IceHogs Open Season With OT Win Over Admirals
The Rockford IceHogs opened their 2025–26 season in thrilling fashion on Saturday night, edging the Milwaukee Admirals 3–2 in overtime at the BMO Center. Forward Samuel Savoie played the hero, burying the game-winner just 1:38 into the extra frame to send the sellout home crowd home happy.
Fast Start, Tight Finish
The IceHogs wasted no time setting the tone early in the first period. Veteran forward Brett Seney got Rockford on the board midway through the frame, converting a slick 4-on-4 rush for his first goal of the season at 13:49. Milwaukee answered less than three minutes later, as defenseman Jordan Oesterle fired a seeing-eye wrister through traffic to even the score at 1–1 heading into the first intermission.
The middle frame featured solid defensive play on both sides, with IceHogs goaltender Drew Commesso turning aside a flurry of Milwaukee chances to keep the game tied. The Admirals eventually broke through in the third when rookie Joey Willis netted his first professional goal, giving Milwaukee a 2–1 edge with just over 13 minutes left.
Photo 1: Samuel Savoie mobbed by teammates after his game-winning goal against Milwaukee on Saturday. Photo Credits: Daulton Cooper WRMN 1410 AM.
Late Heroics Spark Comeback
Refusing to go quietly, the IceHogs mounted a furious push in the closing minutes. With Commesso on the bench for an extra attacker, Rockford’s persistence paid off when Aidan Thompson’s point shot deflected off Jackson Cates and past Admirals goalie Matt Murray, knotting the game at 2–2 with just 1:24 remaining.
That set the stage for overtime — and for Savoie’s heroics. The 21-year-old forward took a feed in the high slot and ripped a low shot past Murray’s glove to clinch the win and cap an electric night at the BMO.
Between the Pipes
Commesso was outstanding in net, stopping 35 of 37 shots to earn his first victory of the season and a .946 save percentage. Murray was strong for Milwaukee as well, making 36 saves in a losing effort.
- Daulton Cooper/Olde City Sports Network
- Photo Credit/Daulton Cooper WRMN 1410 AM/Olde City Sports Network
