Thanksgiving week brought plenty of stuffing and just as many storylines for the IceHogs. Rockford served up a holiday platter of highs, lows, and late-game drama — the kind of feast where you’re never quite sure what you’re getting next. From a tough loss to an overtime heartbreaker and a bounce-back win, the Hogs gave fans a full helping of holiday hockey chaos.

Nov. 26 vs. Chicago Wolves — 8-4 Loss

The Wolves jumped all over Rockford early — three goals in the first 10 minutes set the tone. While the IceHogs managed to get on the board via Gavin Hayes and defenseman Kevin Korchinski, Chicago’s firepower proved too much. The blowout loss exposed inconsistent defense and shaky goaltending under pressure.

Nov. 28 vs. Milwaukee Admirals — 3-2 OT Loss

Back at home two nights later, Rockford fought hard but came up short in overtime. The IceHogs struck first on a shorthanded goal from Jamie Engelbert, who deked in on a breakaway and slipped the puck past the Admirals’ netminder.

Milwaukee answered when Tanner Molyendyk redirected a point shot off a screen at 6:20 of the second period. In the third, Ryder Rolston deflected a point blast to give the Ads the lead. With about seven minutes remaining, the IceHogs tied it up as Nick Lardis led a rush with Brett Seney and wired a shot over the shoulder of the goalie. But that momentum stalled in overtime as Milwaukee secured the extra point.

Despite the loss, Rockford showed grit and special-teams prowess — the shorthanded marker and late push for the equalizer highlighted the squad’s fight and competitive spirit.

Nov. 30 vs. Milwaukee Admirals — 3-2 Win

Closing out the holiday stretch, the IceHogs bounced back with a tight win over Milwaukee. The 3-2 result illustrated Rockford’s resilience — after letting the previous game slip in OT, they managed to stay disciplined, control tempo, and grind out a regulation victory. Joey Anderson sparked the scoring for Rockford, and rookie standout Nick Lardis stayed blazing hot with two goals of his own.

Ice Hogs Gavin Hayes scoring a goal in their contest against the Chicago Wolves.
Photo Credit: Chase Heuer, 1410 WRMN AM)

Season Snapshot & Recent Form

As of early December, Rockford’s form has been a mixed bag. In their last ten games, the IceHogs are 3-5-1-1 and are currently 5th in the Central (with the most games played.) Some key notes from the recent games:

When their penalty-kill and clutch scoring click, they’re competitive even against tough Central Division rivals.
Discipline in their own zone, eliminating penalties, will go a long way for this team. They currently lead the AHL in PIMS at 408 on the season.
Emerging players such as Lardis, Engelbert, and Hayes are contributing in meaningful ways. (28 points combined).

If Rockford can continue riding the highs (special teams, timely scoring) — and shore up defensive lapses — they still look like a dangerous team capable of pushing for a strong position in the division.

What’s Next — Preview of Upcoming Games

The next challenge is scheduled for Dec. 5 and Dec. 6, when the IceHogs host the Colorado Eagles. This home stretch is key: if Rockford can carry over the urgency and discipline from the Milwaukee win — especially on defense and special teams — they have a real shot at building momentum.

Final Thoughts

The updated Thanksgiving-week picture paints a clearer view of who the IceHogs are right now: a hardworking, energetic group that can hang with strong opponents but still struggles to finish games on their terms.

What Rockford needs moving forward isn’t a reinvention — just steadier execution. If they keep generating special-teams chances, avoid the defensive lapses that hurt them in their own zone, and continue getting timely scoring from their developing core, the IceHogs have the tools to turn these tight games into consistent points. The pieces are there; now it’s about stacking complete efforts as the season settles into its winter grind.

- Daulton Cooper/Olde City Sports Network

- Photo Credit: Photo Credit Chase Heuer, 1410 WRMN AM

Ice Hogs End Feast Week With Win In Milwaukee