AHL Rockford IceHogs

IceHogs Wrap up Home Stand against the Wolves

Published on January 29, 2016 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Rockford IceHogs News Release


Rockford, Ill. - The Central Division-leading Rockford IceHogs (26-10-2-4) face off against the Chicago Wolves (20-18-1-2) for an Illinois Lottery Cup game at 7 p.m. at the BMO Harris Bank Center. Tonight's contest is the first in a home-and-home weekend series before the AHL All-Star break.

Fans will be able to enter the BMO starting at 6 p.m., an hour before the puck drops. The first 2,500 fans through the doors will receive an IceHogs sock monkey courtesy of Rock Valley Culligan.

Those 21-and-older can get their weekend started early at the BMO at the Blues Flame Lounge Pre-Game Party. Matthew Gregory Jones will be performing while guests enjoy free appetizers and drink specials. Fans with a game ticket must enter through the upper-concourse level entrance on Elm St. near the box office. Doors for the pre-game party open at 5:15 p.m. and only the first 150 will be permitted.

For tickets, purchase online at IceHogs.com, by phone (815) 968-5222, in person at the BMO?Harris Bank Center Box Office in downtown Rockford, or any Ticketmaster outlet, including Walmart.

The game will be broadcast live locally on WIFR's "Justice Network" on 23.3 starting with IceHogs Warm Up at 6:30 p.m., as well as Comcast Cable channel 434, Charter Cable channel 194 or Mediacom Channel 102 in the Rockford market, and online through AHLLive.com. Fans can also listen for free online at WXRX.com or by using the IceHogs mobile app. Follow along on Twitter (@goIceHogs) for live updates throughout the game.

Rockford comes in to tonight's matchup against Chicago after defeating the Charlotte Checkers 3-1 on Wednesday. The IceHogs currently have the upper hand in the Illinois Lottery Cup series with nine points versus Chicago's five points, while also holding a perfect home record (4-0-0-0) against the Wolves.

In order to come out victorious, the IceHogs will have to silence Wolves captain, Pat Cannone, who has netted 15 points (8g-7a) over the course of eight-straight games since Jan. 9. Earlier this season, he had a 10-game point streak to tie him for the second-longest in the AHL this season. Most recently, the forward has recorded two hat tricks in the Wolves last four outings. During the Wolves last game on Jan. 26 against the Wild, Cannone's three-goal night included the overtime game-winning goal, as well as an assist. The AHL All-Star is currently tied for sixth in the AHL for points (37), along with Brendan Ranford from the Texas Stars.

However, Rockford has significant scoring power of their own. Mark McNeill is in the midst of a point streak, recording four goals and four assists (8pts) in seven-straight games, tying the streak Jake Dowell had earlier this season from Dec. 2 to Dec. 18. Goaltender Michael Leighton is a force to be reckoned with between the pipes, ranking fourth in the AHL with a save percentage of .931. With Leighton in net, the IceHogs have outscored the Wolves 12-6 at home and 15-10 overall.

Next Home Game: Friday, Feb. 5 vs. Grand Rapids Griffins at 7 p.m. The IceHogs return from the AHL All Star break with the first game in a home-and-home weekend series against the Griffins. It's "White Out" night at the BMO Harris Bank Center as fans are encouraged to wear white while the first 2,500 fans through the doors will receive a white IceHogs t-shirt courtesy of Toyota.

Check out the Rockford IceHogs Statistics

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American Hockey League Stories from January 29, 2016


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