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Rockford IceHogs

Sunday Showdown with the Stars

March 22, 2015 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Rockford IceHogs News Release


Rockford, Ill. - A night after earning their franchise-record eighth shutout of the season, the Rockford IceHogs (36-19-5-2) welcome another team against which they have enjoyed recent success when they host the Texas Stars (31-18-13-1) at the BMO Harris Bank Center at 4 p.m.

Rockford has knocked off the defending Calder Cup Champion Stars in seven straight meetings, dating back to the 2012-13 campaign when the IceHogs last lost to Texas on Jan. 21, 2013. So far this season the club is 3-0-0-0 against their West Division rivals after taking a double header in Texas Feb. 27 and 28.

The IceHogs will be sporting a new look today as they don specialty jerseys themed around autism awareness for the team's 16th annual Jersey Auction Night presented by Lou Bachrodt Auto Mall. The sweaters will be auctioned off out on the ice following the game, with proceeds going to various local charities, including this year's primary beneficiary - The Autism Program (TAP).

There will also be a blind silent auction behind section 122 for fans to partake in during the game. Items up for bid include a custom painted autism awareness goalie mask signed by Michael Leighton and Antti Raanta, custom painted, team-signed goalie sticks from Ronnie Espig and Hellion Design, Mark McNeill's game-worn and autographed AHL All-Star sweater, as well as the chance to customize any of the previous IceHogs specialty jerseys this year.

The first 2,500 fans through the games will receive one of three different IceHogs puzzles compliments of The Autism Program. One lucky fan will also have a chance to win a brand new 2015 Chevrolet Camaro SS courtesy of Lou Bachrodt Auto Mall. Fans will have the opportunity to enter their name at the U.S. Cellular Fan Zone leading up to puck drop. One name will be chosen at random to participate in an intermission game with a chance to take home the car.

For tickets to today's contest, call (815) 968-5222, visit icehogs.com or stop by the BMO Harris Bank Center Box Office or any Ticketmaster outlet. Those unable to make it to the BMO today can catch all the action on 23.2 Antenna TV, Comcast Cable channel 436, Charter channel 970, Mediacom 101 or online with AHL Live.

Rockford rolls into the matchup with the Stars on a hot stretch that has seen them pick up victories in three straight games and earn points in eight of their last nine (7-1-1-0). The Hogs have turned in stellar play on both sides of the ice during the streak, averaging 3.66 goals per game while only giving up 2.33.

Center Peter Regin has led the charge offensively as he shows points in seven straight games (2g-6a), including an assist in Rockford's 4-0 win last night.

Both of Rockford's netminders, Michael Leighton and Antti Raanta, have been up to the task when serving between the pipes. Raanta became the fourth different goaltender this season to pitch a shutout for the IceHogs with his perfect 26 save performance 24 hours ago. Meanwhile, Leighton ranks in the top 10 among all AHL backstoppers with a 2.19 goals against average (T-7th) and .923 save percentage (10th).

Next Home Game: Wednesday, March 25 vs. Lake Erie Monsters: Puck drop is at 7 p.m. The IceHogs finish off a season long four game homestand during another WXRX Dollar Day at the BMO. Fans can enjoy one dollar hot dogs, sodas, beers and companion tickets throughout the night.

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