IceHogFan08's Offseason Thread And General Discussion For The Rockford IceHogs

DewsSox79 · May 6, 2012

DewsSox79 · May 6, 2012

see member icehogfan08 for any questions regarding all things icehogs. he is a local and goes to a lot of games and follows them more than 99% of hawks fans.

icehogfan08 · May 10, 2012

VOTE: BEST GOAL IN 2011-12

Alright IceHogs fans, with the offseason in full swing let's re-live some of 2011-12's great moments. What was your favorite goal from this past season? Check out the highlight reel goals listed below and then click here to vote your favorite.

1) Matt Fornataro's nifty shootout goal against Milwaukee on 4/13. View Highlight

2) Rostislav Olesz batting a puck past Peoria's Jake Allen on 3/30. View Highlight

3) Jeremy Morin's game-winning goal with 27 seconds left in overtime to knock off the Wolves on 2/26. View Highlight

Remember to vote for your favorite goal of 2011-12 season on the IceHogs Facebook page.

icehogfan08 · May 10, 2012

Technically, the Rockford IceHogs 2011-12 turnaround started at game 40. But if you compare the American Hockey League team’s first half of the regular season to the second, there really is no comparison.

First off, the most important stat is the record. Rockford’s second half winning percentage (21-12-1-4-.618) was nearly 20% higher than the first 38 contests (14-20-1-3-.412).

So what were the reasons for the turnaround in ’11-12 as the team went from last in the AHL to fighting for a playoff spot up to the second to final weekend of the regular campaign? Here are four reasons why the IceHogs were able to get back on track:

Goaltending:

A lot of the turnaround rests on the shoulders of better goaltending, specifically the emergence of Carter Hutton. Rockford’s goals against average dropped from 3.68 to 2.27, a difference of 1.41 goals allowed per game.

Overall, Rockford’s GAA was reduced from 3.68 after 38 games to 3.00 at the end of the season. The IceHogs finished the season 24th in the AHL in goals allowed. At the start of the season, one would laugh at the notion that if Rockford’s GAA finished the season ranked 24th in the AHL, that it would be a success. From where the GAA came from, the end number marks a pretty remarkable turnaround.

Hutton does deserve a lot of the credit for the turnaround, but so does the change in defensive philosophy and the maturation of the IceHogs young defensive core.

Quicker Out Of The Gate:

In 2011-12, the team that scored the game’s first goal in the AHL had a .722 winning percentage. Looking at that stat, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Rockford was at the bottom of the AHL standings midway through the campaign as they notched the first goal in just 14 of their first 38 games (36.9%) and went 6-6-0-2 in those 14 tilts.

In the second half, Rockford reversed that trend, lighting the first lamp 22 out of their final 38 games (57.9%), compiling a record of 14-5-0-3 (.705). Scoring first doesn’t guarantee victory, but getting off on the right foot obviously makes it a lot easier.

To illustrate this point further, Rockford gave up 52 first period goals through their first 38 games. In the second half, the IceHogs (23) and their opponents (24) combined for 47 first period tallies. The Hogs gave up 28 fewer first period tallies on the back-end of their schedule.

Never Say Die:

Through 35 games of the 2011-12 slate, if Rockford trailed heading into the third period, you might as well of packed up the kids and headed for the exits. But beginning on game 36 (not exactly halfway through), Rockford was one of the best comeback teams in the AHL.

The team was 0-16-1-0 (.029) when trailing after 40 minutes of hockey through 35 games. Beginning on Jan. 8, the IceHogs went 7-9-1-1 (.444) when behind after the third frame started. Rockford’s goal differential in the third period in the first half was -6 (41-47) compared to +5 (35-30) in the second half with 17 fewer third period goals allowed in the final 38 games.

But going back to the previous point about stronger starts, the IceHogs weren’t digging themselves out of as large of first period deficits, so the one and two-goal comebacks were much more manageable compared to the three goal holes the team was often in early on in 2011-12.

Penalty Kill:

Kind of like the team’s GAA, Rockford’s overall penalty kill percentage wasn’t very impressive (80.5%). But if you compare where the PK ended after where it was on Jan. 14, the turnaround was quite impressive.

Carrying a 75.4% penalty kill (43-175) rate at the halfway point, Rockford ‘s unit was last in the AHL by 1.5%. In the second half, Rockford put together one of the best PK units in the AHL, killing off 86.4% of their opponents power plays (21-154) with 22 fewer PP goals allowed.

icehogfan08 · May 10, 2012

Although every offseason brings change for every organization, the Rockford IceHogs should have a solid core of players returning to the BMO Harris Bank Center ice for the 2012-13 season.

Of the 27 players to suit up in over 20 games for the IceHogs in 2011-12, 16 of them are under contract for next season. That number does not include restricted free agents Brandon Bollig and Ben Smith, along with Kyle Beach who is under contract but missed a significant portion of the season due to injury.

Overall by position, two goaltenders, five defenseman and 11 forwards that suited up for Rockford are under contract.

Free agency begins on July 1 but teams can sign their own free agents before then.

The following is a breakdown of each player and the status of their contract.

FORWARDS UNDER CONTRACT (11)

Kyle Beach:

Despite missing 57 games with an upper body injury, the second-year pro put up five goals and five assists in 19 games. Beach is under contract with Chicago through the 2012-13 campaign.

Terry Broadhurst:

Broadhurst signed a two-year entry level contract with the Blackhawks on 3/19/12. Following his junior season at the University of Nebraska-Omaha, Broadhurst joined the IceHogs squad and recorded two assists in eight contests.

Byron Froese:

The 2012-13 campaign will be Froese’s second season on his three-year entry level deal with Chicago. The rookie winger potted 10 points (4g-6a) with Rockford and two points (1g-1a) with Toledo in his first professional season.

David Gilbert:

Gilbert inked a three-year entry level contract on 5/31/11 and split time with the IceHogs and Walleye in his first full professional campaign. The Chateauguay, Quebec native scored six goals and dished out 12 assists in 29 games with Toledo and recorded five points (1g-4a) in 28 tilts with Rockford.

Jimmy Hayes:

In the first year of his three-year entry level contract with Chicago, the 6-5 winger split time between Rockford and Chicago. Hayes tallied 23 points (7g-16a) in 33 games with the IceHogs, to go along with his five goals and four assists in 31 contests in Chicago.

Peter LeBlanc:

The Blackhawks rewarded LeBlanc with a one-year NHL contract for the 2012-13 season after the Hamilton, Ont. native racked up a career-high 24 goals and 44 points. LeBlanc’s goal output led all IceHogs skaters.

Jeremy Morin:

After missing most of the 2010-11 season with an injury, the second year-pro notched 18 goals, third best for Rockford. Morin is locked up through 2013-14 with the Blackhawks.

Rostislav Olesz:

Started the season with Chicago but joined the IceHogs after 14 contests and ranked third on the team with 41 points (17g-24a), despite missing the team’s final five games with an injury. Acquired by the Blackhawks in a trade with Florida on 6/24/11, Olesz is under contract through 2013-14.

Philippe Paradis:

The IceHogs hardest hitter in 2011-12 is under contract through the 2013-14 season. Paradis registered 16 points in 58 games during his rookie campaign.

Brandon Pirri:

Rockford’s leader in scoring (56 points), assists (33), plus/minus rating (+9), multi-point games (17), power-play points (17) and shots (213) will be entering his third season with his contract set to expire after the 2013-14 campaign.

Andrew Shaw:

Earned a three-year entry level NHL deal three months into his rookie season (1/3/12). The 20 year-old split time with Rockford and Chicago, racking up identical numbers with 12 goals and 11 assists on each level.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (3)

Brandon Bollig:

Starting the season in Rockford, Bollig earned his NHL recall on 2/27/12 and registered a fighting major in his NHL debut against Toronto. Overall, the St. Charles, Mo. native led the IceHogs with 163 penalty minutes and his 58 PIMs with Chicago ranked third best on the squad.

Chris DiDomenico:

DiDomenico made the shuffle back and forth between the IceHogs and Walleye in 2011-12. In 49 games with Rockford, DiDomenico put up 13 points (2g-11a) and added in 17 points (4g-13a) in 17 contests with Toledo.

Ben Smith:

Despite missing Rockford’s final 15 games and shuffling between the IceHogs and Blackhawks during the regular season, Smith matched his point output from his rookie campaign with 15 goals and 16 assists. In 13 games with the Blackhawks, the Avon, Conn. native registered two goals.

AHL CONTRACTS THAT EXPIRE (6): Wade Brookbank, Rob Flick, Matt Fornataro, Brandon Svendsen, David Toews and Paul Zanette

DEFENSEMEN UNDER CONTRACT (5)

Shawn Lalonde:

Entering his final year on his three-year entry level deal, Lalonde is coming off a season in which he racked up a career high 100 penalty minutes, to go along with 13 points (2g-11a) from the IceHogs blue line.

Joe Lavin:

Named Rockford’s Rookie of the Year in 2011-12, Lavin amassed three goals and 14 helpers in 71 tilts. The 2012-13 campaign will be the final season of a two-year entry level contract Lavin signed with the Blackhawks on 4/11/11.

Dylan Olsen:

Olsen was one of four IceHogs skaters to earn their first NHL recall during the 2011-12 campaign. With the IceHogs, the second year d-man recorded seven points in 44 contests, and added an assist in 28 games with Chicago. The Calgary, Alb. native is under contract with Chicago through 2013-14.

Ryan Stanton:

The IceHogs Top Defenseman in 2011-12 appeared in all 76 contests and matched his rookie point output with three goals and 14 assists, to go along with a career-best 130 penalty minutes. Stanton inked a three-year entry level deal with the Blackhawks on 3/12/10, making the 2012-13 season the final year in his contract.

Ben Youds:

The first year d-man earned a one-year AHL contract for 2012-13 with the IceHogs after being named Rockford’s Most Improved Player. Youds put up four goals and 13 assists in 57 contests for Rockford.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (1)

Simon Danis-Pepin:

After playing out his final year of a three-year entry level deal, Danis-Pepin heads into the offseason as a restricted free agent. The d-man recorded nine points in 25 games with Toledo but was held scoreless in 14 tilts with the IceHogs.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (2): Brian Fahey and Connor Goggin (ATO)

GOALTENDERS UNDER CONTRACT (2)

Alec Richards:

Richards split time between Rockford and Toledo after starting the campaign with the IceHogs. The Robbinsdale, Minn. native backstopped the IceHogs in 22 games, going 7-11-2 with a 3.52 goals against average and .894 save percentage. The 2012-13 season will be Richards’ final of a two-year contract he signed with Chicago on 7/11/11.

Alexander Salak:

Signed through the 2012-13 season, Salak finished the season with a 6-10-0 record to go along with a 2.69 goals against average and .903 save percentage. The Strakonice, Czech Republic native missed 28 games for Rockford with an injury and returned to the lineup and primarily served as a backup to Carter Hutton.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (1)

Carter Hutton:

After a slow start, Hutton emerged as the #1 goaltender in Rockford and was named the team’s MVP after he finished the season out strong, compiling an overall record of 22-13-4 with a 2.35 goals against average and .917 save percentage.

DewsSox79 · May 12, 2012

thanks for being so detailed!

icehogfan08 · May 15, 2012

Blackhawks sign Flick to 3year deal

Capt. Serious · May 15, 2012

Loved watching Flick at Prospect Camp last yr. Kid is a mean SOB.

icehogfan08 · May 18, 2012

Brandon Pirri talks about his season with Icehogs

icehogfan08 · May 18, 2012

Jeremy Morin talks about his season with Icehogs

DewsSox79 · May 18, 2012

icehogfan08 said:
Jeremy Morin talks about his season with Icehogs

i think he can be good. how much more seasoning for him do you think?

icehogfan08 · May 18, 2012

DewsSox79 said:
i think he can be good. how much more seasoning for him do you think?

1 or 2 more, depends on how healthy he stays

HawkWriter · May 18, 2012

icehogfan08 said:
1 or 2 more, depends on how healthy he stays

Morin reminds me of Brouwer in a lot of ways.

Needs to get his feet work going otherwise he is going to have a tough time sticking in the NHL.

DMelt36 · May 21, 2012

HawkWriter said:
Morin reminds me of Brouwer in a lot of ways.

Needs to get his feet work going otherwise he is going to have a tough time sticking in the NHL.

Heard he'd also had a rep for being a bit too quick to drop the gloves and take stupid penalties. I'm guessing the lengthy time he missed (10 months?) because of a concussion might cool that down a bit.

DMelt36 · May 21, 2012

Decent read on a bunch of the Hawks' prospects, several of which could be suiting up for the Hogs next year:

Many Blackhawks prospects enjoyed extensive post-seasons in 2012 - Hockey's Future

icehogfan08 · May 22, 2012

Ryan Stanton talks about season

TheChicagoFan · May 22, 2012

Anyone know when Ben Smith's surgery is or whether he's already had it done?

DMelt36 · May 23, 2012

TheChicagoFan said:
Anyone know when Ben Smith's surgery is or whether he's already had it done?

Blackhawks' Ben Smith to undergo surgery - Chicago Blackhawks - News

The following statement was issued today by Chicago Blackhawks Head Team Physician Dr. Michael Terry:

“Ben Smith has suffered a right hip labral tear and a hernia. He will undergo endoscopic surgery next Thursday (March 15) to repair both issues. We anticipate a full recovery in approximately 16 weeks.”

Smith, 23, has recorded two goals in 13 games with Chicago this season. Additionally, the Avon, Connecticut, native ranks third on the American Hockey League’s Rockford IceHogs with 15 goals, including a team-high eight power-play markers, and ranks fourth with 31 points in 38 AHL tilts.

icehogfan08 · May 29, 2012

Hawks sign 4 more

The Chicago Blackhawks have agreed to terms with forward Joakim Nordstrom, defenseman Klas Dahlbeck, and goaltenders Mac Carruth and Kent Simpson on three-year contracts.

Nordstrom, 20, tallied career-highs in points (6), goals (3) and assists (3) in 47 regular-season contests with AIK of the Swedish Elite League. The Tyreso, Sweden, native helped lead his country to the gold medal at the 2012 World Junior Championships where he shared second on the team with four goals, ranked third with a +6 plus/minus rating and posted five points (4G, A) in six contests.

Originally selected by the Blackhawks in the third round (90th overall) of the 2010 National Hockey League Entry Draft, Nordstrom has amassed 45 points (20G, 25A) in 129 regular-season tilts split between three levels of Swedish hockey over parts of four seasons (2008-12), and tallied three points (G, 2A) in 11 career postseason contests.

Dalhbeck, 20, registered four points (2G, 2A), a +3 plus/minus rating and 20 penalty minutes in a career-high 55 games played with Linkoping HC of the Swedish Elite League. The Katrineholm, Sweden, also tallied a career-high eight assists in the 2010-11 season with Linkoping.

Originally selected by the Blackhawks in the third round (79th overall) of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, Dahlbeck tallied 23 points (6G, 17A), a +20 rating and 40 PIM in 147 career games across two levels with Linkoping, and two points (G, A) and a +4 rating in 13 postseason appearances. He represented Sweden at the 2011 World Junior Championships, tallying two assists, two PIM and a +1 rating in six games.

Simpson, 20, made his professional debut in 2012 with the American Hockey League’s Rockford IceHogs, stopping 38-of-41 shots in a shootout loss to Charlotte on April 14. He spent most of the 2011-12 campaign with the Western Hockey League’s Everett Silvertips, going 20-31-7 with two shutouts and a .909 save percentage in a career-high 60 regular-season appearances.

Originally selected by the Blackhawks in the second round (58th overall) of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, Simpson compiled a record of 71-71-21 with six shutouts and a .911 SV% in 175 regular-season appearances over parts of five seasons with Everett (2007-12), and also appeared in nine postseason tilts with the Silvertips.

Carruth, 21, shared the WHL lead with a career-high 42 wins (42-17-2) and registered a career-best 2.96 goals-against average in 63 regular-season appearances with the Portland Winterhawks. The Shorewood, Minn., native led his club to their second consecutive WHL Western Conference championship, going 15-6-1 with two shutouts and a .918 save percentage in 22 postseason appearances.

Originally selected by the Blackhawks in the seventh round (191st overall) of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, Carruth compiled a record of 87-39-3 with four shutouts and a .905 SV% in 137 regular-season games over parts of three seasons with Portland (2009-12). He also accrued a 33-15-4 mark with three shutouts and a .914 SV% in 54 postseason tilts, leading the Winterhawks to the WHL Final in each of his two full seasons with the organization.

DMelt36 · May 29, 2012

Alec Richards and Alexander Salak are probably packing their bags now, eh?

IceHogFan08's Offseason Thread And General Discussion For The Rockford IceHogs

CCS Donator

CCS Donator

CCS Donator

CCS Donator

CCS Donator

CCS Donator

CCS Donator

CCS Donator

CCS Donator

CCS Donator

CCS Donator

CCS Donator

New member

Bolland > You

Bolland > You

CCS Donator

CCS Donator

Bolland > You

CCS Donator

Bolland > You