The 2017-18 season for the Rockford IceHogs could have ended quite differently, and much earlier, if it were not for the efforts of forward Chris DiDomenico. During the latter-half of the regular season and into the Calder Cup Playoffs, DiDomenico was the key offensive force driving the IceHogs forward. In 35 combined regular and postseason games to end the season, DiDomenico tallied 41 points (15G, 26A) and helped Rockford advance to the Calder Cup Western Conference Finals for the first time in AHL franchise history.
Chris DiDomenico Makes Short Stint Count
Acquired in a trade with the Ottawa Senators that sent defenseman Ville Pokka to Ottawa in exchange for DiDomenico, the Chicago Blackhawks organization brought DiDomenico back to have one last role with the IceHogs. He previously played with the IceHogs from 2010-2012 and skated in 74 games in the AHL with Rockford.
After spending time in Europe from 2012-2017, DiDomenico returned to North American ice late in 2017 and began the year with the Ottawa Senators organization before being sent down to the Belleville Senators and then making his way to Rockford. DiDomenico stepped into the Rockford lineup and instantly became a factor, tallying 23 points (8G, 15A) in the final 22 games of the regular season, helping propel the IceHogs into the fourth and final spot in the AHL Central Division, securing a Calder Cup playoff spot.
Chris DiDomenico celebrates with teammates after his game-tying goal against the Texas Stars in Game One of the Western Conference Finals. (Courtesy: Texas Stars)
In the postseason, DiDomenico continued his offensive onslaught and led the IceHogs in scoring with 18 points (7G, 11A) in 13 Calder Cup Playoff games. A force on the powerplay, DiDomenico held the AHL postseason scoring lead at 18 points up until Game Three of the Calder Cup Final between the Texas Stars and eventual Champion Toronto Marlies.
Final Season Grade: A-
It was short, sweet, and to the point. Chris DiDomenico’s end to the 2017-18 season with the Rockford IceHogs didn’t close with a Calder Cup Championship, but it did go down as the best season result that the organization has had since joining the AHL in the 2007-08 season. DiDomenico was a giant part of it.
Future Outlook
In the last few days, it became official that DiDomenico would be re-joining the SCL Tigers in the Swiss Pro League after completing the AHL season with the IceHogs. It seemed as if his play could have warranted another North American opportunity with another organization, or even with the Blackhawks, but DiDomenico chose to return to Europe to continue his playing career.