The article references Kubalik’s contract and the “out clause” that allows him to return to Europe if he does not make the Blackhawks out of training camp. This is similar to reported clauses in the entry-level contracts for former Blackhawks players Artemi Panarin and Dominik Kahun. According to the author, Kubalik has said he has no intention of exercising the clause if he does not make the opening night roster. This puts to rest any speculation that the organization would be forced to keep him in the NHL to avoid losing his services later this season. As a result, he would join the Rockford IceHogs.

Kubalik was acquired by the Blackhawks from the Los Angeles Kings on Jan. 24. He was a 2013 seventh round pick (191st overall) of the Kings, but has been playing in the Swiss National League. He led the league in scoring last season with 57 points (25 goals, 32 assists). Former NHL player Mark Arcobello and former Rockford IceHogs player Chris DiDomenico were also in the league’s top 10 scorers.

The 23-year-old left wing will continue his off-ice training this week with other Blackhawks prospects at the organization’s development camp.

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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.

The post Rockford IceHogs 2017-18 Season Review: Chris DiDomenico 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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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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IceHogs On Cusp Of Playoff Position

After getting a win over Central Division foe Wild in Iowa, 5-2 on Monday, Rockford has a 4-0-2 record over the last six games against teams in the Central, 5-0-2 over their last seven games, and 7-1-2 over their last ten games, the best last ten game stretch of any team in the Central Division.

Starting back on March 10, the IceHogs began a ten-game stretch against inter-division opponents and have, so far, earned ten of a possible twelve points. With a weekend two-game homestand against the Chicago Wolves and Milwaukee Admirals on deck, followed by back-to-back games against the Manitoba Moose in Manitoba the following weekend, Rockford hopes to keep their current form rolling and create space between them and the Admirals, as well as jump the Wild and/or the Grand Rapids Griffins in the standings.

Goaltending Leading The Way

Probably the biggest credit to helping Rockford’s push is the production in net from Jeff Glass and Collin Delia. Over his last three starts, Glass has come back around to the form he had earlier in the season that earned him his first career NHL recall to the Blackhawks. After returning to Rockford with three losses and giving up 13 goals over that time, Glass has gone 3-0-0 in his last three starts with a 1.65 GAA and a .943 save-percentage. After and overtime win against the Wolves on March 11, Glass said he was finally starting to feel like himself again, and his play is evident that he is  back where the IceHogs need him to be.

For Delia, his development this season has been an interesting story, much like the goaltending situation that the Blackhawks organization as a whole is experience, but in a good way. Delia began the year as a free-agent signing out of Merrimack College and was with the ECHL’s Indy Fuel. After 10 appearances with Indy, Delia was a less than desirable 1-7-2, with a 4.12 GAA and a .887 save-percentage. That’s when the Blackhawks and IceHogs experienced a number of injury woes that would force the hand and give Delia his opportunity in the AHL.

The shakes continued into the AHL for Delia when he began the year 1-4-0, but since January 6, Delia has turned a corner (with one hiccup game) and has gone 11-2-3 to round out his 12-6-3 record this season. His save percentage had dipped to as low as .822 in the AHL this season, but has recovered to .901 and his GAA has dropped to a more than respectable 2.70. Over the IceHogs’ seven-game point-streak, Delia is 1-0-2.

Roster Turnover A Non-Issue In Rockford

Not to be overlooked, the production that the IceHogs have continued to receive even with the Blackhawks making a plethora of roster moves that would otherwise cripple a contending team, has been tremendous. Players like Anthony Louis, Cody Franson, Chris DiDomenico, and Tyler Sikura have all been key to Rockford’s success in the final few weeks of the season.

DiDomenico has been a welcomed veteran presence in the locker room and has been a point-per-game player since joining the IceHogs in January. Sikura has enjoyed a career year in his first full-time AHL season, leading the active roster in goals with 17 (Matthew Highmore has 21 but currently is with Chicago) and eventually earning himself an NHL contract with the Blackhawks.

Speaking of Matthew Highmore, when he was recalled to the Blackhawks, it marked the second time this season that Rockford’s active leading scorer would leave the team for an NHL spot. Enter Anthony Louis. One of the more under-the-radar players on the team behind Highmore and Vince Hinostroza earlier in the year, Louis has taken the team-lead in points with 37 (12G, 25A) in 61 games played in his first full-time AHL season this year.

Finally, Cody Franson’s addition to the Rockford blue-line has been pretty much what anyone could have expected. Although he wasn’t expecting to be playing in the AHL this season, Franson has taken his role with the IceHogs in stride and has been a driving force in their current form. Over the last six games against the Central Division, Franson has seven points (1G, 6A) and has been a key force in all situation’s. With the potential for a number of IceHog call-ups to return as the Blackhawks season winds down with no playoffs in sight, Rockford’s roster can only improve from here.

Martinsen Makes Blackhawks Debut, IceHogs Add Ejdsell

With roster shake-ups on the mind, the two most recent moves that Rockford has made have involved some sizable players. On Tuesday morning, the Blackhawks recalled forward Andreas Martinsen on an emergency basis. Martinsen, a veteran of 119 NHL games with the Colorado Avalanche and Montreal Canadiens, he became the first Norwegian-born player to play for the Blackhawks in Tuesday night’s loss to the Avalanche. Martinsen’s 26 points (12G, 14A) with Rockford this season rank him tied for fourth on the team and he has been a leader in a young locker room ever since joining the organization late in the Summer prior to the start of the season. With his physical game and hard-nosed approach around the net, he could very well earn himself another deal with the Blackhawks once the season ends.

Victor Ejdsell for HV71 in the SHL. (Courtesy: Mikael Fritzon)

Another sizable player that will factor into the final stretch of the season for the IceHogs is newly acquired forward Victor Ejdsell. A part of the trade that sent Ryan Hartman to the Nashville Predators, Ejdsell has finished his season with HV71 in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) and will be joining the IceHogs to make his North American Pro debut.

The-Rink Video: Victor Ejdsell Highlights

At 6’5″, 215-pounds, Ejdsell can provide a big body for Rockford that is able to have a scoring touch. In 71 career SHL games, Ejdsell has 36 points, but 34 of those came in 50 games this season with HV71. He led the team in goals (20) and finished third on the team in points (34). He will have to have a bit of a learning curve on the smaller ice in North America, but all signs point in the right direction for the 22-year old Ejdsell.

Playoff Race

Here is the AHL Central Standings as of Wednesday, March 21 (games remaining):

1. Manitoba Moose – 38-19-8, 84 pts, .646 pts % (11)
2. Chicago Wolves – 35-20-9, 79 pts, .617 pts % (12)
3. Iowa Wild – 30-20-14, 74 pts, .578 pts % (12)
4. Grand Rapids Griffins – 34-24-7, 75 pts, .577 pts % (11)
5. Rockford IceHogs – 33-24-8, 74 pts, .569 pts % (11)
6. Milwaukee Admirals – 32-28-5, 69 pts, .531 pts % (11)
7. Cleveland Monsters – 21-33-9, 51 pts, .405 pts % (13)

IceHogs Media Day: March 21

Watch: Head Coach Jeremy Colliton

Watch: Anthony Louis

Watch: Jeff Glass

Watch: Viktor Svedberg

What’s Next?

Rockford returns to action on Friday night as they host the team directly below them in the AHL Central Standings, the Milwaukee Admirals. Puck drop is set for 7pm Central Time at the BMO Harris Bank Center in Rockford. Following that, the IceHogs host the Chicago Wolves, who sit in third place in the Central Division, on Saturday night in Rockford. Puck drop for Saturday’s Illinois Lottery Cup Rivalry game is scheduled for 6pm Central Time.

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Wednesday: Rockford IceHogs def. Texas Stars, 2-1

The IceHogs came out firing early in the first period, leading in shots on goal 9-2 at the midway point of the opening frame. Quality chances came from John Hayden and William Pelletier early, but the Stars starting getting shots on Collin Delia in tight late in the period. With just over five minutes to play in the opening period, the IceHogs capitalized on a powerplay chance as Cody Franson netted his third goal of the season to give Rockford the 1-0 lead at the end of the first period. Assists on the goal came from Chris DiDomenico and Adam Clendening. With the assist, Clendening became the IceHogs’ all-time leader in points and assists for a defenseman.

In the second period, the Stars came out with the momentum early but it was Delia making a number of high-danger saves to keep the Rockford 1-0 lead intact. Just over four minutes into the period, the IceHogs made it a 2-0 game as Luc Snuggerud would finish off a chance in-transition for his fourth goal of the season. It would remain that way until the Stars were able to get on the board just passed the 12-minute mark of the period. Greg Rallo was able to put in a rebound off a Sheldon Dries shot past Delia and the IceHogs lead would be cut in half and that is where the second period would end.

The third period began with Rockford having 19 seconds of a penalty kill, but they would kill it off to go two-for-two on penalty-kill at that point of the night. The third period would fly by as the teams both played a very tight, fast-paced period, but neither team had a high quality scoring chance. Late in the period, with their net empty, the Stars were called for too many men on the ice and the IceHogs were able to come away with the hard-fought 2-1 victory. Collin Delia was named first-star of the game, making 38 saves on 39 shots faced. Delia improved his record to 10-6-2 and is 9-2-2 in his last 13 starts.

With 13 of the final 19 games being played on the road, and 14 of the last 19 games being against AHL Central Division opponents, the IceHogs getting a two-point home win is a big momentum boost moving forward. At the conclusion of action on Wednesday night, the IceHogs trail the Iowa Wild for 4th place in the Central Division by just .039 point-percentage points. There’s still work to be done, but the playoffs are very much in-reach for Rockford.

Post-Game Audio

Head Coach Jeremy Colliton:

Forward Anthony Louis:

Forward John Hayden:

What’s Next?

The IceHogs return to action on Friday as they travel north to take on the Milwaukee Admirals. Puck drop against the Admirals is set for 7pm Central Time. Milwaukee currently sits in 6th place behind Rockford in the AHL Central Division at 26-24-5 (57 points, .518 point-percentage). After that, the they will host the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins on Saturday night back in Rockford. Last weekend, the IceHogs took a 4-3 overtime win over the Penguins in Pennsylvania. Puck drop for Saturday night’s game is set for 6pm Central Time at the BMO Harris Bank Center.

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DiDomenico Makes A Blackhawks Return, Fresh Start for Pokka

First, for Ville Pokka, a fresh start with the Senators organization might just be what his career needed. After being acquired by the Blackhawks ahead of the 2014-15 season, Pokka has still never made his NHL regular season debut. A handful of call-ups since joining the organization have amounted to zero NHL games, but Pokka has been a fixture for the Rockford IceHogs over that same timeframe. Pokka has skated in 266 games for the IceHogs, tallying 127 points along the way. With the Senators’ defensive group in-flux at the moment, Pokka could have the opportunity to make his way into the NHL roster before the season is over.

Chris DiDomenico will be making his second stint with the Blackhawks organization, although he is expected to report to the IceHogs right away. A former sixth-round pick by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, DiDomenico was traded to the Blackhawks in 2010 and played parts of the 2010-11 and 2011-12 season with the Rockford IceHogs and Toledo Walleye. Over that time period, DiDomenico played in 74 games and tallied 17 points with the IceHogs. He has 27 games of NHL experience, all with the Senators, and has 10 points. With the IceHogs having an overabundance of defenseman and a need for more veteran experience in the locker room, shedding Pokka and adding DiDomenico seems to be the right move for the organization.

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