IHL 2 Rockford IceHogs

Jackals rebound to knock off Rockford 3-2

Published on March 31, 2007 under International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Rockford IceHogs News Release


Rockford, Ill.- An eight game losing streak, getting eliminated from postseason contention after a blow out the night before and facing a team in which they were 0-5 against this season. The Rockford IceHogs clearly seemed to have the advantage on paper over the Elmira Jackals on Saturday night, but they don't play the games on paper. Elmira completed its comeback with a 3-2 shootout win over Rockford in front of 3,807 fans at the Rockford MetroCentre, all but dashing the Hogs aspirations of winning the Western Conference crown.

The Hogs carried a 2-1 lead into the third period, but were short-handed after a hooking penalty was called on winger Paul Brown. On the ensuing power play, winger Bobby Kukulka knocked in a pass from Eric Anderson at 4:26 to tie the contest. Rockford came up empty in the shootout while the Jackals received goals from David Morelli and Mike Oliveira to seal the win.

After a scoreless first half of the hockey game and a solid goaltending battle between Rockford's Jake Moreland and Elmira's Zach Sikich, the two clubs combined for three goals in just over a minute. Preston Mizzi got things started for Rockford when he fired home his team-leading 29th goal of the season at 10:57. The goal gave Mizzi 144 career points with the IceHogs, tying him with Mike Figliomeni for most points in Hogs history.

Elmira responded just :12 later. Oliveira one-timed a Yevgeny Lazarev pass past Moreland for his second marker of the season. But the IceHogs retook the lead :52 after Oliveira's goal. Defenseman Matt Gens beat Sikich short side at 12:01 for his eighth goal of the season.

Rockford outshot the Jackals 37-30 and the IceHogs went scoreless on the power play (0-5). Elmira tallied once on the power play on five opportunities.

Next Home Game: Wednesday, April 4 vs. Muskegon Fury. The puck is slated to drop at 7:30 p.m. The Hogs and Fury meet for the final time during the regular season as Rockford begins the final week of the season. Wednesday is another Dollar Day at the MetroCentre presented by the rock station 104.9 FM, WXRX. Fans can purchase regular size hot dogs, soft drinks, select candy items and peanuts for just $1.

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International Hockey League 2 Stories from March 31, 2007


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