Admirals Blank IceHogs 2–0 as Rockford’s Power Play Struggles Continue
Rockford, Ill. — November 9, 2025
The Rockford IceHogs were shut out for the second time this season, falling 2–0 to the Milwaukee Admirals on Saturday night at the BMO Center. Despite a solid outing from goaltender Drew Commesso, the IceHogs couldn’t find the back of the net, and their ongoing power-play struggles proved costly once again.
(Ice Hogs player looking to regroup after surrendering the first goal to Milwaukee in their 2-0 loss on Saturday. Photo Credit Daulton Cooper 1410 AM WRMN.)
Ratcliffe Leads Admirals to Victory
Milwaukee forward Isaac Ratcliffe did all the damage for the visitors, scoring both goals — one in each of the final two periods. Ratcliffe opened the scoring midway through the second when he buried a rebound in front, finishing off a setup from Daniel Carr after Rockford failed to clear the zone.
He added his second of the night early in the third, taking a feed from Ryder Rolston and deflecting it past Commesso, with Tanner Molendyk picking up the secondary assist. Goaltender Matthew Murray turned aside all 24 Rockford shots to earn the shutout, including 10 in the final frame as the IceHogs pressed late.
Power-Play Woes Persist
Rockford had multiple chances to climb back into the game, including a late 6-on-3 advantage after Milwaukee took back-to-back penalties with under two minutes remaining. Yet, the IceHogs’ power play failed to convert — a theme that’s become all too familiar this season.
Through 12 games, Rockford’s power play ranks near the bottom of the AHL, converting just 5 of 48 opportunities (10.4%). On Saturday, they went 0-for-4, including that extended opportunity in the final minute.
The team continues to struggle with puck movement and traffic in front of the net, often settling for perimeter shots rather than creating high-danger chances. Simplifying their approach and generating more rebound opportunities could be key to breaking out of their slump.
A Season Still Searching for Identity
Saturday’s loss dropped Rockford to 6-5-1-0 on the year — a record that reflects a team hovering around .500 and still searching for consistency. The IceHogs have struggled to generate offense in key moments, and their special-teams play continues to hold them back.
Defensively, the group has been steady, with Commesso anchoring the crease through the first month of play. But the lack of secondary scoring and power-play success have prevented Rockford from building any real momentum in the Central Division standings.
(Rockford's Samuel Savoie drives to the front of the net against Milwaukee. Photo courtesy of Daulton Cooper 1410 AM WRMN.)
Looking Ahead: Manitoba on Deck
The IceHogs won’t have long to dwell on the loss. They’ll return to action Wednesday night at home against the Manitoba Moose, another Central Division opponent looking to climb the standings.
Rockford will aim to spark its power play and generate more traffic in front of the net — key ingredients if they hope to turn things around. A strong start and early goal could go a long way toward restoring confidence.
As the season hits its early stride, the IceHogs find themselves at a crossroads: plenty of potential, but not enough results. Wednesday’s game could be an early measuring stick for whether Rockford can shift momentum — or if special-teams woes will continue to define their season.
- Daulton Cooper/Olde City Sports Network
- Photo Credit: Daulton Cooper/Olde City Sports Network
