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Rockford IceHogs

Key Divisional Swing Begins on Friday

January 30, 2015 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Rockford IceHogs News Release


Rockford, Ill. - After a few days of well-deserved rest, the American Hockey League's Rockford IceHogs (25-13-4-2) embark on a pivotal five-game stretch against the two teams gunning for their spot atop the Midwest Division. The first test of the divisional gauntlet comes Friday night as the Chicago Wolves (21-17-4-1) visit the BMO Harris Bank Center for the first leg of a weekend Illinois Lottery Cup series.

The first 2,500 fans through the gates prior to Friday's 7 p.m. face-off will receive a free IceHogs phone cover, courtesy of BMO Harris Bank. Additionally, guests 21-and-over can enjoy another Blues Flame Lounge Pre-Game Party, where they can take advantage of free appetizers, drink specials and live music from the Whodoo Rhythm Kings. Doors open at 5:15 p.m. for the pre-game party and 6 p.m. for general admission.

Limited tickets remain for the interstate matchup, and are available in person at the BMO Harris Bank Center box office or any Ticketmaster location, as well as over the phone at 815-968-5222 and online at IceHogs.com. Those unable to attend can catch the action locally on 23.2 Antenna TV and on the Web at AHLLive.com. Television coverage kicks off at 6:30 p.m. with the IceHogs Warm Up pre-game show.

After heading into the AHL's All-Star break with inter-divisional victories against the Iowa Wild and Utica Comets, Rockford is preparing to see a lot of their closest rivals in the coming weeks. Friday's game marks the beginning of the second Illinois Lottery Cup doubleheader between the IceHogs and Wolves in the last three weeks, one that wraps up Saturday night at Allstate Arena. Upon leaving Rosemont, the IceHogs have three straight tilts on the docket against the streaking Milwaukee Admirals, who entered the break winners of nine straight.

The IceHogs' five-game stand within the Midwest is shaping up to be key in a divisional race that gets tighter every week. Rockford still holds the top spot with 56 points, but the red-hot Admirals have whittled their lead down to just three points heading into Friday's action. The Grand Rapids Griffins and the Wolves lurk close behind, with 48 and 47 points respectively.

While most of the IceHogs have been away from the rink since last Saturday's 3-0 shutout win over Utica, a pair of players are fresh off of a sterling performance at the AHL All-Star Classic on Monday night.

Defenseman T.J. Brennan and center Mark McNeill were both catalysts for the Western Conference's 14-12 victory over the East in the league's mid-season showcase in Utica, N.Y. - the highest scoring game in the 60-year history of the event. Brennan led all skaters with five points (1g-4a), while McNeill was one of the four skaters to record a hat trick in the contest.

Chicago's lone representative, forward Ty Rattie, chipped in with a goal and three assists.

With the short All-Star break behind them, the IceHogs have a chance to clinch their second Illinois Lottery Cup title this weekend. With four game remaining against the Wolves, Rockford only needs three standings points to steal the trophy away from their crosstown rival. However, they will have to do so without the services of defenseman Adam Clendening, who was traded by the Chicago Blackhawks late Thursday night to the Vancouver Canucks for 18-year-old defenseman Gustav Forsling. Clendening was in his third season in Rockford, and leaves after putting up 118 points (22g-96a) in 185 career games. The 22-year-old was named a first-team AHL All-Star in 2013-14, and is third place all-time in franchise history among defenseman.

The Wolves suffered a two-game road sweep to the Texas Stars in their last game action, but were 4-1 winners in their last trip to Rockford, back on Jan. 19. Chicago is paced offensively by center Pat Cannone, who shows 31 points (9g-22) on the season and has found the scoresheet in eight of his last ten games (3g-8a). Forward Shane Harper - who leads his team with five points (3g-2a) against the IceHogs - has collected five goals and three assists over his last seven games.

Goaltender Jordan Binnington has started five straight games for the St. Louis Blues affiliate, posting a 2-2-1 record, a .912 save percentage and a 2.57 goals against average.

Next Home Game: Saturday Feb. 7 vs. Milwaukee Admirals. Puck drops at 7 p.m. The IceHogs pay homage to their all-time leading scorer when they return to the BMO for Jeremy Morin Bobblehead Night against the Admirals. The first 2,500 fans will receive a bobblehead of the former IceHog, courtesy of Dental Dimensions.

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