Yep. Another brawl featuring the IceHogs and ridiculous jerseys.

Am I writing about another brawl featuring the Chicago Blackhawks‘ AHL team, the Rockford IceHogs?

Of course I am!

Last time, the IceHogs mixed it up with the Detroit Red Wings‘ affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins. This time, the IceHogs would take on the Vancouver Canucks‘ affiliate, the Chicago Wolves. It’s as if the IceHogs are more than willing to take on their parent club’s most deep-seated rivalries and make them their own.

Let’s go on to the video, shall we?

» Continue reading “Meanwhile, In Rosemont”

WHAT IS GOING ON

Are you worried that hockey has become too staid? Too gentlemanly? Too concerned with skill over grit? Overrun with soft Europeans who would rather score goals and skate really fast instead of drop the gloves?

Well, if this is you — thanks for reading my blog, Don Cherry. Also, never fear: old-time hockey is alive and well, thriving in Rockford, Illinois (unlike many of its citizens).

The Rockford IceHogs and the Grand Rapids Griffins don’t like each other very much. It’s not just a forced rivalry between the farm team of the Chicago Blackhawks and the farm team of the Detroit Red Wings — there is a genuine, burning hatred between these two teams that leaks from every pore of every player that steps on the ice every time these two teams are forced to play each other.

That hatred boiled over during Saturday night’s game, resulting in the following videos.

» Continue reading “Meanwhile, In Rockford”

Linemates Ben Smith and Brandon Saad await the drop of the puck. (Photo credit: Kim Wrona)

After the Christmas break, week 12 held two home games for the IceHogs against divisional opponents. The beginning of week 13 also held an important divisional game as the Hogs battled for sole possession of first place.

» Continue reading “IceHogs Tuesday: Mixed End To 2012″

Keep telling yourself that, Shawzer…

Sadly, the NHL lockout denied the Blackhawks an opportunity to attempt to top the Blackhawks Holiday Album from last year.

However, in Rockford, the IceHogs are trying their best by destroying “12 Days Of Christmas.” Check out the video after the jump.

» Continue reading “On The Farm: The IceHogs Butcher A Christmas Carol”

Make it rain, Kyle Beach. Make it rain. (Photo Credit: Kim Wrona)

Week nine was filled with Midwest Division opponents for the Rockford IceHogs.  Fortunately for the IceHogs, two of the games were on home ice.  The Hogs also looked to extend their three game winning streak.

» Continue reading “IceHogs Tuesday: Week Nine Was Not So Fine”

Brandon Saad and Jeremy Morin were on the scoresheet a lot in week 7. (Photo Credit: Kim Wrona)

Even with Thanksgiving, the IceHogs were busy during the holiday week. Wednesday featured a home contest against a Midwest Division rival and then the weekend brought a road trip to Ohio to face the Monsters.

» Continue reading “IceHogs Tuesday: 3 Game Winning Streaks Are Nice”

Actually, let’s be honest. This was the last time Lebda was ever relevant. (Photo: Michael Righi/flickr)

On The Farm provides news from the Chicago Blackhawks‘ farm teams: the Rockford IceHogs and Toledo Walleye.

The Rockford IceHogs signed Brett Lebda to a Professional Try Out contract today to round out their training camp roster.

While Lebda, a native of Buffalo Grove, would probably like you to remember him as a former Stanley Cup champion with the Detroit Red Wings, it’s more likely that you remember his disastrous stint as a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs. My favorite “Lebda being Lebda” moment was when the Maple Leafs beat the holy hell out of the Atlanta Thrashers 9-3 — but he somehow managed to still be a minus-3 on the night.

He then signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets earlier this year — mostly because the Blue Jackets had, like, two healthy defensemen left at that point.

It’s safe to say that Lebda won’t make it anywhere near the Blackhawks even after the lockout, but if he can crack the IceHogs’ roster and provide some veteran leadership, more power to him.

» Continue reading “On The Farm: Lebda Still Relevant, Kind Of”

Saad is among the 26 prospects assigned to the IceHogs.(Photo: Mel/flickr)

Ahead of the lockout, the Blackhawks have assigned 26 players to their AHL affiliate, the Rockford IceHogs. The list follows after the jump.

» Continue reading “Blackhawks Send 26 To Rockford”

The Blackhawks announced yesterday via the IceHogs that they have renewed their affiliation with the ECHL’s T0ledo Walleye for two more years. The 2012-2013 season will be the fourth season of the affiliation, which has seen players such as Peter LeBlanc and Rob Flick suit up for both teams.

The Walleye are owned by Toledo Arena Sports, Inc., which is presided over by GM Joe Napoli. They also operate a Triple-A team, the Toledo Mud Hens. The Walleye had a 28-38-2-4 last season under the coaching of Director of Hockey Operations Nick Vitucci. They finished last in their division and 11th (out of 12) in their conference, mostly due to an inconsistent season that ended in a 7-game losing streak. Part of this inconsistency can be blamed on the goaltender switch, as Carter Hutton was called up to Rockford and he impressed there, so we’ll have to see how this season goes.

Having lost the Chicago Express, we’ll have to travel farther to see them, however. Road trip to Fort Wayne to see the Komets, anyone?

Flick 'em up! (Photo Credit: Kim Wrona)

Earlier today, it was announced by the Blackhawks that they have agreed to terms with Rob Flick.

» Continue reading “Blackhawks Ink Flick”