AHL Rockford IceHogs

IceHogs Host Barons to Start Tough Home Weekend

March 6, 2015 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Rockford IceHogs News Release


Rockford, Ill. - Riding a three-game winning streak, the American Hockey League's Rockford IceHogs return home for perhaps their toughest task to date this season. The IceHogs (32-18-4-2) welcome the Western Conference-leading Oklahoma City Barons (34-16-3-3) to the BMO Harris Bank Center on Friday to begin a weekend set against the top two teams in the Western Conference. Face-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.

In addition to the marquee matchup, the IceHogs are celebrating youth hockey in the area during Rockford Hockey Club Night. The IceHogs will be wearing special Rockford Hockey Club uniforms, and a select number of which will be available on the concourse through a blind silent auction and jersey raffle. Those 21-and-older can arrive to the BMO early to enjoy another Blues Flame Lounge Pre-Game Party, beginning at 5:45 p.m.

A limited number of tickets remain for Friday night's contest, and are available in person at the BMO Harris Bank Center box office or at any Ticketmaster location, as well as on the phone by calling 815-968-5222 or visiting IceHogs.com. Those unable to attend the game can watch the action live on 23.2 Antenna TV or at AHLLive.com.

Entering Week 22 of the AHL season in a third-place tie with the Utica Comets in the Western Conference, the IceHogs get a chance to improve their standing as the two teams in front of them visit the BMO on consecutive nights. The first test for a Rockford team with 70 points comes with their fourth and final meeting with the top-ranked Barons, who sit only four points ahead. The IceHogs complete their weekend slate with a Saturday night showdown against the scorching Grand Rapids Griffins, who pace the Midwest Divison and are tied with Oklahoma City atop the West.

Taking home ice for the first time since Feb. 18, Rockford comes into the doubleheader with a full head of steam after grabbing a pair of road wins against the Texas Stars last weekend. After persevering to a 4-3 overtime win on Friday, the IceHogs staged a furious third period rally on Saturday, potting four goals in the final 12:10 of regulation time to turn a 3-2 deficit into a comfortable 6-3 win.

After Garret Ross knotted the game at three apiece, his linemate Phillip Danault took it upon himself to do the rest. Danault rattled off three straight goals to end the game, recording his first-career professional hat trick. The forward unit of Ross, Danault and Mark McNeill combined to score seven points (4g-3a) in Saturday's decisive third period, and a staggering 14 points (7g-7a) over the weekend.

Rockford was able to complete the weekend sweep on Saturday despite missing defenseman Klas Dahlbeck, who was traded by the Chicago Blackhawks along with a draft pick to the Arizona Coyotes for Antoine Vermette. Dahlbeck's departure came just two days after fellow stalwart defenseman T.J. Brennan was shipped to Toronto for forward Spencer Abbott.

The Barons, who have occupied the top spot in the West since mid-January, suddenly find themselves a middling 5-6-1-0 in their last 12 games, and sharing the conference lead with the Griffins. Oklahoma City comes to the Forest City hungry to recover from a 7-1 trouncing at the hands of Grand Rapids on Wednesday night - their most lopsided loss of the season.

Right Wing Andrew Miller provides the punch for the Baron's offense, leading his team in points (48), goals (21) and assists (27). The second-year forward has picked up points in three straight contests, and seven of his last eight games (5g-7a). On the back end, rookie goaltender Laurent Brossoit has made 10 straight starts in net, posting a 5-5-0 record, a .921 save percentage and a 2.38 goals against average across that stretch.

The last matchup between the IceHogs and Barons came at the BMO on Feb. 14, when Rockford came out on top 3-1 in the middle leg of a three-game weekend sweep. The IceHogs have a 1-1-1-0 record against the Edmonton Oilers affiliate this season, and can take the season series with a win in regulation on Friday.

Abbott, who joined the team from the Toronto Marlies this week, is expected to make his Rockford debut this weekend.

Next Home Game: Saturday, Mar. 7 vs. Grand Rapids Griffins. Face-off is at 7 p.m. Rockford finishes the weekend doubleheader in a key matchup with the Midwest Division leading Griffins. It's red-out night at the BMO?as fans are encouraged to wear red and the first 1,500 people into the building will receive a special commerative t-shirt compliments of Toyota. Following the game, all fans are invited onto the ice to participate in a postgame shootout for a chance to win pizza prizes courtesy of Papa John's.

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