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.

Friday: Grand Rapids Griffins def. Rockford IceHogs, 4-3 (OT)

Friday’s game saw Collin Delia get the start in net for Rockford. One of the hottest goaltenders in the league over the last few weeks, Delia rode a personal six-game point streak (5-0-1) into Grand Rapids and looked to keep that form and keep the IceHogs moving forward, rather upwards, in the Central Division against the Griffins.

Grand Rapids would have other ideas though as they were able to get on the board first in the opening period with a rebound goal from Matthew Ford late in the period. Ford’s second effort goal was his 22nd of the year and gave the Griffins the advantage after the first 20 minutes of action. Grand Rapids would add to their lead in the second period with a powerplay goal from Matt Lorito just three and a half minutes into the second period. Lorito was able to control a loose puck in front of net and buried his 20th of the season, while taking a high stick, to give the Griffins a 2-0 lead.

The IceHogs would be able to claw their way back into the game with a pair of goals from veteran defenseman Viktor Svedberg. The first of Svedberg’s two goals came late in the second period as he ripped a slap shot from the blue-line. Andreas Martinsen provided the screen in front of Griffins goaltender Tom McCullom and the IceHogs were on the board. Svedberg’s second of the night came at the mid-way point of the third period as he was able to throw the puck on net and, thanks to a handful of screens in front of McCullom, was able to put it home for his fifth goal of the season. Rockford used Svedberg’s double to knot the game up 2-2, but it wouldn’t last long as just about two minutes later, on the powerplay, Ben Street was able to redirect a puck in front of net and give the Griffins the lead once again, 3-2.

Late in the third period, with Delia pulled from net, Rockford’s Luke Johnson was able to play hero as he tipped a shot from Cody Franson to tie the game at 3-3 with just 40 seconds to play. Johnson’s tip was his 12th goal of the season and was enough to earn the IceHogs at least a point in their fifth-straight game. It would also mark the fourth game in a row that Rockford would need either the overtime period or a shootout to find a result. Just short of four minutes into the extra frame, Grand Rapids was able to find the winner thanks to Eric Tangradi. Delia played a puck behind his net that was just out of reach for Anthony Louis and Tangradi was able to control the loose puck and find the back of the net from the sot to give the Griffins the 4-3 win in overtime.

Griffins def. IceHogs: Game Highlights

Delia made 18 saves on 22 shots faced, and although he didn’t get the victory, he was good enough to continue his personal point-steak to seven games at 5-0-2, and has a record of 11-2-4 since January 6. While the IceHogs dropped behind the Griffins after Friday’s loss by a point, it was still a spirited effort to not go down easy and earn a point themselves heading into Saturday’s St. Patrick’s Day contest against the Chicago Wolves.

Saturday: Rockford IceHogs def. Chicago Wolves, 3-2

On Saturday, the IceHogs continued their tour of the AHL Central Division as they squared off against the Chicago Wolves. Jeff Glass would get the start in net for Rockford, coming off of a win over the Wolves just six days prior.

Another slow start had Rockford playing catch-up as just over four minutes into the game, former IceHog Brandon Pirri opened the scoring on a one-timer for his 25th goal of the season. Pirri now has five goals and two assists in eight games against the IceHogs this season and put Chicago ahead after one period, 1-0.

In the second period, Rockford was able to pull even on the powerplay. Matheson Iacopelli, a few games into he return from a short stint with the ECHL Indy Fuel, buried a wrist shot from the high-slot to give the IceHogs the equalizing goal. Iacopelli’s 10th of the season late in the second period was enough to keep it a tie game into the third period at 1-1

In the third period, Rockford was able to strike twice in just over two minutes. The first goal coming just over four minutes into the final frame, with Chicago on the powerplay. In one of the more fluky plays of the season, the Wolves lost control of the puck in the Rockford zone and Tyler Sikura gave chase to the loose puck into the Wolves’ zone, Oscar Dansk charged from his net to play the loose puck but couldn’t control it and Sikura was able to put it into the empty net for the short-handed goal. Sikura’s 17th goal of the season gave the IceHogs the 2-1 lead early in the period, and just over two minutes later, Anthony Louis extended that lead to 3-1. Chris DiDomenico found Louis open in the slot and Louis was able to roof his 12th goal of the season to put Rockford in comfortable position. It wouldn’t stay that comfortable for too long as the Wolves cut the lead to 3-2 with a goal from Paul Thompson just two minutes after the Louis goal. But from there, Glass was able to shut the door and give the IceHogs a 3-2 win.

IceHogs def. Wolves: Game Highlights

For Glass, it marks his first wins in consecutive starts since Dec. 22-23 when he won back-to-back starts against the Wolves and Griffins. With the win, Glass improves his record to 12-7-2 on the season. Also with the win, importantly coming in regulation, Rockford finds themselves in the middle of a .066 percentage-points difference in the AHL Central Division separating the second-place Wolves and sixth-place Milwaukee Admirals, as of Sunday.

Calder Cup Playoff Race

Here are the AHL Central Division Standings, heading into Sunday’s action (games remaining):

1. Manitoba Moose – 38-18-8, 84 pts, .656 pts% (12)
2. Chicago Wolves – 33-20-9, 75 pts, .605 pts% (14)
3. Iowa Wild – 30-18-14, 74 pts, .597 pts% (14)
4. Grand Rapids Griffins – 33-24-7, 73 pts, .570 pts% (12)
5. Rockford IceHogs – 32-24-8, 72 pts, .563 pts% (12)
6. Milwaukee Admirals – 32-27-5, 69 pts, .539 pts% (12)
7. Cleveland Monsters – 21-32-8, 50 pts, .410 pts% (15)

With 12 games remaining, Rockford plays their next five games against Division opponents. Currently through five games of a ten-game stretch against teams in the Central Division this month, the IceHogs are 3-0-2, and 4-0-2 over their last six games in March. All points are important at this time of the year, but Rockford continues to control its own Calder Cup Playoff destiny with a dozen games remaining.

IceHogs Sign Maksimovich

On Sunday, the Rockford IceHogs announced that the team has signed forward Kyle Maksimovich to an Amateur Tryout Agreement. Maksimovich has played the last four seasons in the Ontario Hockey League with the Erie Otters and tallied 66 points (31G, 35A) in 65 games this season.

Over his four seasons with the Otters, Maksimovich has skated in 253 regular season games with 225 points (80G, 145A) and also has 55 OHL playoff games under his belt with 32 points (13G, 19A).

He was a part of the 2016-17 Erie Otters team that won the OHL Championship and were runners-up in the 2017 Memorial Cup. Maksimovich joins former Otters teammates Darren Raddysh with the IceHogs and Alex DeBrincat with the Blackhawks as part of the Chicago Blackhawks organization.

At 5-9, 175-pounds, Maksimovich is another under-sized prospect that the Blackhawks organization is giving a shot. From Dominic Tiano of The OHL Writers on Maksimovich:

Despite the size, he has no fear of going into the corners to battle, nor does he shy away from going to the net.  He also plays with a high level of energy and hard to contain.

At least at this level, Maksimovich overcomes his size with his speed and smarts.  He has the ability to expose defences with his creativity and passing.  When he gets into a position to shoot, it’s usually on target and with a purpose.

Maksimovich’s defensive game continues to be  a work in progress, but he’s coming along.  He’s getting into shooting and passing lands, blocks shots and kills penalties.

An undrafted player in the 2016 and 2017 NHL Entry Drafts, Maksimovich played in the Toronto Maple Leafs prospect camp this summer and served at the Otters Captain in 2017-18. He will wear No. 14 for the IceHogs.

What’s Next?

Rockford is back in action with a rare Monday night contest, concluding a three-game road trip. The IceHogs are in Iowa Monday night as they take on the Central Division third-place Iowa Wild. Puck drop is scheduled for 7pm Central Time on Monday night in Des Moines. After that, Rockford is off until a Friday-Saturday, back-to-back home slate against the Milwaukee Admirals and Chicago Wolves. Friday night against the Admirals is set for a 7pm Central Time puck drop, while Saturday’s game against the Wolves is set for a 6pm Central Time puck drop, with both games at the BMO Harris Bank Center.

The post IceHogs Continue Point-Streak, Close Gap In Central Division appeared first on The Rink.

Friday: Rockford IceHogs def. Chicago Wolves, 3-2 (ot)

It took just 41 seconds for the score sheet to get populated as the IceHogs took the early lead on a backhand goal from Alexandre Fortin. His second goal of the season, Fortin broke down the middle of the ice and out-muscled two Chicago defenders to control the puck and put it past Max Lagace.

The IceHogs and Wolves seemed to trade-off scoring chances through the rest of the period until Rockford was called for a delayed penalty. With the goalie pulled, the Wolves were able to tie the game at 1-1 before the penalty was called. Brandon Pirri was able to bang a rebound behind Jeff Glass and the teams headed to the locker rooms knotted at 1-1.

The IceHogs opened the second period with a handful of high-quality chances but couldn’t find the back of the net. It wasn’t until the midway point of the period that the Wolves broke the tie on a Tobias Lindberg breakaway goal, setup by Chris Casto blocking a Viktor Svedberg slapshot. Any momentum the IceHogs had built early in the game slowly faded as the second period went on and the teams would head into the third period, 2-1 Chicago.

Needing a response in the third period, the IceHogs went back to their playbook with what worked earlier in the game: score fast. Just 39 seconds into the period, Tomas Jurco put a shot on net that Lagace saved with a big rebound that David Kampf put home. His sixth goal of the year and the IceHogs tied it up 2-2 early on.

There would be no breakthrough the rest of the period, although both teams continued to generate high quality chances. Lagace made a huge save on a Matthew Highmore wraparound attempt midway through the period, but the game would need overtime.

In the extra period, the IceHogs would control most of the puck possession and with less than a minute left, Highmore found Darren Raddysh on the doorstep to give Rockford the 3-2 win in overtime. Jeff Glass made 23 saves on 25 shots faced to earn his ninth win of the season.

Of note in Friday night’s contest, the IceHogs used two unconventional powerplay units to try to spark the AHL’s worst powerplay. Unit one composed of five forwards: Anthony Louis, David Kampf, Tomas Jurco, Matthew Highmore, and Tanner Kero. The second powerplay unit used a two forwards and three defenseman look with Carl Dahlstrom, Ville Pokka, and Robin Norell controlling the puck near the blue line from point-to-point.

It was an admirable attempt to jump-start the powerplay for Rockford by head coach Jeremy Colliton, but it went unsuccessful against the Wolves in three attempts. Since their four powerplay-goal game on Oct. 28 against the Griffins, the IceHogs have scored four powerplay goals total.

Post-Game Audio: 

Jeremy Colliton:

Andreas Martinsen:

Darren Raddysh:

Saturday: Rockford IceHogs def. Grand Rapids Griffins, 3-2 (so)

Looking to continue their success against the defending Calder Cup Champion Griffins, the IceHogs got on the board first in the second period as David Kampf netted his seventh goal of the year off an Anthony Louis rebound. Kampf’s second goal of the weekend gave the IceHogs the 1-0 lead midway through the middle frame. The lead wouldn’t last long though as the Griffins got on the board with a goal from Matt Lorito to tie it up 1-1 just over a minute later.

The teams would enter the third period tied 1-1 and it would remain that way until five and a half minutes into the period as Tomas Jurco gave the IceHogs the lead back at 2-1. Jurco’s tenth goal of the year and third point of the weekend, he now leads Rockford in scoring for active roster players with 21 points (10G, 11A) in 29 games played.

Rockford held the 2-1 lead late into the third period, but on the final rush of the game with a powerplay and the net empty, Matthew Ford tipped in a controversial goal past Jeff Glass to tie the game at 2-2 with just 1.7 seconds left on the clock. It’s the second time in the last five games that the IceHogs allowed a game-winning or tying goal in the final seconds of a game.

The teams would head to overtime, tied at 2-2 and even with the extra five minutes, the teams couldn’t find the winning goal, so for the third time in six meetings this season, the Griffins and IceHogs would go to a shootout.

Glass would hold off the Griffins first three shooters while Jurco, Highmore, and Kampf were all stopped by Jared Coreau. It would take Rockford’s fourth shooter, Viktor Svedberg to break the tie. Svedberg ripped a slap shot by Coreau to give the IceHogs the advantage. Jeff Glass would then stop Vili Saarijarvi to give Rockford the 3-2 shootout win and remain a perfect 6-0-0 against the Griffins this year. Glass made 31 saves on 33 shots to earn his tenth win of the year, improving his record to 10-4-2, with a 2.60 GAA and .917 save percentage.

Highlights

Post-Game: Jeremy Colliton

With the back-to-back wins over the weekend, the IceHogs improve to 17-11-2, with 36 points in the standings and a .600 points percentage, good enough for second place in the AHL’s Central Division. The IceHogs trail the Manitoba Moose in the Division by 13 points as the Moose have yet to lose in regulation over their last 16 games (15-0-1).

What’s Next?

The IceHogs are off over the Holiday break, but return to action to close out the 2017 calendar year with three games in three days starting on Thursday, Dec. 28. On Thursday, the IceHogs travel to Iowa to take on the Wild before turning around and hosting the Wild on Friday night back in Rockford. Finally, the 2017 calendar year ends for Rockford as they travel to Chicago to take on the Wolves in a Saturday night Illinois Lottery Cup rivalry game. All three games are slated for 7pm CT puck drops.

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