On the Beat with the Rockford IceHogs

Last Sunday, the Chicago Bears were playing a big game against the New England Patriots. The World Series was in full swing. It was a beautiful fall day. I was right where I wanted to be, enjoying an afternoon of hockey, courtesy of the Rockford IceHogs, the top minor league affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks.

My connection with Rockford started when I attended a Chicago Rush game there a couple years ago. The staffers at the BMO Harris Bank Arena were very friendly and invited me back to see the Rockford IceHogs hockey team play. Being that I love hockey and am always up for a new experience, I accepted the offer and attended an IceHogs game when their season started. I was hooked before the first period ended. I came back several times and wished I could have been there more.

We attended our first game last Sunday. The IceHogs were 3-2-0-1 and facing the Lake Erie Monsters, affiliate of the Colorado Avalanche, who were 2-3-0-1.

A good portion of the crowd came in costumes, in a pre-Halloween celebration. Much of the rest of the crowd wore jerseys of the IceHogs or Blackhawks. The several thousand people there were certainly in the mood for a good time.

The IceHogs did their best to keep the fans happy. They jumped out to a 2-0 lead. Unfortunately, the Monsters eventually tied the game at 2. Early in the third period, Matt Carey scored to put the IceHogs ahead. Two more goals (one an empty-netter) gave the IceHogs a 5-2 win.

The game was quick, fast-paced and relatively clean. It was a really fun game and the fans were into it from beginning to end. Before the game was over, we were already trying to pick a date for our next game. IceHogs hockey is addictive!

I like to say that the IceHogs of today are the Blackhawks of tomorrow. You can get a glimpse into the future of the Hawks by watching the IceHogs. Still, even without the Hawks connection, the hockey in Rockford is an attraction in itself.

Rockford is an easy hour west of Chicago. It is almost easier to get to an IceHogs game than to a Hawks game. We stayed and enjoyed Rockford for the whole weekend, but you could easily make it a round trip in one evening. Either way is a winner.

Rockford has a lot to offer, from museums to outdoors activities. They also have great restaurants and lively bars. You can’t beat the prices, the hospitality or the convenience. You certainly cannot beat the hockey!

I plan on attending several IceHogs games this season. When not in attendance, I will follow them online. I will be reporting back here on the highlights as the season progresses. I hope you follow along and I hope you take my advice and check out the IceHogs for yourself!