Rockford's netminder Carter Hutton blocks the shot from San Antonio's Michal Replic during the Shoot Out on Saturday March 31, 2012.
The Rockford IceHogs continue their push for a play-off spot in the post season. Just a couple of points seperate the IceHogs from a Play Off spot. Their latest efforts were quite note worthy. This last weekend was a series of shootouts for the IceHogs, three in three days for a fact and a grand total of four for the week. They also made the news for a bench clearing brawl up in Milwaukee on Sunday.
On Friday night the IceHogs hosted the Peoria Rivermen for the last time in the regular season play. The first & second periods were snooze worthy while everyone seemed to wake up and play in the third. Peoria left with only 1 point in their pocket, losing to Rockford in the shootout 4-3.
Saturday evening pitted the IceHogs against the San Antonio Rampage in Rockford. The Rampage went home with the win, beating the IceHogs 4-3 in the shootout. Saturdya night was also the AHL debut of Blackhawks’ prospect Phillip Danault (C). Danault appears to be the real deal folks. This kid has wheels and knows how to use them. I wouldn’t be surprised to see his name on the Blackhawks’ roster next season after Training Camp.
Now onto Sunday’s game. WOW, this game was one for the record books for sure. The Admirals hosted the IceHogs in Milawukee for a afternoon session of hockey. Once all the dust settled, a total of 166 penalty minutes would be handed out for the entire game. Things fell apart in the middle of the 2nd frame after a fight between Rockford’s Shawn LaLonde and Milwaukee’s Michael Latta. Play had resumed, but when the chirping between IceHogs’ Rob Flick and Admiral’s Jeremy Smith erupted into a fight, things got ugly. Suddenly both team benches emptied onto the ice. Game on, it’s a Bench Brawl! The brawl penalties alone totaled 132 minutes, with 5 IceHogs player plus Head Coach Ted Dent all being ejected from the game. Milwaukee lost a total of 4 players and their Head Coach as well. In the end, the IceHogs went home with the much needed 2 points, taking it in the shootout.
Suspensions were handed down on Tuesday as direct result of the events during Sunday’s game. Rockford’s Shawn LaLonde, Rob Flick and Milwaukee’s Mike Latta each received a 3 game suspension. Milwaukee’s Jeremy Smith received a 1 game suspension. Head Coaches from both teams each were fined a undisclosed amount.
Peoria's David Shields and Rockford's Peter LeBlanc during game action on March 30, 2012. Photo credit - Matt Gray
