Rockford IceHogs Beat Local Rival Chicago Wolves

Last Sunday, the Rockford IceHogs (the top affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks) hosted the Chicago Wolves. The IceHogs were in first place, while the Wolves were a few points behind them. This would be exciting and intense. On a cold afternoon, there was no place I would rather be.

Over 6,400 fans filled the BMO Harris Bank Center. The Standing Room Only crowd was revved up before the game even started. Plenty of Chicagoans usually make the short trek to Rockford to enjoy the IceHogs, but with the Wolves in town, there was some good-natured divided loyalties.

Seven minutes into the game, Dennis Rasmussen put the IceHogs up 1-0. The score remained 1-0 until about a minute into the second period, when Teuvo Teravainen scored. Within two minutes, Ville Pokka and Mark McNeill also scored. The Wolves switched goaltenders at this point.

The Wolves scored twice in the third period, but the game was really never in doubt. The IceHogs looked a step quicker than the Wolves all game long. IceHogs goalie Scott Darling stopped 33 of the 35 shots he faced.

The IceHogs had six penalties, as compared to the four for the Wolves. While I would like to see the IceHogs reduce their penalties, they did well on their penalty kills. The IceHogs actually had a short-handed goal, as well.

Teravainen, with one goal and two assists, was the #1 star of the game. It is easy to see why he is highly touted. He will definitely help the Blackhawks in the future.

Adam Clendening was named the #2 star, based on his two assists. The #3 star was Peter Regin, who had a goal and an assist. I also have to give credit to Scott Darling, who was excellent in goal.

What a great game! What a great time!

I love hockey. I love seeing the Blackhawks of tomorrow making names for themselves in Rockford. I love everything about the Rockford experience.

On a side note, Jason Fleigel, my assistant at the game, suggested we eat at The Stone Eagle. This is just another reason why he is my guy. The turkey burger at The Stone Eagle might have been the best one I have ever eaten.

Returning to the hockey scene, it was awesome seeing a mix of IceHogs jerseys, Wolves jerseys and Blackhawks jerseys. I even saw a California Golden Seals jersey, but that is a whole different story (with a lot of questions). It was a virtual jersey rainbow. The SRO crowd was rowdy and fun. This is a pretty intense rivalry, yet I only saw fun trash-talking from the crowd.

With 33 games played, a bit less than half of the season is over, as the IceHogs head into 2015. They have two games left this year, but will finish out 2014 in first place.

I look for an exciting second half of the season from the IceHogs. They have hit a few bumps in the first half, including a recent four game losing streak, but they always have bounced back strong. There is a lot of talent on this team, which is good news for their fans and also the fans of the Blackhawks. The future looks bright all around.

I appreciate the IceHogs organization for their hospitality and consideration. They run a top notch organization. I am enjoying these games more every time. I can’t wait to return to Rockford.