At the time of the previous article, the Rockford IceHogs had defeated the Iowa Wild at home on Dec. 14. Since that game, the Hogs went 4–2–1, with a three-game win streak against Central Division foes.
On Dec. 15, Rockford hosted the Milwaukee Admirals, where the IceHogs won 2–1 in an emotional contest that saw Ben Gaudreau earn his first AHL victory in a shootout.
The following game on Dec. 17 saw Rockford get blown out by the Wild on the road, 5–1.
Following a three-day break, the Hogs traveled north of the border to take on the Manitoba Moose. The IceHogs fell in the shootout, losing 2–1.
Remaining in Manitoba on Dec. 22, Rockford dominated in a 5–1 victory.
After the Christmas break, Rockford hosted Iowa on Dec. 27 in a 5–0 win.
Travelling to Iowa the following day for a rematch, Rockford continued their winning ways with a 4–2 victory that saw Paul Ludwinski score his first career AHL goal.
In their final game of 2024, the Hogs returned to Rockford to once again take on the Wild on Dec. 31. In their final of three straight matchups, the Hogs dropped a close one, 5–4.
Despite the strong showing, the Central Division continues to be a gauntlet, with Rockford’s 30 points only good enough for fifth in the division. The difference between the fifth-place IceHogs and second-place Texas Stars is five points.
Roster changes
Colton Dach was called up to the Chicago Blackhawks on Jan. 2. (Photo courtesy of Rashaad Robinson / Rockford IceHogs)
After forward Frank Nazar was called up to Chicago on Dec. 13, it felt as though change would be a trend for the Hogs. The trend would continue on Dec. 19, when Drew Commesso was sent back to Rockford after Petr Mrazek was activated off injured reserve. The following day, defenseman Wyatt Kaiser was reassigned to Rockford, with Seth Jones returning from injured reserve on Dec. 21. On Dec. 29, Kaiser was brought back up to the NHL, with Kevin Korchinski being sent back to Rockford in a corresponding move.
With the new year came new moves. On Jan. 2, standout prospect Colton Dach was called up to the Blackhawks. A force in Rockford, the power forward has scored 12 goals and 13 assists in 30 games for the Hogs this season. A running mate with Nazar while in Rockford, Dach will be put alongside Nazar on Chicago’s third line. This move should boost Nazar, who has struggled in his time with the Blackhawks this season, only managing one assist in nine games. In a corresponding move, forward Joey Anderson will report to Rockford.
Finally, it was announced today that forward Gavin Hayes will be sidelined for 8–12 weeks due to a shoulder sprain, a tough blow to a prospect showing improvement this season. In positive news, forward Andreas Athanasiou has been cleared to skate. This will allow Athanasiou to play on the Hogs for the first time since November.
Storylines
Levshunov’s shooting spree
Artyom Levshunov adds to his shot total against the Iowa Wild. (Photo courtesy of Jenna Spanola / Rockford IceHogs)
Artyom Levshunov, the second overall pick in the 2024 Draft, leads all AHL defensemen in shots with 77. Despite the high shot volume, Levshunov has only two goals on the season, with a 2.6 shooting percentage. Although frustrating, Levshunov has created offense with seeing-eye shots that have led to rebounds, setting up Hogs goals. With more time, and some puck luck, Levshunov will start lighting the lamp.
Korchinski’s assists in return
Kevin Korchinski impresses in his return. (Photo courtesy of Jenna Spanola / Rockford IceHogs)
Following his assignment to Rockford, Korchinski immediately brought his offensive ability to the Hogs. In their lost against Iowa on Dec. 31, Korchinski had a secondary and primary assist. His ability to see the offensive zone paid immediate dividends, and will continue to help Rockford in their playoff pursuit.
Forwards young and old scoring
Landon Slaggert is one of many forwards dominating in recent games. (Photo courtesy of Kristin Ostrowski / Rockford IceHogs)
Since Dec. 15, the Hogs have received a balanced offensive attack from their forwards, with the contributions of a few worth pointing out. The first is Landon Slaggert.
Slaggert, a consistent linemate of Nazar, has continued his offensive production despite Nazar’s call-up. With six points in his last seven games, Slaggert looks to be a top producer with injuries and call-ups around him.
The next forward to highlight is Cole Guttman. Guttman, the current points leader on the team with 32, has three goals and six assists in his last seven games.
The final forward to highlight is veteran Gerry Mayhew. Mayhew, a forward brought in during the season, matched Slaggert in point productive in the last seven games with six points.
These three forwards have shown Rockford’s recent balanced attack from its forward group.
Commesso becomes a brick wall
Drew Commesso blanks the Iowa Wild on Dec. 27. (Photo courtesy of Rashaad Robinson / Rockford IceHogs)
Despite giving up five goals on 31 shots on Dec. 31, Commesso has shown the growth Chicago has hoped for from their prospect goaltender. In three straight games following his return to the Hogs, Commesso stopped 81 out of 83 shots, with a 2–0–1 record, and a shutout on Dec. 27.
Final notes
At 13–13–4, it may be difficult to see the success Rockford has had. With a record hovering at .500, the Hogs have played competent, competitive hockey. Even with the coaching change, and with three top-six forwards either called up or injured, the Hogs continue to put themselves in the playoff picture. Reinforcements are on the way in the forms of Anderson and Athanasiou, who should fill in on the top six. Interim coach Mark Eaton has continued the development and success that Anders Sorensen began, and a new year should emphasize this team’s resolve. Rockford’s first game of the new year will take place tomorrow against the Chicago Wolves in Rosemont.