After missing the last seven games due to injury, Rockford IceHogs forward Matthew Highmore will be out long-term after undergoing shoulder surgery earlier this week. Highmore had skated in eight games for the IceHogs, tallying seven points in the process.
Matthew Highmore Undergoes Shoulder Surgery
On Friday morning, the Rockford IceHogs announced through their Team Physician that Matthew Highmore had underwent surgery to repair an injured shoulder and would miss the next four-to-six months of action.
This from the Rockford IceHogs’ Team Physician:
For the IceHogs, losing Highmore effectively for the rest of the regular season, is a huge loss. Last season, Highmore finished second on the team in scoring with 43 points, and set the IceHogs’ AHL rookie goal-scoring record with 24 goals. He also recorded two goals and seven assists for Rockford in the Calder Cup Playoffs last year.
Highmore made his NHL debut with the Chicago Blackhawks last season as well, skating in 13 games and tallying his first two NHL goals.
Mar 15, 2018; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Chicago Blackhawks forward Matthew Highmore (36) skates behind the Winnipeg Jets net during the third period at Bell MTS Place. Mandatory Credit: Terrence Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Starting this season right where he left off, Highmore was pacing the IceHogs in scoring before suffering an injury to his right shoulder. With the change behind the bench with the Blackhawks, one could have figured that Jeremy Colliton, a fan of Highmore’s last season in Rockford, would have liked to have called-up the versatile center, had he been healthy.
Last season, Colliton used Highmore on both the powerplay and the penalty-killing units, as well as giving him a large chunk of ice-time every night and playing him in high-pressure situations. The loss of Highmore leaves a big spot to fill on and off the ice for the IceHogs.
What’s Next?
The Rockford IceHogs continue their current road-trip this weekend with back-to-back games in the Heart of Texas. On Friday night, the IceHogs take on the Texas Stars in a rematch of last year’s Calder Cup Western Conference Finals. After that, the IceHogs head out to take on the San Antonio Rampage on Saturday night. Both puck drops are scheduled for 7:00pm CT.
Rockford completes a six-game road trip on Tuesday night, with another contest against the San Antonio Rampage. Puck drop on Tuesday is also set for 7:00pm CT.