7pm (*If Necessary)

By advancing to the Calder Cup Western Conference Finals, this marks the furthest a Chicago Blackhawks minor-league affiliate team has gone in the AHL playoffs since the Brunswick Hawks won the Calder Cup in 1982.

The IceHogs held a 2-1-1 record over the Texas Stars in the regular season this year. Historically in the Calder Cup Playoffs, the Stars and IceHogs have faced off twice. In 2010, Texas swept Rockford in the first round, while in 2015, it was the IceHogs who swept the Stars in the opening round of the playoffs.

The post IceHogs Complete Sweep Of Moose, Advance To Western Conference Finals appeared first on The Rink.

Game Three: Rockford IceHogs def. Manitoba Moose, 4-1

It would be Collin Delia versus Eric Comrie between the pipes again for Game Three, with Delia having the season advantage over Comrie, 3-0-1 in four head-to-head meetings in the AHL and NHL this season. Delia entered Game Three with a perfect 5-0-0 record, the lowest GAA in the Calder Cup Playoffs at 1.52, and the highest save-percentage of goalies left in the Calder Cup Playoffs at .949%.

While the first two games of the series started with a feeling-out process, both teams wasted no time cranking up the physical play early on in Game Three. The teams traded 2-on-1 scoring chances in the first period, but Delia was able to make the save on one end, while Chris DiDomenico and Lance Bouma couldn’t convert on the other end for Rockford. John Hayden had a tremendous individual effort to set-up Tyler Sikura, but Comrie was able to make the save on Sikura, twice, as both teams searched for the opening tally of the game. Rockford would kill-off a late period penalty by Adam Clendening and the teams would head to the dressing room scoreless after the first period.

Collin Delia makes a save in Game Three of the Western Conference Semi-Finals against the Manitoba Moose. (Courtesy: Todd Reicher)

The second period wouldn’t take long to finally find the game’s opening goal as Julian Melchiori was open in the slot and found the back of the net for his first goal of the Calder Cup Playoffs. With that, Rockford has allowed the first goal of the game in all three games of this series. But, like the other games in the series, Rockford would respond. On a powerplay, Clendening took a slap-shot, Comrie made a save that Sikura was able to find the rebound on the doorstep and find the back of the net for his fourth goal of the Calder Cup Playoffs. Tied up 1-1, Rockford wasn’t done as Victor Ejdsell matched Sikura’s four Calder Cup Playoff goal with his own fourth goal of the postseason to give the IceHogs the 2-1 lead mid-way through the second period. The physicality from the first period would carry over into the second and cause a number of powerplay chances for both sides but neither team would convert after the two-goal IceHogs barrage and the period would end with a 2-1 lead for Rockford.

Tyler Sikura scores a powerplay goal against the Manitoba Moose in Game Three of the Western Conference Semi-Finals. (Courtesy: Todd Reicher)

The third period would start with the IceHogs swarming the Moose and starting up right where they left off in the second period. As the period moved on, the Moose started to even-out the chances but the play would get tight as Rockford weathered a number of pushes from Manitoba, holding onto their 2-1 lead into the latter-half of the period. The clock would tick down to under seven minutes when Anthony Louis would find William Pelletier open in front of the Manitoba net and Pelletier would get one by Comrie. Pelletier’s second goal of the Calder Cup Playoffs and Rockford would extend their lead to 3-1 in the third period. Delia would make a tremendous sliding save and Matthew Highmore would take the loose puck and find the empty net for the insurance goal on a 4-1 victory in Game Three for the IceHogs.

GAME THREE HIGHLIGHTS: Rockford IceHogs def. Manitoba Moose 4-1

Delia made 36 saves on 37 shots faced, earning the first-star of the game, and his sixth-straight win in the Calder Cup Playoffs. With the win, Delia improved his save-percentage to .953 and lowered his Goals Against Average to 1.44 in the postseason.

Rockford’s special teams also continued to excel in the Calder Cup Playoffs. With one powerplay goal on three attempts, and a perfect three-for-three on the penalty-kill, the IceHogs improved to 4-for-13 on the man-advantage and a perfect 8-for-8 on the kill.

Postgame Reaction

Taking a 3-0 series lead, the IceHogs have a chance for back-to-back sweeps in the Calder Cup Playoffs and tie the franchise record set in 20007 for longest postseason win-streak at six-games. After the game, Rockford Head Coach Jeremy Colliton, Tyler Sikura, Carl Dahlstrom, and Collin Delia talked with the media.

Head Coach Jeremy Colliton

Tyler Sikura

Carl Dahlstrom

Collin Delia

What’s Next?

Here is the full schedule for the Calder Cup Western Conference Semi-Finals Best-of-Seven series between Rockford and Manitoba:

• Game One: Rockford IceHogs def. Manitoba Moose, 4-2 (RFD leads series 1-0)
• Game Two: Rockford IceHogs def. Manitoba Moose, 4-1 (RFD leads series 2-0)
• Game Three: Rockford IceHogs def. Manitoba Moose, 4-1 (RFD leads series 3-0)
• Game Four: Friday, May 11 at BMO Harris Bank Center, 7pm
• * Game Five: Saturday, May 12 at BMO Harris Bank Center, 6pm (* If Necessary)
• * Game Six: Tuesday, May 15 at Bell MTS Place, 7pm (* If Necessary)
• * Game Seven: Wednesday, May 16 at Bell MTS Place, 7pm (* If Necessary)

The winner of the IceHogs and Moose series will face the winner of the Tucson Road Runners and Texas Stars Western Conference Semi-Finals series. The IceHogs have never advanced to the Western Conference Finals in their AHL Franchise history.

The post IceHogs Win Game Three Over Moose, Take 3-0 Series Lead appeared first on The Rink.

Rockford IceHogs Media Day Audio: May 8, 2018

Hear from Head Coach Jeremy Colliton and his thoughts on keeping the team even-keel while being undefeated in the postseason, Chris DiDomenico on his journey to this point of the season with the IceHogs, Victor Ejdsell on his comfort in the transition to the North American game, and Collin Delia on the secrets behind his stellar play as well as his love for the Minions and a playoff beard update.

Head Coach Jeremy Colliton

Chris DiDomenico

Victor Ejdsell

Collin Delia

War Pig Stats

Rockford enters Game Three with the best special teams units of teams still alive in the Calder Cup Playoffs with the top-ranked powerplay at 35.7%, and the top-ranked penalty-killing unit at 89.5%. Through the first two games of their series against the Moose, the IceHogs are 3-for-10 on the powerplay and a perfect 5-for-5 on the penalty kill.

Collin Delia holds the lowest Goals Against Average of goalies left in the Calder Cup Playoffs at 1.52, ranking .07 lower than Alex Nedeljkovic of the Charlotte Checkers. Delia also holds the highest save-percentage of goalies still in the Calder Cup Playoffs at .949%, ranking .001-percent higher than Mike McKenna of the Texas Stars.

Chris DiDomenico is tied for second in scoring in the Calder Cup Playoffs with eight points (3G, 5A) through five games, and is riding a five-game point streak through the playoffs. DiDomenico (2G, 4A), along with Adam Clendening (G, 5A) and Cody Franson (2G, 3A) lead all players in the Calder Cup Playoffs in powerplay points produced, with Clendening and DiDomenico atop the list with six points each.

With a win in Game Two, the IceHogs are 5-0 this postseason, including 4-0 on the road. Rockford set the franchise record, both AHL and UHL combined, with four-straight road wins in the playoffs, and its 5-game win streak is one short of the all-time franchise mark from 2007, the final year that Rockford competed in the UHL and won the UHL’s Colonial Cup.

What’s Next?

Here is the full schedule for the Calder Cup Western Conference Semi-Finals Best-of-Seven series between Rockford and Manitoba:

• Game One: Rockford IceHogs def. Manitoba Moose, 4-2 (RFD leads series 1-0)
• Game Two: Rockford IceHogs def. Manitoba Moose, 4-1 (RFD leads series 2-0)
• Game Three: Wednesday, May 9 at BMO Harris Bank Center (Rockford, Illinois), 7pm
• Game Four: Friday, May 11 at BMO Harris Bank Center, 7pm
• * Game Five: Saturday, May 12 at BMO Harris Bank Center, 6pm (* If Necessary)
• * Game Six: Tuesday, May 15 at Bell MTS Place, 7pm (* If Necessary)
• * Game Seven: Wednesday, May 16 at Bell MTS Place, 7pm (* If Necessary)

The winner of the IceHogs and Moose series will face the winner of the Tucson Road Runners and Texas Stars Western Conference Semi-Finals series. The IceHogs have never advanced to the Western Conference Finals in their AHL Franchise history.

The post LISTEN: IceHogs Media Day Ahead Of Game Three Against Moose appeared first on The Rink.

Game Two: Rockford IceHogs def. Manitoba Moose, 4-1

The IceHogs would, to no one’s surprise, go with Collin Delia in net against Manitoba’s Eric Comrie. Delia improved to 4-0-0 in the Calder Cup Playoffs with a win in Game One and came into Saturday’s Game Two ranking second in the postseason in Goals Against Average (1.62) and save-percentage (.944) for goalie who have played more than one game, trailing Mike McKenna of the Texas Stars in both categories.

Game Two would begin much like Game One with both teams feeling each other out and trying not to give up too many chances. Rockford was unsuccessful on an early powerplay after going two-for-six in Game One. Late in the first period, Manitoba would get on the board with a goal from Brendan Lemieux to give the Moose the 1-0 lead. Again, like Game One, Manitoba was able to get the early lead, but unlike Game One, the IceHogs would respond before the end of the first period. After a Viktor Svedberg shot was fumbled by Comrie, Tyler Sikura was able to swoop in and put the loose puck home for his third goal of the postseason and tie the game heading into the second period.

The IceHogs celebrate with Tyler Sikura after his goal in Game Two of the Calder Cup Western Conference Semi-Finals against the Manitoba Moose. (Courtesy: Manitoba Moose)

The IceHogs would start the second period with a strategy that has worked well for them so far in the Calder Cup Playoffs: Go on the powerplay. Just under five minutes into the middle frame, Rockford would draw their second powerplay of the game and Chris DiDomenico would skate the puck from the boards, across the slot and fire home the 2-1 goal. DiDomenico’s third goal of the postseason gave Rockford the lead early in the second period and extended his Calder Cup Playoffs point-streak to five games with eight points (3G, 5A) over that span.

Game Two HIGHLIGHTS: Rockford IceHogs def. Manitoba Moose, 4-1

Rockford would extend their second period lead with just under four minutes left in the period as Carl Dahlstrom would score his first goal of the Calder Cup Playoffs to make it a 3-1 game. Dahlstrom was able to go high glove side on Comrie off of a feed from Gustav Forsling and the IceHogs would hold onto the 3-1 lead into the third period, looking to take a potential 2-0 series lead back to Rockford for Game Three.

Rockford’s continued success in the special teams aspect of this series continued into the third period as the IceHogs killed off their second penalty of the game nearing the mid-way point of the period. Shortly after that, Rockford would be gifted a 5-on-3 powerplay chance but would not be able to convert on the man-advantage. Rockford would have to regroup quickly as they would face their third penalty-kill of the game with just under eight minutes remaining in the period. IceHogs would kill it off and improve to 3-for-3 on the kill for Game Two and a perfect 5-for-5 in the series. With the Manitoba net empty, Andreas Martinsen would score his first goal of the Calder Cup Playoffs and give the IceHogs the 4-1 lead and seal the deal for a Game Two victory.

POSTGAME REACTION: Head Coach Jeremy Colliton

Collin Delia continued his stellar performance of the Calder Cup Playoffs, stopping 33 pucks on 34 shots faced. He improves to 5-0-0 in the Calder Cup Playoffs with a 1.52 GAA and a .949 save-percentage. Rockford finishes the game 1-for-4 on the powerplay, 3-for-10 in the series on the man-advantage, and 10-for-28 (35.7%) overall in the postseason. On the penalty-kill, Rockford finished the game perfect 3-for-3, and are 17-for-19 (89.5%) in the Calder Cup Playoffs.

With the win the IceHogs are 5-0 this postseason, including 4-0 on the road. Rockford set the franchise record, both AHL and UHL combined, with four-straight road wins in the playoffs, and its 5-game win streak is one short of the all-time franchise mark from 2007, the final year that Rockford competed in the UHL and won the UHL’s Colonial Cup.

Impressive.

What’s Next?

Here is the full schedule for the Calder Cup Western Conference Semi-Finals Best-of-Seven series between Rockford and Manitoba:

• Game One: Rockford IceHogs def. Manitoba Moose, 4-2 (RFD leads series 1-0)
• Game Two: Rockford IceHogs def. Manitoba Moose, 4-1 (RFD leads series 2-0)
• Game Three: Wednesday, May 9 at BMO Harris Bank Center (Rockford, Illinois), 7pm
• Game Four: Friday, May 11 at BMO Harris Bank Center, 7pm
• * Game Five: Saturday, May 12 at BMO Harris Bank Center, 6pm (* If Necessary)
• * Game Six: Tuesday, May 15 at Bell MTS Place, 7pm (* If Necessary)
• * Game Seven: Wednesday, May 16 at Bell MTS Place, 7pm (* If Necessary)

The winner of the IceHogs and Moose series will face the winner of the Tucson Road Runners and Texas Stars Western Conference Semi-Finals series. The IceHogs have never advanced to the Western Conference Finals in their AHL Franchise history.

The post IceHogs Win Game Two, Take Commanding 2-0 Series Lead Over Moose appeared first on The Rink.

Game One: Rockford IceHogs def. Manitoba Moose, 4-2

The IceHogs turned to Collin Delia in net after his stellar performance in the opening round series against the Chicago Wolves. Delia posted a 3-0-0 record with a 1.51 GAA, and a .949 save-percentage in the first round against the Wolves and will need to continue that level of play if Rockford is to advance to their first ever Calder Cup Playoffs Western Conference Finals. Opposite Delia would be Eric Comrie for Manitoba. Comrie led the Moose to a 3-2 series win against the Grand Rapids Griffins in Round One, posting a 3.12 GAA and a .911 save-percentage over the five-game series.

In the first period, the IceHogs and Moose went through an extended feeling-out period as Game One marked just the fifth game between the teams this year (Regular season and postseason combined). Compared to both teams’ first round series, the IceHogs had seen the Wolves 12 times before Game One, while the Moose had faced the Grand Rapids Griffins eight times before their opening Game One.

While Rockford had the advantage in scoring chances early on, it would be Manitoba’s Buddy Robinson who would break the scoreless tie with just over three minutes remaining in the period. A bouncing puck setup the chance for Robinson as he buried his first goal of the Calder Cup Playoffs. Delia did his best to keep Manitoba off the board in the opening frame, and made a number of high-quality saves that kept Manitoba from breaking the game wide open early on.

In the second period, the IceHogs and Moose would trade powerplay opportunities but nothing would come from either chance. It wouldn’t be until just past the mid-way point of the contest that Rockford would finally get on the board. Matthew Highmore found Victor Ejdsell open and he would put a backhand shot by Comrie and tie the game at 1-1. Ejdsell, the triple-overtime hero from Game Three against the Wolves scored his third goal in his last two games and knotted the game up in the middle frame.

Cody Franson (left) makes a pass against the Manitoba Moose in Game One of the Calder Cup Western Conference Semi-Finals. (Courtesy: Manitoba Moose)

Rockford would start the third period on the powerplay thanks to a late second period Brendan Lemieux penalty, but the Moose would be able to kill it off. Just over a minute later, the IceHogs would have a third chance on the powerplay and three times would be a charm as Tyler Sikura would tip-in a Chris DiDomenico shot and put Rockford ahead 2-1. Sikura’s second goal of the Calder Cup Playoffs was barely out of the net (not really) before the IceHogs struck a second time in under a minute as John Hayden would bury a one-timer behind Comrie and put the Rockford ahead 3-1 early in the third period. Hayden’s first goal of the playoffs came just 45 seconds after Sikura’s and Rockford was in full control of Game One at that point.

HIGHTLIGHTS: Rockford IceHogs def. Manitoba Moose, 4-2

The IceHogs would hunker-down and hold their 3-1 lead until the Moose pulled Comrie with just a minute to play and Cody Franson would add one on an empty-net powerplay goal to make it 4-1. Franson’s goal extends his current point-streak to eight games with 13 points (5G, 8A) over that span. The Moose would add a second goal with under 30 seconds to play but it wouldn’t be enough as Rockford would come away 4-2 winners.

A valuable win on the road in the Calder Cup Playoffs is one thing, to get in the win column in Game One is icing on the Rockford cake heading into Game Two on Saturday. Delia finished the game with 24 saves on 26 shots faced and improved to 4-0-0 in his first taste of professional playoff hockey so far this postseason. Undefeated in the postseason, Rockford’s powerplay continues to be their driving force, a staggering 9/24 (37.5%) through the first four games of the Calder Cup Playoffs.

What’s Next?

Here is the full schedule for the Calder Cup Western Conference Semi-Finals Best-of-Seven series between Rockford and Manitoba:

• Game One: Rockford IceHogs def. Manitoba Moose, 4-2 (RFD leads series 1-0)
• Game Two: Saturday, May 5 at Bell MTS Place, 4pm
• Game Three: Wednesday, May 9 at BMO Harris Bank Center (Rockford, Illinois), 7pm
• Game Four: Friday, May 11 at BMO Harris Bank Center, 7pm
• * Game Five: Saturday, May 12 at BMO Harris Bank Center, 6pm (* If Necessary)
• * Game Six: Tuesday, May 15 at Bell MTS Place, 7pm (* If Necessary)
• * Game Seven: Wednesday, May 16 at Bell MTS Place, 7pm (* If Necessary)

The winner of the IceHogs and Moose series will face the winner of the Tucson Road Runners and Texas Stars Western Conference Semi-Finals series. The IceHogs have never advanced to the Western Conference Finals in their AHL Franchise history.

The post IceHogs Use Third Period Push, Take Game One Over Moose appeared first on The Rink.

Rockford IceHogs Media Day Video

Ahead of Rockford’s travel day to Winnipeg, the IceHogs spoke with the media to preview the series. Unlike the opening round matchup with the Wolves, the IceHogs have not had the regular season familiarity with the Moose this season, having played them just four times compared to twelve times against Chicago. Hear from Head Coach Jeremy Colliton, Collin Delia, Matthew Highmore, Adam Clendening, and Senior Director of Minor League Affiliations Mark Bernard as Rockford preps for Game One.

Watch: Jeremy Colliton Media Day – May 2, 2018

Watch: Collin Delia Media Day – May 2, 2018

Watch: Matthew Highmore Media Day – May 2, 2018

Watch: Adam Clendening Media Day – May 2, 2018

Watch: Mark Bernard Media Day – May 2, 2018

What’s Next?

Here is the full schedule for the Calder Cup Western Conference Semi-Finals Best-of-Seven series between Rockford and Manitoba:

• Game One: Friday, May 4 at Bell MTS Place (Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada), 7pm
• Game Two: Saturday, May 5 at Bell MTS Place, 4pm
• Game Three: Wednesday, May 9 at BMO Harris Bank Center (Rockford, Illinois), 7pm
• Game Four: Friday, May 11 at BMO Harris Bank Center, 7pm
• * Game Five: Saturday, May 12 at BMO Harris Bank Center, 6pm (* If Necessary)
• * Game Six: Tuesday, May 15 at Bell MTS Place, 7pm (* If Necessary)
• * Game Seven: Wednesday, May 16 at Bell MTS Place, 7pm (* If Necessary)

This series will be the first between the IceHogs and the Moose, and marks the third time in Rockford’s AHL history that they have advanced to the Calder Cup Playoffs’ Western Conference Semi-Final round, having lost both previous trips. For Manitoba, this will be the first time advancing to the Calder Cup Playoffs’ Western Conference Semi-Final round since 2011 (the franchise was known as the St. John’s Ice Caps from 2011-15).

The post WATCH: IceHogs Media Day Ahead Of Game One Against Moose appeared first on The Rink.

Manitoba Moose vs. Rockford IceHogs: By The Numbers

IceHogs Final Record and Standings: 40-28-8, 88 points, 4th Central Division

Moose Final Record and Standings: 42-26-8, 92 points. 3rd Central Division

Head-to-Head: 2-1-1, Rockford

Rockford Regular Season Goals For vs Manitoba: 12

Manitoba Regular Season Goals For vs Rockford: 15

Rockford First-Round Series: 3-0 over Chicago Wolves

Manitoba First-Round Series: 3-2 over Grand Rapids Griffins

Rockford Calder Cup Playoffs Powerplay: 7/18 (38.9%, 1st in AHL)

Manitoba Calder Cup Playoffs Powerplay: 2/15 (13.3%, 14th in AHL)

Rockford Calder Cup Playoffs Penalty-Kill: 12/14 (85.7%, 5th in AHL)

Manitoba Calder Cup Playoffs Penalty-Kill: 15/19 (78.9%, 13th in AHL)

Rockford Calder Cup Playoffs Top Skater: Chris DiDomenico (2G, 3A), Adam Clendening (G, 4 A), 5 points

Manitoba Calder Cup Playoffs Top Skater: Chase De Leo, 7 points (2G, 5A)

Rockford Calder Cup Playoffs Top Goalie: Collin Delia (3-0-0), 1.52 GAA, .949 Save-Percentage

Manitoba Calder Cup Playoffs Top Goalie: Eric Comrie (3-2-0), 2.82 GAA, .922 Save-Percentage

Players To Watch

The IceHogs have had three things go well for them so far in the Calder Cup Playoffs: Special Teams, Goaltending, and production from the Blue-Line. Expect more of that to continue into their Western Conference Semi-Finals series against the Moose as Rockford and Manitoba have special teams records on the opposite ends of the playoff spectrum, and advantage in net, and three of their top-six point producers are defensemen.

Collin Delia, G, Rockford IceHogs

Delia may as well be the IceHogs’ Playoff MVP so far. He has been the most stand-out player on the roster through their first-round sweep of the Chicago Wolves. This season has been an interesting one for Delia, starting the year with the ECHL Indy Fuel, having just one win in ten starts, making the jump to the AHL, getting shelled in his first few appearances and then becoming one of the cornerstones of Rockford’s push to the Calder Cup Playoffs. Oh, also made his NHL debut with the Chicago Blackhawks.

Collin Delia makes a save against the San Antonio Rampage. (Courtesy: Todd Reicher)

Of goalies that have more than one appearance in the Calder Cup Playoffs, Delia has the lowest GAA of the 17 goalies qualified (1.51), and the second-best save-percentage of those same 17 goalies (.949), trailing only Mike McKenna of the Texas Stars (.957). Rockford will look for Delia to continue being at the top of his game against the Moose, who have put up 15 goals for in five games.

Eric Comrie, G, Manitoba Moose

For the Moose in net, Comrie has been solid and a big reason why the team was able to get by the Griffins in a tightly contested five-game opening round series. After getting a wake-up call in Game Two of the series, getting pulled after two periods and five unanswered goals allowed, Comrie put together a .941 save-percentage in Games Three, Four, and Five, leading the Moose in a 5-1 victory in Game Five on the road. If the IceHogs are going to have success against Comrie, they will have to get after him early in games and continue to take advantage of their powerplay opportunities.

Chris DiDomenico, C, Rockford IceHogs

Acquired late in the season for defenseman Ville Pokka, DiDomenico has been the top forward for the IceHogs since he stepped foot on the ice in a Rockford sweater. DiDomenico finished the regular season with 23 points (8G, 15A) in 22 games with Rockford and he has continued that point-per-game pace into the Calder Cup Playoffs with five points (2G, 3A) in the three-game sweep of the Chicago Wolves.

Chris DiDomenico of the Rockford IceHogs. (Courtesy: Todd Reicher)

A fixture of Rockford’s powerplay and a top forward at even-strength, DiDomenico is a driver of the IceHogs’ offense and has, according to the praise of Head Coach Jeremy Colliton, brought a mindset and “swagger” to the locker room that the team can and should win on any given night.

Brendan Lemieux, LW, Manitoba Moose

While not the top-scoring forward for the Moose through the first round of the Calder Cup Playoffs, Lemieux has been a key factor in the last three games for Manitoba and will continue to be as they move forward. Lemieux finished the 2017-18 season with 43 points (19G, 24A) in 51 games with the Moose this season and has four points (2G, 2A) in the first five games for Manitoba in the Calder Cup Playoffs. A three-point night in Game Five against the Griffins, Lemieux is a big-bodied forward that could give the IceHogs trouble in their defensive zone.

Adam Clendening, D, Rockford IceHogs

Adding to the list of players that joined the IceHogs late in the season, Clendening made his return to the organization in January and right away began leading an offensive attack that started from the blue-line on out. Clendening, along with fellow defenseman Cody Franson, have been focus players for the Rockford poweprlay unit that has spiked over the last two months of the season and into the playoffs.

Adam Clendening takes a shot. (Courtesy: Todd Reicher)

Nearly a point-per-game player after returning to Rockford, Clendening is another player that Head Coach Jeremy Colliton feels brings a competitive edge and leadership role to the locker room and has driven the IceHogs through their first three games of the Calder Cup Playoffs.

Cameron Schilling, D, Manitoba Moose

A former Rockford defenseman, Schilling had a breakout season with Manitoba in 2017-18. A career-high 32 points (6G, 26A) in 71 games for the Moose this season, Schilling is an experienced AHL veteran with 32 career Calder Cup Playoff games under his belt and 18 points (7G, 11A) in those games. With four points in the opening series against the Griffins, Schilling is consistently performing in big moments for Manitoba with the game-tying goal in Game One and the Game-Winning goal in Game Five. Look for Schilling, much like Clendening and Franson, to be an offensive threat to the IceHogs.

What’s Next?

Here is the full schedule for the Calder Cup Western Conference Semi-Finals Best-of-Seven series between Rockford and Manitoba:

• Game One: Friday, May 4 at Bell MTS Place (Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada), 7pm
• Game Two: Saturday, May 5 at Bell MTS Place, 4pm
• Game Three: Wednesday, May 9 at BMO Harris Bank Center (Rockford, Illinois), 7pm
• Game Four: Friday, May 11 at BMO Harris Bank Center, 7pm
• * Game Five: Saturday, May 12 at BMO Harris Bank Center, 6pm (* If Necessary)
• * Game Six: Tuesday, May 15 at Bell MTS Place, 7pm (* If Necessary)
• * Game Seven: Wednesday, May 16 at Bell MTS Place, 7pm (* If Necessary)

This series will be the first between the IceHogs and the Moose, and marks the third time in Rockford’s AHL history that they have advanced to the Calder Cup Playoffs’ Western Conference Semi-Final round, having lost both previous trips. For Manitoba, this will be the first time advancing to the Calder Cup Playoffs’ Western Conference Semi-Final round since 2011 (the franchise was known as the St. John’s Ice Caps from 2011-15).

The post IceHogs To Face Moose In Calder Cup Western Conference Semi-Final appeared first on The Rink.

Game Three: Rockford IceHogs def. Chicago Wolves, 4-3 (3OT)

Buckle up.

The IceHogs turned, once again, to Collin Delia in net after his stellar performances in the first two games of the series propelled Rockford to their 2-0 series lead heading into Game Three, while the Wolves went to Max Lagace in net, pulling their starter from games one and two, Oscar Dansk.

The game began on Thursday, and from the drop of the puck, had a different pace than the previous two, with both teams creating their fair share of stoppages early on. The start and stop forced both teams to work hard to find their groove in the opening frame. That would be until mid-way through the first period, with David Kampf retrieving a new stick from the Rockford bench, Philip Holm was able to find the back of the net through a screen and put the Wolves ahead 1-0.

Chicago was able to mount a bit of momentum after scoring the opening goal of the game, but Delia was able to come up with a number of saves on high-quality chances from the Wolves. the game could have been 3-0 or even 4-0 in favor of the Wolves through the first 20 minutes of the game. Rockford and Chicago would head to the dressing rooms after the first period with the Wolves holding a 1-0 lead.

The second period began with both sides trading powerplay chances in the first eight minutes of the middle frame, but both teams were able to kill off the penalties. Right off the IceHogs’ man-advantage, the Wolves were able to make it a 2-0 game as Keegan Kolesar found space between Delia’s pads to add to Chicago’s lead. It wouldn’t last long, though, as the IceHogs would get their third powerplay chance and Cody Franson would bury one on the man-advantage to cut the Chicago lead in half. Chris DiDomenico put it on a plate for Franson and he put it away on Max Lagace for his first goal of the Calder Cup Playoffs.

The momentum would completely swing in Rockford’s favor from there in the period as just minutes later, DiDomenico would tie the game with a great top-shelf goal. His second goal of the playoffs made it a 2-2 game, but even that score wouldn’t last long. Just moments later, Victor Ejdsell would make nifty move on Lagace, set up by Anthony Louis, and he would make it a 3-2 IceHogs lead on his first AHL goal with six minutes remaining in the period. Rockford’s three unanswered goals forced Chicago to take their timeout to try to regroup as the period would end with Rockford up by one goal.

20 minutes separated the IceHogs from sweeping the series against the Wolves, but Chicago was not going to go away easily. Just over three minutes into the third period, Wade Megan would stuff in a wraparound attempt and tie the game at 3-3. While the goal would go under review, the puck crossed just enough before Delia could make the save and we would be tied.

The Wolves found momentum after tying the game, but Rockford would regroup and weather the Chicago push as the third period progressed. Both teams would have solid chances down the stretch of the final period and the game would head to overtime tied 3-3. The Wolves entered the third period with 13 shots on goal and finished the period with 25. Rockford did what they had to do after the Chicago tying goal.

The next goal decided the game.

The Overtimes

We headed to overtime knotted up at 3-3 with the IceHogs leading the Wolves in shots on goal, 42-25. Lagace and Delia were doing enough to keep their teams alive through the first 60 minutes of action, Lagace by quantity and Delia by quality.

In overtime, The Wolves thought they had converted on a rebound chance, but the goal was waved off due to an IceHogs penalty. Rockford would kill the ensuing penalty and the game would continue on. With plenty of tense moments and quality chances in the first overtime period, the IceHogs had multiple opportunities to find the game-winner, but Lagace and Delia did their parts to send the game to a second overtime period.

In the second overtime period, the IceHogs would get a great opportunity to close the game on their fifth powerplay of the night, but couldn’t get the winner on the chance. The game would continue on long enough to become the longest game in Rockford’s franchise history, surpassing the mark set in 2008 against the Houston Areos. The Wolves would have to play on the back heel for much of the second overtime, with Rockford having the better of the chances to close the game out, including a Franson slap shot that rang off the post late in the period. But it would go to a third overtime period.

HIGHLIGHTS: Rockford IceHogs def. Chicago Wolves, 4-3 (3OT)

So, we would head to the third overtime period still in search of the game-winning goal. Much like the two overtime periods before it, the third period saw it’s fair share of back and forth, but with the tired legs on both sides of the ice, finishing plays was a hard task. With 4:30 to play in the third overtime, the IceHogs would get their sixth powerplay chance of the night. With just eight seconds remaining on the man-advantage, Victor Ejdsell would find the back of the net for the second time in the game and bring an end to the eight-longest game in AHL history, 4-3 for the IceHogs.

A few notes on the craziness that was this Game Three, series-clinching win for Rockford:

• 8th-longest game in AHL history (117:22)
• Longest game in both the Wolves and IceHogs franchise history.
• Max Lagace sets Chicago Wolves franchise record with 72 saves on 76 shots faced.
• Collin Delia saved all 30 shots he faced in the nearly three full overtime periods, 52 total saves in the game.
• 76 shots on goal is the most for the IceHogs in franchise history.
• IceHogs went 2-for-6 on the powerplay in Game Three, bringing their total to 7-for-18 in the series.
• The IceHogs also killed off all four penalties they took in the game, going 4-for-4 on the night and 12-for-14 in the series.
• With the win, Rockford gets its first series win over rival Chicago in the Calder Cup Playoffs and second-ever series sweep.

For both teams, whoever won this game was going to know they earned it. For Rockford to come out on top, they showed the kind of character and resilience a Championship caliber team needs to have this time of year.

Postgame Reaction

Following their sweep of the Wolves, hear from IceHogs head coach Jeremy Colliton, Chris DiDomenico, and game-winning goal-scorer Victor Ejdsell:

Head Coach Jeremy Colliton

Chris DiDomenico

Victor Ejdsell

What’s Next?

With the completion of the three-game sweep of the Chicago Wolves, the IceHogs advance to the Western Conference Semi-Finals for the third time in the club’s AHL history. Rockford will play the winner of the Manitoba Moose-Grand Rapids Griffins series, which plays Game Five on Monday, April 30.

Once the opponent is known, the AHL will release the schedule for the second-round series between the IceHogs and the Moose/Griffins. They will host, no matter the opponent, a game on Wednesday, May 9 in Rockford.

What a game. What a series. IceHogs adavnce.

The post Rockford IceHogs Sweep Chicago Wolves In Historic Game Three appeared first on The Rink.

Rockford IceHogs Media Day Audio: 4/24/18

With Game Three in Rosemont looming on Thursday night, Rockford knows that the task at hand is going to be a difficult one. The IceHogs have not won a playoff series since 2015 and have only advanced past the first round twice since joining the American Hockey League in the 2007-08 season. Two of the biggest keys to the series through the first two games has been the special teams play of both squads and the quality play in net from IceHogs goaltender Collin Delia.

Collin Delia makes a save against the Chicago Wolves. (Courtesy: Todd Reicher)

After finishing last in the AHL in powerplay success and towards the bottom in penalty-kill success, Rockford has had the better of the man-advantage chances against Chicago, as well as locking down the penalty-kill, and have used five powerplay goals to help them to their 2-0 series lead.

For Delia, he has locked down a high-powered Wolves offense through the first two games. Only allowing 3 goals against in the first two games, Delia takes a 1.51 GAA and a .952 save-percentage into Game Three against Chicago.

With the chance to sweep the Central Division Champions on Thursday, hear from head coach Jeremy Colliton, Cody Franson, Carl Dahlstrom, and Adam Clendening as they get ready for Game Three, as well as the first of, hopefully many, IceHogs playoff beard updates.

Head Coach Jeremy Colliton

Cody Franson

Carl Dahlstrom

Adam Clendening

What’s Next?

With a win in Game Two, the IceHogs take a 2-0 series lead back to Chicago on Thursday for Game Three, in what is now an elimination game in the best-of-five series. Here is the full first-round schedule for Rockford and Chicago:

• Game One – Rockford IceHogs def. Chicago Wolves, 2-1 (RFD leads series 1-0)
• Game Two – Rockford IceHogs def. Chicago Wolves, 5-2 (RFD leads series 2-0)
• Game Three – at Chicago, Thursday, April 26 – 7pm
• Game Four * – at Rockford, Sunday, April 29 – 4pm (if necessary)
• Game Five * – at Chicago, Monday, April 30 – 7pm (if necessary)

Winner of the Rockford-Chicago series will go on to face the winner of the Manitoba Moose-Grand Rapids Griffins series in the Western Conference Semi-Finals.

The post LISTEN: IceHogs Media Day Ahead Of Game Three Against Wolves appeared first on The Rink.

Game Two: Rockford IceHogs def. Chicago Wolves, 5-2

The IceHogs went with what worked in Game One with Collin Delia in net. Coming back from injury, Tanner Kero made his way into the Rockford lineup after missing the past half-dozen games. The physicality between the teams picked up right where it has left off after the baker’s dozen of games between the clubs this season. Nearing the mid-way point of the game, the Wolves were able to get on the board as Wade Megan put home a rebound for the 1-0 goal.

The IceHogs wouldn’t have to wait long to respond as they picked up the pace after the Chicago goal and with just over six minutes left in the first period, William Pelltier took the puck from the far corner and ripped one past Oscar Dansk, and the game was tied 1-1. The IceHogs would get the go-ahead goal in the first period with a powerplay tally from Luke Johnson to make it a 2-1 game late, but Chicago would respond late as Zac Leslie would put home a rebound goal just as the first period expired and make it a 2-2 game after a frantic 20 minutes.

The frenzied pace would carry over into the second period as the Wolves took an early penalty that would allow the IceHogs to re-take the lead as Matthew Highmore went up high to beat Dansk, making it a 3-2 game early in the middle frame. Shortly after, Rockford found themselves in a dangerous position, having to kill off a five-on-three penalty chance mid–way through the period. The IceHogs were able to kill off both penalties and bring the home crowd back into the game in a big way.

The Rockford IceHogs salute their home fans after a win in Game Two of the Firts Round of the Calder Cup Playoffs. (Courtesy: Todd Reicher)

Through the mid-way point of the game, the Wolves led the IceHogs on shots on net, but Collin Delia was able to turn away the high-danger scoring chances that Chicago were creating, including a turnover to T.J. Tynan in the slot that Delia squared up and held onto. Late in the period, the IceHogs were able to extend their lead to 4-2 with a powerplay goal from Chris DiDomenico on a five-on-three man advantage. The first 40 minutes of the game saw Rockford go three for five on the powerplay and the third period would begin with their sixth powerplay opportunity of the game.

The Wolves and IceHogs traded penalty-kills to begin the third period with Rockford’s two-goal lead intact. Collin Delia came up with a number of key saves in the final frame, making 28 saves on the night, keeping the two-goal lead safe late into the third period. With the Chicago net empty and just under a minute to play, Lance Bouma found the yawning cage and put the IceHogs up 5-2 for the final score. With the win, Rockford takes a 2-0 series lead heading back to Chicago for Game Three.

GAME TWO HIGHLIGHTS: Rockford IceHogs def. Chicago Wolves, 5-2

One of the biggest factors in both games in the series so far has been the work of the special teams on both sides of the ice. Rockford had been one of the worst combined special teams clubs all season, but down the late stretch of the year and now into the Calder Cup Playoffs, have been clicking on the powerplay. With five powerplay goals over the last two games, Rockford’s offense has been driven by their chances on the man-advantage. While that is all fine and good, the Wolves have had their own successes on the powerplay, converting once in both games One and Two. If Rockford is to advance past Chicago, they will have to stay disciplined and be out of the penalty box in Game three.

Adam Clendening, Chris DiDomenico, and Victor Ejdsell all notched two-points in the Game Two victory and Delia improved his professional postseason record to 2-0-0, with a 1.51 GAA and a .952 save-percentage. With the win on Sunday, Rockford finds itself with a chance to advance to the second round of the Calder Cup Playoffs since the 2014-15 season, and only the second time in the club’s AHL history.

Postgame Reaction

Hear postgame interviews with head coach Jeremy Colliton, Matthew Highmore, Luke Johnson, and Collin Delia;

Head Coach Jeremy Colliton

Matthew Highmore

Luke Johnson

Collin Delia

What’s Next?

With a win in Game Two, the IceHogs take a 2-0 series lead back to Chicago on Thursday for Game Three, in what is now an elimination game in the best-of-five series. Here is the full first-round schedule for Rockford and Chicago:

• Game One – Rockford IceHogs def. Chicago Wolves, 2-1 (RFD leads series 1-0)
• Game Two – Rockford IceHogs def. Chicago Wolves, 5-2 (RFD leads series 2-0)
• Game Three – at Chicago, Thursday, April 26 – 7pm
• Game Four * – at Rockford, Sunday, April 29 – 4pm (if necessary)
• Game Five * – at Chicago, Monday, April 30 – 7pm (if necessary)

Winner of the Rockford-Chicago series will go on to face the winner of the Manitoba Moose-Grand Rapids Griffins series in the Western Conference Semi-Finals.

The post Rockford IceHogs Beat Chicago Wolves In Game Two, Take 2-0 Series Lead appeared first on The Rink.

Game One Rockford IceHogs def. Chicago Wolves, 2-1

After splitting the season series 6-6 over 12 games, the IceHogs and Wolves opened up their first-round Calder Cup Playoff series at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont to begin the second ever postseason matchup between the teams after their first matchup in 2008. Rockford turned to rookie goaltender Collin Delia to start in net against Chicago, while the Wolves started Oscar Dansk in between the pipes, who also would be making his AHL postseason debt.

After the last two games between the clubs totaled 19 goals combined, Saturday night’s game would be a stark contrast in a tight 2-1 game, the kind IceHogs head coach Jeremy Colliton continues to say that the teams needs to be able to win at this point in the season.

Rockford was able to strike first against the Wolves around the mid-way point of the opening period. On the powerplay, the IceHogs were able to cycle the puck to defenseman Cody Franson who put a shot on net with Tyler Sikura providing traffic in front of Dansk. Sikura was able to re-direct the puck and find the back of the net for the 1-0 goal. Sikura finished second on the team in goals in the 2017-18 season with 23 and gave Rockford the lead on his first AHL playoff goal of his career.

GAME ONE HIGHLIGHTS: Rockford IceHogs def. Chicago Wolves, 2-1

In the second period, the IceHogs were able to add to their lead with a second goal on the powerplay. Chris DiDomenico dropped a pass to defenseman Adam Clendening who put a shot on net with screens provided by Sikura and Luke Johnson in front of Dansk. No re-direction was needed for Clendening’s shot and the IceHogs took a 2-0 lead into the final 20 minutes of the game.

In the third period, the IceHogs were able to batten-down and hold their 2-0 lead clean for just about 15 minutes before the Wolves broke-through. On a Chicago powerplay, Teemu Pulkkinen was able to bat a puck into the back of the net off of a rebound given up by Delia and cut Rockford’s lead in half with just over five minutes to play. Pulkkinen led Chicago in goals in the 2017-18 season with 29 tallies and shows he is going to continue to be a player that will need to be keyed on to be stopped in the series. From then on, the IceHogs were able to hold the one-goal lead and get to the final horn for the 2-1 win, taking a 1-0 lead in the Best-of-Five series as it heads to Rockford for Game Two.

Delia made 31 saves in his first taste of professional playoff hockey and earned his first career playoff victory. Along with the solid performance in net from Delia, Cody Franson with two assists and Adam Clendening with a powerplay goal and an assist lead the IceHogs offensively. The tend of the regular season continued in Game One with Clendening, Franson, Sikura, and Delia putting in solid efforts to lead Rockford. If that continues into Game Two at home, the IceHogs could find themselves in a very favorable spot heading back to Chicago for Game Three.

What’s Next?

After a win in Game One for the IceHogs over the Wolves, the series shifts to the BMO Harris Bank Center in Rockford. Here is the full first-round schedule for Rockford and Chicago:

• Game One – Rockford IceHogs def. Chicago Wolves, 2-1 (RFD leads series 1-0)
• Game Two – at Rockford, Sunday, April 22 – 4pm
• Game Three – at Chicago, Thursday, April 26 – 7pm
• Game Four * – at Rockford, Sunday, April 29 – 4pm (if necessary)
• Game Five * – at Chicago, Monday, April 30 – 7pm (if necessary)

Winner of the Rockford-Chicago series will go on to face the winner of the Manitoba Moose-Grand Rapids Griffins series in the Western Conference Semi-Finals.

The post IceHogs Top Wolves 2-1 In Game One, Take 1-0 Series Lead appeared first on The Rink.

Players To Watch For The Rockford IceHogs

• Anthony Louis, LW, 44 points (14G, 30A)
  • IceHogs points leader for the 2017-18 season
  • Rookie points leader
  • Tied for team-lead in assists for 2017-18 season
  • The Winfield, IL native had a breakout season in 2017-18, his first full year with Rockford. Louis uses his speed and on-ice vision to create offensive chances and has seen regular minutes on the IceHogs’ top lines after Vince Hinostroza made the permanent jump to the Chicago Blackhawks in November. With four goals and four assists in ten games against the Wolves, Louis is tied with Rockford defenseman Carl Dahlstrom for the most points against Chicago this year.

Anthony Louis shoots on net against the Milwaukee Admirals. (Courtesy: Todd Reicher)

• Adam Clendening, D, 35 points (5G, 30A)
  • Acquired by the Chicago Blackhawks organization in January
  • Finished 5th on the team in scoring for the year, 30 of 35 points coming with the IceHogs
  • Set Rockford AHL franchise all-time records for assists (122) and points (148) by a defenseman in 2017-18 season.
  • Clendening made his return to the IceHogs count after being acquired via trade by the Blackhawks in January. In 38 games with Rockford, he totaled 30 of his 35 points on the season and was one of the driving factors for the IceHogs down the stretch of the season. Over the last 15 games of the season, Clendening notched 12 points (2G, 10A)

Adam Clendening takes a shot. (Courtesy: Todd Reicher)

• Matthew Highmore, LW/C, 43 points (24G, 19A)
  • Second on team in points this season, one behind Anthony Louis
  • Second behind Louis in Rookie scoring this season.
  • Set Rockford AHL franchise record for goals by a rookie (24) this year.
  • Highmore made a huge first impression on the IceHogs in his rookie year. If he had not made his NHL debut this season with the Blackhawks, Highmore would have led the team in goals and points, the way he was producing. A great finisher, Highmore’s scoring touch isn’t his only upside as he is used by head coach Jeremy Colliton in all situations. Playing Center and on the Wing, Highmore can be counted on as a power-play producer as well as a penalty-killer and regularly has Rockford’s offense run through him.

Matthew Highmore of the Rockford IceHogs. (Courtesy: Greg Hamil)

• Chris DiDomenico, C, 38 points (14G, 24A)
  • Acquired by the Chicago Blackhawks organization in February
  • Finished 4th on the team in scoring for the year, 23 of 38 points coming with the IceHogs
  • Highest point per game total (1.05) on the roster this year of players playing more than 20 games.
  • DiDomenico was a late-season acquisition for Rockford, coming in February in a trade that saw Ville Pokka head to the Ottawa Senators in exchange. Since his arrival with the IceHogs, DiDomenico has been possibly the biggest offensive factor for the team in their playoff push. On numerous occasions, DiDomenico has received praise from head coach Jeremy Colliton as a player that brings a “swagger” to the team in the way he plays and handles himself on the ice. Look for him to not only be a problem for the Wolves on the stat-sheet, but also between the whistles.

Chris DiDomenico celebrates a goal against the Chicago Wolves. (Courtesy: Todd Reicher)

• Jeff Glass, G, 15-9-2 (2.82 GAA, .904 save pct.)
  • Tied with Collin Delia in most appearances in net for Rockford (28)
  • Second on the team in wins this season
  • Best record (5-2-0), GAA (2.51), and save pct. (.915) against the Wolves this season
  • While Collin Delia is the hottest goalie on the IceHogs’ roster heading into the playoffs, Glass is far and wide the most experienced. Having played in the postseason in the ECHL and four times in the KHL, Glass has the ability to lead a locker room that is well-mixed with veterans and first-year pros, in-between the pipes. He has the most games played against the Wolves this season and back-stopped five of Rockford’s six wins against Chicago this season.

Jeff Glass makes a save against the Chicago Wolves. (Courtesy: Todd Reicher)

• Collin Delia, G, 17-7-4 (2.72 GAA, .900 save pct.)
  • Tied with Jeff Glass for most appearances in net for Rockford (28)
  • Most wins this season by a goalie
  • 11-3-3 since the beginning of February, 7-1-2 in last ten games
  • Delia began the season with the Indy Fuel of the ECHL and notched just one win in either the AHL or ECHL before December 28th. As the calendar turned to 2018, Delia found his stride and went n impressive 16-5-4 for the IceHogs since January 2. Down the stretch of the season, Delia turned out points in 12 of his last 13 appearances. While his GAA and save pct. leave something to be desired, Delia’s development as the year progressed has given the team a ton of confidence when he is in net. Head coach Jeremy Colliton still is noncommittal on his strategy in net for Rockford, but it would be surprising to see Delia not get the first chance at being the starter against the Wolves, given recent play.

Collin Delia makes a save against the Chicago Wolves. (Courtesy: Todd Reicher)

While there are a few more notable players to keep an eye on for Rockford (i.e. Lance Bouma, John Hayden, Tyler Sikura, and Cody Franson) these players have had some of the biggest impacts for the IceHogs this season and down the stretch to get the team to this point.

What’s Next?

Game One of the opening round series between the Wolves and IceHogs begins in Rosemont on Saturday night. Here is the full first-round schedule for Rockford and Chicago:

• Game One – at Chicago, Saturday, April 21 – 7pm
• Game Two – at Rockford, Sunday, April 22 – 4pm
• Game Three – at Chicago, Thursday, April 26 – 7pm
• Game Four * – at Rockford, Sunday, April 29 – 4pm (if necessary)
• Game Five * – at Chicago, Monday, April 30 – 7pm (if necessary)

Winner of the Rockford-Chicago series will go on to face the winner of the Manitoba Moose-Grand Rapids Griffins series in the Western Conference Semi-Finals.

The post Players To Watch: Rockford IceHogs vs Chicago Wolves appeared first on The Rink.

Rockford IceHogs Media Day Audio

The series, which begins on Saturday at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont (7pm CT puck drop), will be the second time in AHL history that Rockford and Chicago will square-off in the postseason. The only other series came back in 2008 in the second round, and saw the Wolves top the IceHogs on their way to winning the 2008 Calder Cup.

Chris DiDomenico (22) and Adam Clendening (2) of the Rockford IceHogs. (Courtesy: Todd Reicher)

But before all that, take a listen to what head coach Jeremy Colliton, along with Cody Franson, Jeff Glass, Tyler Sikura, and Adam Clendening have to say about the upcoming series and getting prepared for playoff hockey. Plus, hear from Chicago Blackhawks Senior Director of Minor League Affiliations, Mark Bernard, as he gives his thoughts on the 2017-18 season and looking ahead to getting back into the AHL postseason.

Head Coach Jeremy Colliton

Cody Franson

Jeff Glass

Tyler Sikura

Adam Clendening

Blackhawks Senior Director of Minor League Affiliations, Mark Bernard

What’s Next?

Game One of the opening round series between the Wolves and IceHogs begins in Rosemont on Saturday night. Here is the full first-round schedule for Rockford and Chicago:

• Game One – at Chicago, Saturday, April 21 – 7pm
• Game Two – at Rockford, Sunday, April 22 – 4pm
• Game Three – at Chicago, Thursday, April 26 – 7pm
• Game Four * – at Rockford, Sunday, April 29 – 4pm (if necessary)
• Game Five * – at Chicago, Monday, April 30 – 7pm (if necessary)

Winner of the Rockford-Chicago series will go on to face the winner of the Manitoba Moose-Grand Rapids Griffins series in the Western Conference Semi-Finals.

The post LISTEN: IceHogs Media Day Ahead Of Game One Against Wolves appeared first on The Rink.

IceHogs Lose Regular Season Finale, Set Sights On Wolves In Playoffs

Saturday night’s regular season finale for Rockford was almost a déjà vu against the Wolves from their game on Friday night; high-scoring, hard-hitting, with a frantic pace. Opening the scoring was a nice change of pace, as well as having the lead heading into the final period, but a pair of third period goals from the Wolves sealed a comeback win for Chicago, 5-4.

Hopefully the way that the IceHogs competed against Chicago over the final two games is what they can build on, and can learn from what went wrong and fix it before puck drop for Game One.

HIGHLIGHTS: Chicago Wolves def. Rockford IceHogs, 5-4

If the IceHogs are going to have success against the Wolves, there are a few players that need to continue the success they found prior to stumbling in the final two games of the season. In net, Collin Delia has been one of the hottest goalies in the league, going 17-7-4 this season, and has back-stopped the most wins for Rockford in his rookie season this year.

Offensively, players like Anthony Louis, Matthew Highmore, Tyler Sikura, and Lance Bouma have been driving the scoring chances up front for most of the season. Adding in players like Henrik Samuelsson, Andreas Martinsen, Chris DiDomenico, and John Hayden to the mix gives Rockford a ton of size and skill up front that can cause issues for the Wolves.

Tyler Sikura of the Rockford IceHogs. (Courtesy: Todd Reicher)

Finally on the blue-line, Rockford possesses a great mix of players who can play shut-down defensively and some who can jump into the offense and create chances. Players like Carl Dahlstrom and Gustav Forsling will be looked to play sound in their own zone while defensemen like Cody Franson and Adam Clendening will be looked at for support offensively, especially on IceHogs powerplay chances.

Three Keys For The IceHogs Against The Wolves

Shutting down Chicago’s top skaters

One thing that jumps off the page right away are the 11 goals that Rockford conceded to Chicago over the final two games. Coming into the back-to-back season finale mini-series, Rockford had allowed an average of 2.9 goals per game over their last ten games (8-2-0).

Defense and goaltending are going to be huge factors in the series for Rockford against the high-powered offense of the Wolves. Chicago boasts four players above the 50-point marks for the season with a fifth player, Thomas Hyka, scoring 48 points in just 50 games this season. Namely keeping Teemu Pulkkinen and former-IceHogs Brandon Pirri in-check will be priority number one for the Rockford defensive core.

Matthew Highmore with a chance on net against the Chicago Wolves (Courtesy: Todd Reicher)

Clean Sheet

Another area the Rockford is going to have to focus on is staying out of the penalty box. The penalty-kill for the IceHogs this season has been an achilles heel all year, ultimately finishing dead-last in the AHL in penalty-killing percentage with a 77.4% success rate.

Here’s the kicker: Rockford already stays out of the box.

While the penalty-kill ranked last in the AHL, Rockford also finished last in the AHL in total penalty minutes and 22nd in the league in times short-handed. The IceHogs are going to have to battle and toe the line that the refs will allow in the playoffs. With the Wolves’ power-play unit ranking ninth in the AHL with a 18.6% success rate, Rockford will have to tighten-up and play hard, but clean.

Who’s Behind The Mask?

Finally, the most-intriguing decision looming for head coach Jeremy Colliton is who will be the starter in net for Rockford? Collin Delia, Jeff Glass, Matt Tomkins, and J.F. Berube are all currently listed on the IceHogs’ roster heading into Game One.

Berube, according to the team, has been allowed to return home, so he is not a starting option. Tomkins has been adequate as a rookie this season, but only has a limited number of starts and has not been the primary option at any point for Rockford this season, he’ll be the number three option, barring injury.

Collin Delia makes a save against the Chicago Wolves. (Courtesy: Todd Reicher)

It truly comes down to Glass and Delia, who both have 28 appearances this season. Delia (17-7-4) was named the IceHogs’ most improved player this season and it shows. After beginning the season with a 1-4-0 record in his first five games, Delia rattled off a 16-3-3 stretch to finish the season, including a 7-1-2 record over his last ten games.

As for Glass (15-9-2), he holds the experience factor over Delia, having played 11 years at professional level in the AHL and KHL in Russia. Glass has been streaky at times this season for the IceHogs, and his last outing was a 6-4 loss to the Wolves on Friday night. After returning to Rockford after his stint with the Blackhawks, Glass went 5-5-0 with a 3.22 GAA and a .865 save-percentage. It seems like Delia will be the option to start Game One for the IceHogs, but it still has not been confirmed.

Rockford 2017-18 Season Leaders

Games played: Tyler Sikura, 74 Games

Points: Anthony Louis, 44 Points (14G, 30A)

Goals: Matthew Highmore, 24 Goals

Assists: Tie – Anthony Louis, Adam Clendening, 30 Assists

Shots: Luke Johnson, 161 Shots

Plus/Minus: Tyler Sikura, +24

Penalty Minutes: Adam Clendening, 86 PIM

Powerplay Goals: Matthew Highmore, 8 PPG

Powerplay Points: Adam Clendening, 18 points (2G, 16A)

Short-handed Goals: Tyler Sikura, 3 SHG

Starts: Tie – Collin Delia, Jeff Glass – 28 Starts

Wins: Collin Delia, 17 Wins

Goals Against Average: J.F. Berube, 2.37 GAA

Save-Percentage: J.F. Berube, .920 Save-Percentage

IceHogs vs. Wolves: By The Numbers

IceHogs Final Record and Standings: 40-28-8, 88 points, 4th Central Division

Wolves Finals Record and Standings: 43-23-11, 95 points, 1st Central Division

Head-To-Head: Even, 6-6-0

IceHogs Regular Season Goals For vs Chicago: 38

Wolves Regular Season Goals For vs Rockford: 44

Rockford Final Ten Games: 7-3-0

Chicago Final Ten Games: 6-2-2

Rockford Powerplay: 15.6% (25th in AHL)

Chicago Powerplay: 18.6% (9th in AHL)

Rockford Penalty-Kill: 77.4% (30th in AHL)

Chicago Penalty-Kill: 83.4% (12th in AHL)

Rockford Top Scorer: Anthony Louis, 44 Points (14G, 30A)

Chicago Top Scorer: Teemu Pulkkinen, 65 points (29G, 36A)

Rockford Top Goalie: Collin Delia, 17-7-4 (2.72 GAA, .900 Save-percentage)

Chicago Top Goalie: Kasimir Kaskisuo, 14-13-2 (2.33 GAA, .916 save-percentage)

What’s Next?

On Saturday, the IceHogs and Wolves will square off for the second time in the Calder Cup Playoffs since the 2007-08 season when Rockford joined the AHL. In the 2007-08 Playoffs, Rockford topped the Houston Aeros in round one before falling in seven games to Chicago in round two. Chicago would go on to defeat the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in the Calder Cup Final to secure their fourth Calder Cup.

Here is the full first-round schedule for Rockford and Chicago:

• Game One – at Chicago, Saturday, April 21 – 7pm
• Game Two – at Rockford, Sunday, April 22 – 4pm
• Game Three – at Chicago, Thursday, April 26 – 7pm
• Game Four * – at Rockford, Sunday, April 29 – 4pm (if necessary)
• Game Five * – at Chicago, Monday, April 30 – 7pm (if necessary)

Since joining the American Hockey League in 2007, the IceHogs have won two playoff series (2008 vs Houston, 2015 vs Texas) and return to the postseason this year after missing out last season. Only four players who played for Rockford during that 2014-15 playoff season (Tanner Kero, Robin Norell, Viktor Svedberg, and Carl Dahlstrom) remain on the current roster.

Since joining the American Hockey League in 2001, the Wolves have missed the Calder Cup Playoffs five times (2005-06, 2008-09, 2010-11, 2012-13, and 2015-16), but have two Calder Cup Titles in two trips to the Calder Cup Finals (2001-02, 2007-08).

The Illinois Lottery Cup rivalry spills over into the postseason, beginning on Saturday with a 7pm Central Time puck drop at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, IL.

The post IceHogs Fall To Wolves In Season Finale, Prepare For Round One Series appeared first on The Rink.

Friday: Chicago Wolves def. Rockford IceHogs , 6-4

Friday night saw Rockford turn to Jeff Glass in net as he took a 5-1-0 record over his last six games into the contest. The IceHogs begin the game with a bit of uneasy play. After starting with a 4-0 shots on goal favor, Rockford committed a few too many turnovers and untimely penalties and found themselves down 2-0 after the first period of play. A goal from Keegan Kolesar just over four minutes into the game and a 5-on-3 powerplay goal from Teemu Pulkkinen dug the IceHogs a hole after 20 minutes of play.

The second period wouldn’t be much different for Rockford as they earned a powerplay early in the period, but it was T.J. Tynan who would breakthrough and net a short-handed goal to give the Wolves a 3-0 lead early in the middle frame. It would figure that on Friday the 13th, the IceHogs would be victims to themselves mid-way through the game, having given up a powerplay goal, even-strength goal, and a short-handed goal in less than 30 minutes of work. It would take all the way until the final minute of the period for William Pelletier to bury a rebound goal behind Oscar Dansk and get Rockford on the board. Pelletier’s 14th of the season cut the Chicago lead to 3-1 heading into the final period.

Unfortunately, any momentum that Rockford amassed with Pelletier’s late second period goal was lost early in the third period as Teemu Pulkinen would bury his second goal of the game to make it 4-1 early in the third period. The Wolves would add a powerplay goal just over a minute later to make it a 5-1 game.

Rockford would respond with a goal on the man-advantage of their own, coming from Cody Franson as it would cut the Wolves lead to 5-2 with just over 15 minutes to play in the period. They would add another goal from Chris DiDomenico a few minutes later to make it a 5-3 game mid-way through the final frame. Rockford pushed their way back into the game and with the net empty, scored on a Gustav Forsling slap-shot to make it a 5-4 Chicago lead with just under two and a half minutes to play in the game.

Chris DiDomenico celebrates a goal against the Chicago Wolves. (Courtesy: Todd Reicher)

Coming back from being 5-1 down, Rockford had a huge momentum swing going in their favor for the first time in a serious way. But moments later, Glass made his way to the bench again, but the Wolves would find the back of the empty net to make it a 6-4 game and that’s how it would finish.

POSTGAME REACTION: Hear from Head Coach Jeremy Colliton after 6-4 loss to Chicago

Glass would make 24 saves on 29 shots faced on the night, Cody Franson would lead the IceHogs with a three-point night, but it wouldn’t be enough for an epic comeback win for Rockford in their final home game of the season. With the loss in regulation by Rockford, paired with a regulation loss by the Manitoba Moose against the Cleveland Monsters, the Chicago Wolves locked up back-to-back Central Division titles and the IceHogs were guaranteed the fourth-place finish in the Division, setting up a Chicago vs. Rockford first round matchup ion the Calder Cup Playoffs.

Rockford Names Team Award Winners

Prior to Friday night’s game, Rockford announced the winners of their team awards for the 2017-18 season.

Defenseman of the Year: Cody Franson

Cody Franson named the Rockford IceHogs defenseman of the year. (Courtesy: Todd Reicher)

Most Improved Player: Collin Delia

Collin Delia named the Rockford IceHogs most improved player of the year. (Courtesy: Todd Reicher)

Unsung Hero: William Pelletier

William Pelletier named Rockford IceHogs unsung player of the year. (Courtesy: Todd Reicher)

Rookie of the Year: Matthew Highmore

Matthew Highmore named the Rockford IceHogs rookie of the year. (Courtesy: Todd Reicher)

Most Valuable Player: Tyler Sikura

Tyler Sikura named the Rockford IceHogs 2017-18 MVP. (Courtesy: Todd Reicher)

What’s Next?

The regular season finale is Saturday night in Rosemont as the Wolves and IceHogs turn it around and square off at the All-State Arena for a 7pm Central time puck drop. As mentioned before, Rockford and Chicago will face each other in the Best-of-Five first round matchup in the Calder Cup Playoffs.

Here is the full first-round schedule for Rockford and Chicago:

• Game One – at Chicago, Saturday, April 21 – 7pm
• Game Two – at Rockford, Sunday, April 22 – 4pm
• Game Three – at Chicago, Thursday, April 26 – 7pm
• Game Four * – at Rockford, Sunday, April 29 – 4pm (if necessary)
• Game Five * – at Chicago, Monday, April 30 – 7pm (if necessary)

The Illinois Lottery Cup season series between the two teams also ends on Saturday in Chicago, with the IceHogs having the advantage 6-5-0 over their 11 meetings. If the Wolves are to win on Saturday, they hold the tiebreaker over the IceHogs and would win the rivalry Cup.

This is fun, isn’t it?

The post IceHogs Fall To Wolves, Calder Cup Playoff First Round Set appeared first on The Rink.

Last season, the IceHogs finished last in the Division and missed out on the Calder Cup Playoffs, resulting in major staff and roster changes. The hard work all season by Rockford and first-year head coach Jeremy Colliton has paid off with a postseason berth and potential home-ice advantage still up for grabs.

Tuesday: Rockford IceHogs def. Iowa Wild, 5-3

Tuesday night saw Rockford roll into Des Moines, Iowa, to take on the Wild in the fourth game of a four-game road trip. Rockford needed just 1 point to clinch a spot in the Calder Cup Playoffs and turned to red-hot goaltender Collin Delia to backstop them against Iowa. Delia came into Tuesday’s game with a 9-0-2 record over his last 11 appearances and is 16-6-4 on the season.

Rockford got on the board early with a deflection goal from Henrik Samulesson just over three minutes into the game. Samuelsson’s ninth of the year put Rockford in the driver seat early, but it would not last long as the Wild would tie the game 1-1 just under six minutes later. Kyle Rau would add a second goal for the Wild in the first period four minutes later and Iowa would take a 2-1 lead into the second period over the IceHogs.

In the second period, Rockford would yet again score within the opening five minutes as Anthony Louis notched his 13th goal of the season to tie the game at 2-2. Louis’ tally would put him into a tie for the team-lead in points (42) with Matthew Highmore. With momentum on their side, the IceHogs re-took the lead just four minutes later as Cody Franson put the puck on net and it deflected off of a Wild defenseman and in for the 3-2 goal. Franson’s seventh goal of the season was enough to give the IceHogs the one-goal advantage heading into the final frame.

In the third period, the Wild would pull out all the stops to play the roll of spoiler to Rockford as they took just three and a half minutes to tie the game 3-3 on Rau’s second goal of the game. Collin Delia would make a number of high-level saves throughout the third period to keep the game knotted up late into the period. Finally, with under five minutes to go, Lance Bouma would bury his seventh goal of the season to give the IceHogs the 4-3 lead. The Wild would pull Niklas Svedberg with just over two minutes to play, and Rockford would get an insurance empty net goal from Franson with under a minute to play to seal the deal, 5-3 over the Wild and clinch the fourth and final Calder Cup Playoff spot in the Central Division.

Hear from head coach Jeremy Colltion after the IceHogs clinched a Calder Cup Playoff spot:

Delia made 20 saves on 23 shots faced and improved his undefeated in regulation streak to 12 games at 10-0-2, with wins in the last five contests in a row. Delia’s record improves to 17-6-4 with a 2.64 GAA and a .904 save-percentage. Riding the hot-hand in net may turn out to be the best bet for head coach Jeremy Colliton to make, but it will be difficult with three more than capable AHL level goalies on the roster along with Jeff Glass and J.F. Berube.

Rockford Back In The Postseason

This time last season, the IceHogs were welcoming in a number of players on PTO’s and ATO’s trying to see what the Chicago Blackhawks had deep in their organization as the NHL club began preparations for the Stanley Cup Playoffs and the AHL club was packing their bags ahead of a long off-season. With the last-place finish in the Central Division, the Blackhawks organization made a change in the IceHogs’ coaching staff, Relieving Ted Dent of his duties and bringing in a young head coach from the Swedish League in Jeremy Colliton. Not to mention, giving him a roster that would see more than a dozen players make their professional debuts.

Leading the IceHogs in net is a rookie in Collin Delia. Leading Rockford in scoring are two rookies in Matthew Highmore and Anthony Louis, both with 42 points on the year. Goal leaders are again two rookies in Highmore (23) and Tyler Sikura (22), making his mark in his first full season in the AHL. On the blue-line, rookies like Darren Raddysh and Luc Snuggerud have made impacts all season.

Although the roster began very, very young, over the course of the season the IceHogs would make a number of additions through trades and through call-ups and assignments that would add a major amount of veteran leadership. Players like Cody Franson, Lance Bouma, Andreas Martinsen, Chris DiDomenico, and Adam Clendening all joined Rockford at different points in the season, but have all been major players in the success of the club late in the year. Add in players like Henrik Samuelsson and John Hayden and the IceHogs roster has the right mix of veteran presence with rookies finding their way, and size and speed to go along with the vision of Colliton to be difficult to play against based on speed, skill, size, and work ethic. Rockford looks to be peaking at the right time as they charge into the Calder Cup Playoffs.

What’s Next?

The IceHogs are back in action on Friday night as they begin a home-and-home two-game series to end the regular season against the Chicago Wolves. The final two games of the season have major implications on the final seeding in the Central Division and could have a big impact on who Rockford will face in the opening round of the Calder Cup Playoffs.

Friday night’s game is scheduled for a 7pm Central Time puck drop at the BMO Harris Bank Center in Rockford, while Saturday is set to go down at 7pm Central Time at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont. For the IceHogs, the Calder Cup Playoffs are clinched, but there is still work to be done

The post The Rockford IceHogs Clinch Spot In Calder Cup Playoffs appeared first on The Rink.

IceHogs Can Clinch Calder Cup Playoff Spot In Iowa

This season has been a breath of fresh air for the IceHogs after last season’s disappointment that saw the eventual departure of head coach Ted Dent and give way to the tenure of Jeremy Colliton in his first year coaching in North America. Colliton stressed early in the season that the mentality of his team would be that they would be hard to play against, not just physically, but that they would out-work their opponents. With the mixture of additions and departures this season, Rockford’s roster has shaped nearly perfectly in to the vision and style of play that Colliton wanted to instill. Now they find themselves with a Calder Cup Playoff clinching magic number down to one.

On Tuesday, the IceHogs take on the Iowa Wild, a team that has been in a terrible slump at the worst time of the season. Not long ago, the Wild were right in the middle of Calder Cup Playoff contention in the Central Division. But after a 20-game stretch since the end of February that saw them go 5-9-6, they are now officially out of the race and trying to play the role of spoiler. This season, Rockford holds a 6-4-1 record over Iowa and has won their last two meetings in March.

Rockford enters Tuesday night’s game off of a regulation loss to the Texas Stars that saw the IceHogs hold a 3-1 lead in the third period but fall 4-3 in a game that could have clinched them a spot in the Calder Cup Playoffs on Saturday night. But not all of their momentum was lost in that game against the Stars as Rockford, since the beginning of March, has an 11-3-2 record and have scored three or more goals in eight of their last ten games. Needless to say, the IceHogs have been happy with their play as of late.

Send In The Calvary

Heading into Tuesday night’s game against the Wild, the IceHogs welcomed back six players from the Chicago Blackhawks as the NHL season came to a close. On Sunday afternoon, the Blackhawks sent down six players to Rockford ahead of the final three regular season games in the AHL season. Victor Ejdsell, Andreas Martinsen, John Hayden, David Kampf, J.F.Berube, and Jeff Glass were all recalled to Rockford and are expected in the lineup for Tuesday night’s contest.

Glass and Berube present one of the more interesting lineup decisions that head coach Jeremy Colliton will have to make. Already having Matt Tomkins and Collin Delia, Rockford adds two more goaltenders that are more than capable of starting in the AHL. While Delia and Glass have seen the most action with Rockford this season, Berube’s numbers while in net have been the most impressive in his 15 appearances this season. Berube posts a 2.37 GAA and a .920 save-percentage, both better than Delia (2.62 GAA, .905 save%) and Glass (2.73 GAA, .907 save%) but having fewer games in net. It will be interesting to see how the goalies end up rotating over the last three regular season games for Rockford.

With the re-additions of Kampf, Martinsen, Hayden, and Ejdsell, the IceHogs get an extra order of beef back in their lineup. While Hayden and Ejdsell haven’t spent the most time with the club, expect them to make their way into the lineup moving forward. The same should go for Kampf, even though he has not played with the IceHogs since being recalled to the Blackhawks way back in late December.

With the influx of players returning, the lineup moving forward is going to have a good amount of changes to it. Tough decisions lie ahead for Colliton, who said on Monday that having the kind of depth that Rockford’s lineup now possesses is a good thing,

Monday, April 9th Media Day Audio

On Monday, the IceHogs held a practice in Rockford before loading the bus and heading West to Iowa. Prior to that, head coach Jeremy Colliton, John Hayden, Tyler Sikura, and Andreas Martinsen spoke to the media about the upcoming game against the Wild, the mentality and make-up of the team heading into a potential Calder Cup Playoff run, and addressing the tragedy in Humboldt, Saskatchewan and how they are helping the families affected.

Jeremy Colliton: 

John Hayden: 

Tyler Sikura:

Andreas Martinsen: 

What’s Next?

The IceHogs return to action on Tuesday night with a spot in the Calder Cup Playoffs on the line as they travel to Iowa to take on the Iowa Wild. Puck drop for Tuesday night’s game is scheduled for 7pm Central Time in Des Moines. After Tuesday, the IceHogs have just two games remaining on the regular season schedule, both against the Chicago Wolves. In what could be an appetizer to a potential Calder Cup Playoffs mathcup, the Wolves and IceHogs will play back-to-back, home and home games on Friday and Saturday night. Friday night in Rockford is set for a 7pm Central Time puck drop and the same is set for Saturday night’s season finale in Rosemont.

The post IceHogs On The Verge Of Clinching Calder Cup Playoff Spot appeared first on The Rink.

With the win, Rockford has notched wins in 14 of their last 19 games, they have at least one point in 16 of their last 19 games, have a six-game win streak going, and goaltender Collin Delia has a 9-0-2 record over his last 11 starts with a four-game win streak of his own.

Friday: Rockford IceHogs def. Texas Stars, 3-2 (SO)

With Delia in net, the IceHogs opened the game against the Stars with a quick pace, though scoring chances were low for both sides early on. It would take until just over three minutes remained in the opening period for the scoreless tie to be broken by the Stars. A perfect screen in front of Delia allowed for Brett Regner‘s shot to find the back of the net for his ninth goal of the season, giving the Stars the 1-0 lead.

That lead would last into the second period where the IceHogs started to mount more pressure, leading up to the game-tying goal coming from Tyler Sikura just about nine minutes into the middle frame. Sikura’s 20th goal of the season coming on the powerplay was enough to level the game through two periods.

HIGHLIGHTS: IceHogs def. Stars, 3-2 (SO)

In the third period, the IceHogs would get a second powerplay opportunity early and would capitalize yet again. Chris DiDomenico was able to use traffic in front of Landon Bow and bury his 13th goal of the season, seventh with Rockford since being acquired via trade. With his powerplay tally, DiDomenico extended his point-streak to ten games with 14 points (5G, 9 A) over that span. He has 21 points (7G, 14A) in 18 games since joining the IceHogs this season. Rockford’s lead would stay at 2-1 into the dying moments of regulation, but with their net empty, the Stars were able to find an equalizing goal from Gavin Bayreuther with just over a minute to play.

With no winner in the overtime period, the game would head to a shootout. After Travis Morin gave the Stars the advantage after three shooters, Cody Franson was able to find the back of the net and force a sudden death shootout situation. DiDomenico and Justin Dowling would both fail to score in the fourth round, and after Denis Gurianov wasn’t able to capitalize on his shot in the fifth round, the IceHogs turned to defenseman Viktor Svedberg. Svedberg went with a powerful slap-shot from just a few feet from Bow and was able to score the shootout winner and give the IceHogs a big two points in the standings, yet again.

Central Division Playoff Race

Also in action on Friday night, the Manitoba Moose defeated the Bakersfield Condors, the Iowa Wild defeated the Chicago Wolves, and the Tucson Road Runners defeated the Grand Rapids Griffins, all in regulation. With those results, paired with the IceHogs win over the Stars, here are the Central Division standings heading into Saturday (games remaining):

1. Manitoba Moose – 40-24-8, 88 pts (4)
2. Chicago Wolves – 38-22-11, 87 pts (5)
3. Grand Rapids Griffins – 39-25-8, 86 pts (4)
4. Rockford IceHogs – 39-25-8, 86 pts (4)
5. Milwaukee Admirals – 37-29-5, 79 pts (5)
6. Iowa Wild – 31-26-15, 77 pts (4)
7. Cleveland Monsters – 24-38-10, 58 pts (4)

Heading into the final week of the season, first place and fourth place in the Division is separated by just two points and home-ice advantage is up for grabs. While the Wild and Admirals are still alive in the Calder Cup Playoff race, it looks as just a matter of time before the top four teams are all clinched into the playoffs.

What’s Next?

The IceHogs and Stars go back at it again on Saturday night in Cedar Park. Puck drop for Saturday’s game is set for 7 pm Central time. After that, Rockford head to Iowa to take on the Wild on Tuesday night. Puck drop for Tuesday’s contest is scheduled for 7 pm Central time at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines.

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Wednesday: Rockford IceHogs def. San Antonio Rampage, 4-2

Wednesday night started off on the right foot for the IceHogs. With Collin Delia making his return to Rockford and his return to the starting position, the IceHogs were able to get on the board first early in the opening period. Matthew Highmore was able to bury a drop pass from Tanner Kero for the game’s first goal. Leading 1-0 on Highmore’s team-leading 23rd goal of the season, Rockford’s advantage was quickly erased as the Rampage were able to get a game-tying goal less than two minutes later. It would be another two minutes and the Rampage would find themselves up 2-1 on the IceHogs at the mid-way point of the period.

Rockford, quickly on their heels, were able to crawl back into the game and get an equalizing goal late in the first period. Anthony Louis floated a puck towards San Antonio’s goalie Spencer Martin, but it was difficult to handle and Lance Bouma was able to be at the right spot at the right time and scored the 2-2 goal on the fumbled puck. Bouma’s sixth goal of the season with Rockford and the teams would head to the dressing room tied 2-2 after the opening 20 minutes.

The IceHogs wouldn’t take long to break the 2-2 tie in the second period as William Pelletier was able to control a breakout pass from Highmore and bury the 3-2 goal while short-handed. Pelletier’s 12th goal of the season gave Rockford the lead just under four minutes into the middle frame. Delia would get some help in the second and third periods from his goal posts, but was able to save all 10 shots he faced in the period and Rockford would hold onto their 3-2 lead heading into the final 20 minutes.

HIGHLIGHTS: Rockford IceHogs def. San Antonio Rampage, 4-2

In the third period, the game began to tighten up as both the IceHogs and Rampage were looking to stay alive in the Calder Cup Playoff race, putting the game in to a playoff-type feel. Delia would again be called on to keep Rockford’s lead intact and he answered the bell, saving all nine shots he faced in the period as Rockford was able to put home an empty-net goal with less than a minute to play. Pelletier would out-race the Rampage defense late in the game and tally his second goal of the game and give the IceHogs a 4-2 win to open a four-game road-trip and extend their winning streak to five-games.

Delia made 24 saves on 26 shots faced in his return to the Rockford roster and improved his record to 15-6-4 on the season and 8-0-2 over his last 10 appearances. William Pelletier notched his 12th and 13th goals of the season, Highmore extended his team-lead in goals and tied Louis for the team-lead in points with 40 on the season. Additionally, Lance Bouma extended his point-streak to three games, Chris DiDomenico extended his point-streak to nine games and has 13 points (4G, 9A) over that time. All good things for a team that is fighting off two teams for the fourth and final Calder Cup Playoff spot in the Central Division.

Calder Cup Playoff Race

After Wednesday night, here’s the AHL Central Division Calder Cup Playoff Race (games remaining):

1. Chicago Wolves – 38-21-11, 87 pts, .621 pts% (6)
2. Manitoba Moose – 39-24-8, 86 pts, .606 pts% (5)
3. Grand Rapids Griffins – 39-24-8, 86 pts, .606 pts% (5)
4. Rockford IceHogs – 38-25-8, 84 pts, .592 pts% (5)
5. Milwaukee Admirals – 37-29-5, 79 pts, .556 pts% (5)
6. Iowa Wild – 30-26-15, 75 pts, .528 pts% (5)
7. Cleveland Monsters – 23-38-10, 56 pts, .394 pts% (5)

Over their last ten games, the IceHogs are 8-1-1 and since the beginning of March, hold a 10-2-2 record. Compared to the last ten of the Admirals (6-4-0) and the Wild (1-8-1), Rockford might be peaking at the right time to seal a Calder Cup Playoff spot within the next few days. Once that happens, it becomes a pick’em of who will be their opponent with the Wolves, Moose, and Griffins so close in the top three of the division.

What’s Next?

The IceHogs are back in action on Friday as they prepare for back-to-back contests against the Texas Stars in Cedar Park, Texas. Friday night’s game is slated for a 7:30 pm Central Time puck drop and then again on Saturday night for a 7 pm Central time puck drop. Rockford closes their four-game road trip on Tuesday with a Central Division matchup against the Iowa Wild in Iowa. Tuesday night’s puck drop is set for 7 pm Central Time.

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IceHogs On The Verge Of Clinching Calder Cup Playoff Spot

Heading into Tuesday night’s action, the IceHogs sit in fourth place in the Central Division, four points back of the three-way tie at the top of the Division between the Chicago Wolves, Manitoba Moose, and Grand Rapids Griffins. Being on one of the best runs in the Division since the beginning of March, 9-2-2 over 13 games, Rockford’s magic number sits at eight heading into the Admirals vs. Wolves and Wild vs. Monsters games on Tuesday night.

While losses by the Wild and Admirals don’t eliminate them fully, they will be in the deepest hole of the Calder Cup Playoff grind that they have faced all season. Pairing the play the IceHogs have produced with the current ten-game stretches for Iowa (2-7-1) and Milwaukee (5-5-0), the gap may be insurmountable for a final push in the last two weeks of the season. But nothing is impossible.

The Rockford IceHogs (left to right, Gustav Forsling, William Pelletier, Tanner Kero, Anthony Louis, Darren Raddysh) before taking on the Cleveland Monsters. (Courtesy: Todd Reicher)

For Rockford, the task ahead starts on Wednesday night in San Antonio as they face the Rampage, who are also pushing for a playoff spot in the Pacific Division themselves. After that, Rockford stays in Texas as they take on the Texas Stars for back-to-back games on Friday and Saturday at the H-E-B Center at Cedar Park. The Stars are in the same spot as the IceHogs, holding onto the fourth and final playoff spot in the Pacific Division with a .031 percentage-point lead over the Stockton Heat and .036 percentage-point lead over the San Antonio Rampage.

Clendening Named Player Of The Week

One of the driving forces in the Rockford push to the Calder Cup Playoffs has come from the blue-line with defenseman Adam Clendening, in his return to Rockford, having one of the highest point-per-game ratio’s on the team since joining the IceHogs in January. With 28 points (4G, 24A) in 32 games, Clendening has been one of the most productive players for the IceHogs since mid-January and has helped propel them into the comfortable spot in the Calder Cup Playoff push that they are in.

Adam Clendening takes a shot. (Courtesy: Todd Reicher)

The AHL named Clendening the AHL/CCM Player of the Week after a seven-point (2G, 5A) stretch over three games, all three wins for Rockford, to close the month of March. Clendening can add the player of the week award to his record-breaking return to Rockford as he set the all-time franchise AHL record for points and assists by a defenseman earlier this year.

Delia Returns To Rockford, Jeff Glass Recalled To Chicago

Another big boost for the IceHogs this season has been in net. Jeff Glass and Collin Delia have been giving Rockford a chance to win, night in and night out all season. Delia has been on one of the hottest streaks in the league since January, going 13-4-4 since the beginning of the New Year, including no regulation losses since February 9. Delia earned his first NHL call up to the Chicago Blackhawks on March 28, making his NHL debut in an unexpected start on March 29 against the Winnipeg Jets.

Collin Delia of the Rockford IceHogs. (Courtesy: Todd Reicher)

His return is a huge boost to the IceHogs, but comes with Jeff Glass getting recalled to the Blackhawks in his place. Glass won both games he started after Delia was recalled, and has gone 5-4-0 since returning to Rockford in February from his own first NHL call up.

Jeff Glass makes a glove save against the Milwaukee Admirals. (Courtesy: Todd Reicher)

With Glass being recalled, the IceHogs will go with Delia and J.F. Berube in net for the next week before the NHL season comes to a close and Glass is eligible to return to Rockford for what seems to be a Calder Cup Playoff run. It will be an interesting situation for head coach Jeremy Colliton to navigate as he has rotated goalies pretty evenly all season with Glass getting 27 starts, Delia having 24 starts, and Berube having 15 starts with the IceHogs.

What’s Next?

There are only six games remaining for the IceHogs, five of which are on the road. Coming up for Rockford is a four-game road trip that starts on Wednesday night in San Antonio against the Rampage. Puck drop for Wednesday’s game is set for 7pm Central Time. After Wednesday’s contest, the IceHogs take on the Texas Stars for back-to-back games in Cedar Park Texas on Friday and Saturday. Friday’s puck drop is set for 7:30 pm Central time, with Saturday’s game set for a 7pm Central Time puck drop.

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With eight games remaining this season, four of which are against Divisional opponents, the IceHogs find themselves on the cusp of locking down a Calder Cup Playoff spot. But, will the ever-changing roster that Rockford is experiencing hinder their chances?

Central Division Standings

Heading into Wednesday night’s action, here are the Central Division standings (Games remaining):

1. Manitoba Moose – 39-21-8, 86 pts, .632 pts% (8)
2. Chicago Wolves – 37-21-9, 83 pts, .619 pts% (9)
3. Grand Rapids Griffins – 36-24-8, 80 pts, .588 pts% (8)
4. Rockford IceHogs – 35-25-8, 78 pts, .574 pts% (8)
5. Iowa Wild – 30-22-15, 75 pts, .560 pts% (9)
6. Milwaukee Admirals – 34-28-5, 73 pts, .545 pts% (9)
7. Cleveland Monsters – 21-35-10, 52 pts, .394 pts% (10)

IceHogs Playoff Push Coming To Fruition

As Rockford stared down the barrel of the AHL Central Division heading into a 10-game stretch against inter-Division opponents, they were teetering on the brink of falling out of the playoff race, sitting in sixth-place behind the Milwaukee Admirals, Iowa Wild, and Grand Rapids Griffins. Through nine of those games, Rockford has a 6-1-2 record and has jumped from sixth to fourth-place in the Division and currently holds a three-point lead over the Wild for the final Calder Cup Playoff spot, with Iowa having played just one fewer game than Rockford.

There are a few players who have factored majorly in the playoff push that the IceHogs have put together. In net, Collin Delia and Jeff Glass have been a solid one-two punch that is able to give Rockford a chance to win every night. Since January 6, Delia has a sizzling 13-2-4 record after starting the season 1-4-0 in the AHL. As for Glass, since he returned from his stint with the Blackhawks in February, he has gone 3-4-0 with a 1.99 GAA over his last four games (3-1-0). Both goalies give the IceHogs a shot to win moving into the final two and a half weeks of the season.

Collin Delia makes a save against the Chicago Wolves. (Courtesy: Todd Reicher)

On the blue-line, there is no telling where this Rockford squad would be down the stretch without the contributions of Cody Franson and Adam Clendening. Both joining the team later in the season (Franson by assignment, Clendening by trade), they have provided a huge amount of experience to a young IceHogs locker room and have been driving the production from the blue-line as of late. Clendening has 29 points (3G, 26A) this season, 24 of which have come in his 30 games with Rockford this year. For Franson, although he imagined himself as a full-time Chicago Blackhawk this season, he has taken the leadership role with Rockford and provided a big boost on defense. 20 points (6G, 14A) in 30 games played with Rockford this season, Franson ranks third on the current roster for point per game (.67) and is fourth on the active roster in points for defensemen, having played a fraction of the games.

Finally, up front for the IceHogs has been a mixture of  full-season efforts and a few mid-season finds that have pushed Rockford offensively. Anthony Louis and Tyler Sikura have been major drivers of the IceHogs offense with Louis leading the team with 38 points (12G, 26A), and Sikura not far behind in third on the active roster with 32 points (18G, 14A) and second in goals behind Matthew Highmore’s 21. Add in Lance Bouma and Chris DiDomenico, two players who joined the IceHogs around the NHL trade deadline, and Rockford’s offense has been buzzing over their last ten games, averaging 3.1 goals per contest. Bouma has nine points in his 12 games with Rockford this year and since joining the IceHogs in late February, DiDomenico has 16 points (5G, 11A) in 14 games this year.

For a team that has endured a myriad of changes this season, having those players involved in the changes be able to produce at the levels they have has been a key to the successful run that Rockford has put together.

Roster Moves

Speaking of roster changes, there have been quite a few to catch-up on over the last two weeks. Here are a few of note since the 10-game stretch against the Central Division began:

• March 10 – Matheson Iacopelli returned from assignment to the Indy Fuel (ECHL)
• March 10 – John Hayden recalled by the Chicago Blackhawks
• March 20 – Andreas Martinsen recalled by the Chicago Blackhawks
• March 21 – Victor Ejdsell assigned to Rockford IceHogs from HV71 (SHL)
• March 23 – Joni Tuulola signed PTO
• March 25 – Victor Ejdsell recalled by the Chicago Blackhawks
• March 26 – Matthew Highmore returned from recall to the Chicago Blackhawks
• March 27 – Matt Tomkins recalled from the Indy Fuel (ECHL)

Matthew Highmore of the Rockford IceHogs. (Courtesy: Todd Reicher)

The final roster move coming in response to the Blackhawks also placed goaltender J.F. Berube on waivers on Tuesday morning. The loses of Martinsen, Hayden, and the newly acquired Ejdsell would have potentially crippled a lesser squad. But this is not the old IceHogs. Rockford has been able to answer the bell all season, and with the Blackhawks season in flux for most of the time, Rockford has been able to keep pace and now find the right time to get hot and make their moves in the Calder Cup Playoff race.

The re-addition of Matthew Highmore from his 13-game stint with the Blackhawks may be the biggest return they could have at this point in the season. Highmore leads the team in goals with 21, a rookie record for the IceHogs as an AHL organization, and was the team-leader in points when he was recalled with 35 points (21G, 14A) in 56 games.

What’s Next?

The IceHogs return to action tomorrow night (Wednesday, March 28) when they take on the Manitoba Moose for the second of tow games between the teams in Manitoba. On MOnday, Rockford defeated the Moose, 4-2 with a 32-save performance from Delia and multi-point games from Clendening, DiDomenico, and Sikura. Wednesday’s puck drop is scheduled for 7pm Central Time. After Wednesday’s game, the IceHogs return home to close the month of March with a Saturday night contest against the San Jose Barracuda. The second of two meetings between the teams this season, Rockford defeated the Barracuda earlier this year on the road with a 4-2 win in January. Puck drop for Saturday night’s game at the BMO Harris Bank Center in Rockford is set for 6pm Central Time.

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Friday: Grand Rapids Griffins def. Rockford IceHogs, 4-3 (OT)

Friday’s game saw Collin Delia get the start in net for Rockford. One of the hottest goaltenders in the league over the last few weeks, Delia rode a personal six-game point streak (5-0-1) into Grand Rapids and looked to keep that form and keep the IceHogs moving forward, rather upwards, in the Central Division against the Griffins.

Grand Rapids would have other ideas though as they were able to get on the board first in the opening period with a rebound goal from Matthew Ford late in the period. Ford’s second effort goal was his 22nd of the year and gave the Griffins the advantage after the first 20 minutes of action. Grand Rapids would add to their lead in the second period with a powerplay goal from Matt Lorito just three and a half minutes into the second period. Lorito was able to control a loose puck in front of net and buried his 20th of the season, while taking a high stick, to give the Griffins a 2-0 lead.

The IceHogs would be able to claw their way back into the game with a pair of goals from veteran defenseman Viktor Svedberg. The first of Svedberg’s two goals came late in the second period as he ripped a slap shot from the blue-line. Andreas Martinsen provided the screen in front of Griffins goaltender Tom McCullom and the IceHogs were on the board. Svedberg’s second of the night came at the mid-way point of the third period as he was able to throw the puck on net and, thanks to a handful of screens in front of McCullom, was able to put it home for his fifth goal of the season. Rockford used Svedberg’s double to knot the game up 2-2, but it wouldn’t last long as just about two minutes later, on the powerplay, Ben Street was able to redirect a puck in front of net and give the Griffins the lead once again, 3-2.

Late in the third period, with Delia pulled from net, Rockford’s Luke Johnson was able to play hero as he tipped a shot from Cody Franson to tie the game at 3-3 with just 40 seconds to play. Johnson’s tip was his 12th goal of the season and was enough to earn the IceHogs at least a point in their fifth-straight game. It would also mark the fourth game in a row that Rockford would need either the overtime period or a shootout to find a result. Just short of four minutes into the extra frame, Grand Rapids was able to find the winner thanks to Eric Tangradi. Delia played a puck behind his net that was just out of reach for Anthony Louis and Tangradi was able to control the loose puck and find the back of the net from the sot to give the Griffins the 4-3 win in overtime.

Griffins def. IceHogs: Game Highlights

Delia made 18 saves on 22 shots faced, and although he didn’t get the victory, he was good enough to continue his personal point-steak to seven games at 5-0-2, and has a record of 11-2-4 since January 6. While the IceHogs dropped behind the Griffins after Friday’s loss by a point, it was still a spirited effort to not go down easy and earn a point themselves heading into Saturday’s St. Patrick’s Day contest against the Chicago Wolves.

Saturday: Rockford IceHogs def. Chicago Wolves, 3-2

On Saturday, the IceHogs continued their tour of the AHL Central Division as they squared off against the Chicago Wolves. Jeff Glass would get the start in net for Rockford, coming off of a win over the Wolves just six days prior.

Another slow start had Rockford playing catch-up as just over four minutes into the game, former IceHog Brandon Pirri opened the scoring on a one-timer for his 25th goal of the season. Pirri now has five goals and two assists in eight games against the IceHogs this season and put Chicago ahead after one period, 1-0.

In the second period, Rockford was able to pull even on the powerplay. Matheson Iacopelli, a few games into he return from a short stint with the ECHL Indy Fuel, buried a wrist shot from the high-slot to give the IceHogs the equalizing goal. Iacopelli’s 10th of the season late in the second period was enough to keep it a tie game into the third period at 1-1

In the third period, Rockford was able to strike twice in just over two minutes. The first goal coming just over four minutes into the final frame, with Chicago on the powerplay. In one of the more fluky plays of the season, the Wolves lost control of the puck in the Rockford zone and Tyler Sikura gave chase to the loose puck into the Wolves’ zone, Oscar Dansk charged from his net to play the loose puck but couldn’t control it and Sikura was able to put it into the empty net for the short-handed goal. Sikura’s 17th goal of the season gave the IceHogs the 2-1 lead early in the period, and just over two minutes later, Anthony Louis extended that lead to 3-1. Chris DiDomenico found Louis open in the slot and Louis was able to roof his 12th goal of the season to put Rockford in comfortable position. It wouldn’t stay that comfortable for too long as the Wolves cut the lead to 3-2 with a goal from Paul Thompson just two minutes after the Louis goal. But from there, Glass was able to shut the door and give the IceHogs a 3-2 win.

IceHogs def. Wolves: Game Highlights

For Glass, it marks his first wins in consecutive starts since Dec. 22-23 when he won back-to-back starts against the Wolves and Griffins. With the win, Glass improves his record to 12-7-2 on the season. Also with the win, importantly coming in regulation, Rockford finds themselves in the middle of a .066 percentage-points difference in the AHL Central Division separating the second-place Wolves and sixth-place Milwaukee Admirals, as of Sunday.

Calder Cup Playoff Race

Here are the AHL Central Division Standings, heading into Sunday’s action (games remaining):

1. Manitoba Moose – 38-18-8, 84 pts, .656 pts% (12)
2. Chicago Wolves – 33-20-9, 75 pts, .605 pts% (14)
3. Iowa Wild – 30-18-14, 74 pts, .597 pts% (14)
4. Grand Rapids Griffins – 33-24-7, 73 pts, .570 pts% (12)
5. Rockford IceHogs – 32-24-8, 72 pts, .563 pts% (12)
6. Milwaukee Admirals – 32-27-5, 69 pts, .539 pts% (12)
7. Cleveland Monsters – 21-32-8, 50 pts, .410 pts% (15)

With 12 games remaining, Rockford plays their next five games against Division opponents. Currently through five games of a ten-game stretch against teams in the Central Division this month, the IceHogs are 3-0-2, and 4-0-2 over their last six games in March. All points are important at this time of the year, but Rockford continues to control its own Calder Cup Playoff destiny with a dozen games remaining.

IceHogs Sign Maksimovich

On Sunday, the Rockford IceHogs announced that the team has signed forward Kyle Maksimovich to an Amateur Tryout Agreement. Maksimovich has played the last four seasons in the Ontario Hockey League with the Erie Otters and tallied 66 points (31G, 35A) in 65 games this season.

Over his four seasons with the Otters, Maksimovich has skated in 253 regular season games with 225 points (80G, 145A) and also has 55 OHL playoff games under his belt with 32 points (13G, 19A).

He was a part of the 2016-17 Erie Otters team that won the OHL Championship and were runners-up in the 2017 Memorial Cup. Maksimovich joins former Otters teammates Darren Raddysh with the IceHogs and Alex DeBrincat with the Blackhawks as part of the Chicago Blackhawks organization.

At 5-9, 175-pounds, Maksimovich is another under-sized prospect that the Blackhawks organization is giving a shot. From Dominic Tiano of The OHL Writers on Maksimovich:

Despite the size, he has no fear of going into the corners to battle, nor does he shy away from going to the net.  He also plays with a high level of energy and hard to contain.

At least at this level, Maksimovich overcomes his size with his speed and smarts.  He has the ability to expose defences with his creativity and passing.  When he gets into a position to shoot, it’s usually on target and with a purpose.

Maksimovich’s defensive game continues to be  a work in progress, but he’s coming along.  He’s getting into shooting and passing lands, blocks shots and kills penalties.

An undrafted player in the 2016 and 2017 NHL Entry Drafts, Maksimovich played in the Toronto Maple Leafs prospect camp this summer and served at the Otters Captain in 2017-18. He will wear No. 14 for the IceHogs.

What’s Next?

Rockford is back in action with a rare Monday night contest, concluding a three-game road trip. The IceHogs are in Iowa Monday night as they take on the Central Division third-place Iowa Wild. Puck drop is scheduled for 7pm Central Time on Monday night in Des Moines. After that, Rockford is off until a Friday-Saturday, back-to-back home slate against the Milwaukee Admirals and Chicago Wolves. Friday night against the Admirals is set for a 7pm Central Time puck drop, while Saturday’s game against the Wolves is set for a 6pm Central Time puck drop, with both games at the BMO Harris Bank Center.

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IceHogs In The Driver’s Seat

Coming into Saturday’s action, the IceHogs sit in fifth-place in the Central Division with a record of 29-24-6, 64 points, and a .542 points-percentage. Rockford holds a tie-break over the Milwaukee Admirals in sixth-place, .035 percentage-points behind the Iowa Wild in fourth-place, and .043 behind the third-place Grand Rapids Griffins.

A blessing for the IceHogs is that the weekend ahead could make huge moves for them in the standings with road games against the Admirals on Saturday and against the Chicago Wolves on Sunday. Two regulation wins over the weekend could drastically alter the Central Division chase for the Calder Cup Playoffs.

The mountain to climb for Rockford lies in the fact that of the 17 games remaining, 13 come against Central Division opponents. and 9 of those games are on the road. 7 of the next 10 games are all on the road against Central Division opponents for Rockford, making this stretch of March the make or break. Any lull in form for the IceHogs could doom their post-season dreams.

Reinforcements In The Lineup?

With the Chicago Blackhawks all but mathematically eliminated from the Stanley Cup Playoffs, a number of usual IceHogs roster players have made moves up to the NHL to give the Blackhawks a taste of what they can bring to the team at the highest level. Players like Matthew Highmore, Erik Gustafsson, and J.F. Berube have been given extended looks late in the season and have taken away a bit from the Rockford production. Not taking away anything from the players who have taken over the reigns in their absences, but having those players would be better than not in a playoff push.

Luckily for Rockford, a few reinforcements are on their way to the roster. On March 7, the IceHogs signed defenseman Nolan Valleau to a Professional Tryout Agreement. Valleau played in 108 previous AHL games with the IceHogs during the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons. Over those 108 games, Valleau tallied 20 points (4G, 16A) and was a minus-11.

This season, Valleau played the majority of the year with the Orlando Solar Bears of the ECHL, skating in 37 games with 30 points (8G, 22A), 10 PIM, and a plus-3 rating. He also skated in 7 games with the Chicago Wolves on a PTO before being released and signing with the IceHogs.

Also returning to the Rockford blue-line is defenseman Carl Dahlstrom, who was re-assigned on March 9. This season with the IceHogs, Dahlstrom has skated in 47 games with 23 points (3G, 20A) and was named an AHL All-Star after replacing teammate Erik Gustafsson.

In his tenure with the Blackhawks this year, Dahlstrom skated in 11 games with three assists and a was a minus-2. Dahlstrom figures to slot right back into the Rockford defensive lineup, but it will be interesting to see who will have to sit in his place.

With players like Cody Franson, Adam Clendening, Gustav Forsling, and Luc Snuggerud driving the IceHogs from the blue-line, Dahlstrom will more than likely force head coach Jeremy Colliton’s hand in sitting either rookie Darren Raddysh or veteran Viktor Svedberg.

Also keep an eye on the end of the NCAA season for a couple Blackhawks draftees as they too could sign PTO’s before season’s end. Last season, the IceHogs added players like Snuggerud, Matheson Iacopelli, and Anthony Louis once their NCAA careers came to an end. This season, look out for players like Liam Coughlin, Dennis Gilbert, Blake Hillman, Fredrik Olofsson, or Beau Starrett to potentially sign deals once their seasons come to an end.

What’s Next?

The IceHogs travel to take on the Milwaukee Admirals on Saturday at the Panther Arena. Puck drop for Saturday’s game is scheduled for 6pm Central Time. After Saturday’s action, Rockford travels to Rosemont to take on the Chicago Wolves at the Allstate Arena. Sunday’s puck drop is set for 3pm Central time.

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