The Rockford IceHogs are a professional ice hockey team based in Rockford, Illinois. They are members of the American Hockey League (AHL), having begun play in the League starting in the 2007-08 season. The IceHogs play their home games at the BMO Center. They are the top minor league team for the National Hockey League (NHL)'s Chicago Blackhawks.
The Rockford IceHogs are a professional ice hockey team competing in the American Hockey League (AHL) as the primary developmental affiliate of the National Hockey League's Chicago Blackhawks.
The Rockford IceHogs introduced the Rock River Valley to professional hockey in 1999.
The team name was selected by Rockford residents as a part of a fan poll held in conjunction with the Rockford Register Star. The name “IceHogs” beat other finalists including Rhinos, Mighty Oaks, Roughnecks, Ice Rangers, Rockets and Ricochet. The name was submitted by Belvidere resident Breanna Roush.
In April 2021, the Chicago Blackhawks purchased the IceHogs franchise from the City of Rockford for $11.8 million, solidifying the affiliation and committing to a 15-year lease at the BMO Center. As part of the deal, the Blackhawks invested $23 million in renovations to the arena, ensuring the team's continued presence in Rockford through at least 2036.
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Prior to the 2007-08 season, a new era of history began in Rockford as the IceHogs made the jump to the American Hockey League as the top affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks.
The announcement was made by Blackhawks General Manager Dale Tallon and AHL CEO Dave Andrews at the Rockford MetroCentre. Beginning in ’07-08, the IceHogs entered its first year of an unprecedented 10-year affiliation agreement with the Blackhawks.
On April 7, 2021, the Blackhawks officially bought the IceHogs.
The Rockford IceHogs team you see today started in 1995. It was first called the Baltimore Bandits. In 1997, the team moved to Cincinnati.
The franchise traces its origins to 1995, when it was established as the Baltimore Bandits in the AHL.
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The Cincinnati Mighty Ducks stopped playing for the 2005-06 season. This happened because they no longer had a main NHL team to work with. The team was later renamed the Cincinnati RailRaiders. But they could not sell enough season tickets to play in the AHL again.
On March 19, 2007, the AHL announced that the team was bought.
The IceHogs' primary colors are black, red, and white, reflecting a bold and energetic aesthetic aligned with their NHL parent club. The team's logo depicts a cartoonish pig clad in hockey gear.
Home Arena: The BMO Center
The BMO Center in downtown Rockford, Illinois, has served as the primary home arena for the Rockford IceHogs since the team's inception in the American Hockey League in 2007.
Originally opened on January 31, 1981, as the Rockford MetroCentre, the multi-purpose venue was later renamed the BMO Harris Bank Center in 2011 and simplified to BMO Center in 2022 following a naming rights extension with BMO. Significant renovations have modernized the facility to enhance the fan experience and meet league standards.
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In 2021, coinciding with the Chicago Blackhawks' $11.8 million purchase of the IceHogs, a $23 million multi-year capital project was announced, partially funded by Illinois' Rebuild Illinois plan. Completed between 2021 and 2023, the upgrades included expanded and improved seating, new luxury suites and club seating areas, renovated locker rooms for players and officials, a state-of-the-art scoreboard, enhanced entryways, and additional concessions and amenities.
In September 2024, a further $1 million investment replaced all 6,300-plus seats with plush cushions and cup holders, prioritizing comfort for IceHogs supporters.
Beyond the main arena, the IceHogs maintain dedicated training facilities at the nearby Riverview Ice House, which includes on-site off-ice areas equipped with the Rapid Shot Hockey Training System for shooting and skill development. This setup supports daily practices and player conditioning during the season.
Community Engagement
The organization also contributes to community facilities through partnerships with Ice Rockford, providing access to youth-oriented ice rinks at Riverview Ice House and Carlson Ice Arena for programs like the Junior IceHogs leagues, learn-to-skate sessions, and seasonal hockey camps.
To integrate into the Rockford community, the IceHogs expanded existing initiatives, including the Jr.
The IceHogs organization has established itself as a staple in the Rockford community. As the longest running sports team in Rockford, the IceHogs pride themselves with its work in the community through the IceHogs Charitable Foundation and as the premiere choice for entertainment in the Forest City.
Attendance at BMO Center games reflects strong local support, with averages typically ranging from 4,000 to 5,000 fans per contest. Peak seasons have exceeded 5,000 attendees on average, including multiple sellouts; for example, the 2015-16 season marked a franchise record with 5,013 fans per game across 38 home dates and 11 capacity crowds of 6,000-plus.
In 2024, the IceHogs were awarded the AHL's Award of Excellence for Community Service in the Western Conference for their efforts, including distributing over $127,000 in grants through the IceHogs Community Fund and Chicago Blackhawks Foundation to local nonprofits. They also earned the "Commitment to Caring" community service award from SwedishAmerican Health System in 2017.
Affiliation with the Chicago Blackhawks
The Rockford IceHogs established their affiliation with the Chicago Blackhawks of the National Hockey League (NHL) in the 2007-08 season, marking the team's inaugural year in the American Hockey League (AHL) following its relocation from Cincinnati. This partnership was formalized through a 10-year agreement announced on March 19, 2007, and approved by the AHL Board of Governors, positioning the IceHogs as the Blackhawks' primary developmental affiliate.
The relationship deepened over time, with the teams extending their agreement in 2016 for an additional five years through the 2021-22 season, ensuring continuity amid the Blackhawks' successful era, including three Stanley Cup championships in 2010, 2013, and 2015. In April 2021, the Blackhawks purchased the IceHogs outright from the City of Rockford for $11.8 million, resolving prior ownership uncertainties and solidifying a long-term commitment to the franchise's stability in the region.
This acquisition, approved by the AHL, included a 15-year lease at the BMO Harris Bank Center extending through 2036 and pledges for $23 million in arena renovations, funded partly by a $13 million Illinois Rebuild grant, to enhance facilities for players and fans.
As the Blackhawks' top minor-league affiliate, the IceHogs play a crucial role in prospect development, serving as a bridge for young players transitioning to the NHL through regular call-ups, shared training camps, and integrated scouting. Notable examples include goaltender Corey Crawford and forward Brandon Saad, who honed their skills in Rockford before contributing to the Blackhawks' Stanley Cup victories, with 22 IceHogs alumni appearing on those championship rosters.
Post-purchase, the affiliation has supported the Blackhawks' rebuilding efforts amid their Stanley Cup drought since 2015, fostering talent like recent call-up forward Oliver Moore in 2025, who debuted effectively after excelling in Rockford.
Rockford IceHogs upcoming events
AHL Era: Key Seasons and Milestones
The Rockford IceHogs entered the American Hockey League (AHL) in the 2007-08 season as the primary affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks, marking their transition from the United Hockey League. In their inaugural campaign, the team posted a strong 44-26-4-6 record, accumulating 98 points and finishing second in the competitive West Division. This performance qualified them for the Calder Cup Playoffs and established a solid foundation, led offensively by center Martin St. Pierre, who topped the team with 66 points (23 goals, 43 assists) in 76 games.
Through the 2024-25 season, the IceHogs have played 1,311 regular-season games in the AHL, compiling an overall record of 647 wins, 589 losses, and 75 overtime losses for a .546 winning percentage.
The franchise has demonstrated consistent competitiveness, particularly after realignment to the Midwest Division in 2013-14 and the Central Division in 2020-21, where they have frequently contended for playoff spots with multiple seasons above 90 points. Their peak performance came in 2014-15, when they achieved a franchise-best 46-23-5-2 mark, earning 99 points and second place in the Midwest Division behind standout contributions from forward Mark McNeill (44 points) and goaltender Mark Visentin (25 wins).
In recent years, the IceHogs have maintained a mid-tier standing in the Central Division while developing Blackhawks prospects. The 2023-24 season resulted in a 39-26-5-2 record, 85 points, and third place in the division, highlighted by forward Colton Dach's team-leading 50 points (22 goals, 28 assists). The following 2024-25 campaign saw a dip to 31-33-6-2, 70 points, and fifth place, though goaltender Drew Commesso recorded four shutouts in the regular season.
Crawford remains the all-time leader in several goaltending categories, including 74 wins, 147 games played, and 8,235 minutes over three seasons (2007-10).
The roster blends veteran leadership with emerging prospects, acquired primarily through assignments from the affiliated Chicago Blackhawks, AHL free-agent signings, and entries from the NHL Draft or amateur leagues. The assistant coaching staff consists of Rob Klinkhammer, Josh MacNevin, and goaltending coach Matt Smith, who returned or joined for the 2025-26 campaign. In management, Mark Bernard holds the position of general manager, a role he has maintained since rejoining the organization in 2019 after serving as head coach during the 2003-04 season.
Team Captains
The Rockford IceHogs have appointed a team captain each season since joining the American Hockey League in 2007, with selections typically made by the head coach to recognize players who demonstrate strong leadership and consistent on-ice contributions.
| Season | Captain(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2007-08 | Jim Fahey | First AHL captain, helped establish team identity in inaugural season. |
| 2008-09 | Tim Brent | Provided veteran presence during early development. |
| 2009-10 | Jake Dowell | First of three terms; contributed to building foundational team culture. |
| 2010-11 | Garnet Exelby | Defenseman focused on defensive stability. |
| 2011-12 | Brandon Segal, Brian Fahey | Co-captains sharing leadership duties. |
| 2012-13 | Martin St. |
Awards and Honors
The Rockford IceHogs have not won the Calder Cup since joining the American Hockey League in 2007.
IceHogs players have earned numerous individual honors, particularly in All-Star selections. Since 2007, the team has had over 20 players selected for the AHL All-Star Classic, highlighting their development of top talent as the Chicago Blackhawks' primary affiliate. Representative examples include goaltender Kevin Lankinen in 2020, defensemen Erik Gustafsson and forward Vinnie Hinostroza in 2018, forward Andrew Dowell alongside forward Ryan Hartman and goaltender Michael Leighton in 2016 (marking the first time three IceHogs were selected), and forward Brandon Pirri in 2012.
Several IceHogs have been recognized on AHL All-Star Teams for outstanding performance. Forward Martin St.
On the affiliate side, IceHogs players have been honored as top prospects, such as forward Lukas Reichel being named the team's Rookie of the Year in 2021-22 for his 28 points in 24 games. Key milestones include defenseman Adam Clendening setting the franchise's all-time AHL records for a blueliner with 148 points and 122 assists over his IceHogs tenure, achieved by the end of the 2017-18 season.
Notable Alumni
The Rockford IceHogs have served as a crucial developmental hub for the Chicago Blackhawks' affiliate system since 2007, producing numerous players who have achieved prominence in the National Hockey League (NHL). Among the most notable alumni is goaltender Corey Crawford, who appeared in 147 regular-season games for the IceHogs from 2006 to 2011, establishing franchise records for most games played and minutes logged at 8,235 while posting a career goals-against average (GAA) of 2.77.
Crawford transitioned to the Blackhawks in 2010, where he backstopped the team to Stanley Cup championships in 2010, 2013, and 2015, amassing 488 regular-season appearances and earning the William M.
Forward Marcus Krüger also emerged from the IceHogs organization, suiting up for 34 games in the 2012-13 season with eight goals and 14 assists before contributing to the Blackhawks' 2013 Stanley Cup victory. Over his NHL career spanning 446 games with Chicago and the Carolina Hurricanes, Krüger recorded 111 points (34 goals, 77 assists) and later represented Sweden internationally, winning gold at the 2017 IIHF World Championship.
Several IceHogs alumni followed diverse development paths to NHL success, including forward Phillip Danault, who played 160 games for Rockford from 2011 to 2016, registering 68 points (20 goals, 48 assists), before being traded to the Montreal Canadiens in 2016. Danault became a key shutdown center for Montreal, leading their run to the 2021 Stanley Cup Final with 17 playoff points (four goals, 13 assists) in 22 games and earning a Selke Trophy nomination that season.
Beyond North America, IceHogs alumni have thrived in European professional leagues, exemplified by Krüger's current tenure with Djurgårdens IF in Sweden's SHL, where he has continued to contribute as a veteran forward after his NHL career. Other former players, such as defenseman David Rundblad, have logged significant time in Switzerland's National League post-NHL.
UHL Era (1999-2007)
The Rockford IceHogs were a minor professional ice hockey team in Rockford, Illinois. They were a member of the United Hockey League from 1999 to 2007. The IceHogs played their home games at the MetroCentre. In 2007, the name and logo were purchased and applied to the current American Hockey League franchise.
The IceHogs began play in October 1999. The team name, IceHogs, was selected during a "name-the-team" contest. The team came to Rockford when United Sports Ventures bought the rights of the Thunder Bay Thunder Cats UHL franchise, one of the original franchises in the Colonial Hockey League in 1991 as the Thunder Bay Thunder Hawks.
The IceHogs and Nashville Predators of the National Hockey League signed an affiliation agreement on December 13, 2005. The IceHogs supplied players to Nashville's primary affiliate, the Milwaukee Admirals of the American Hockey League.
The IceHogs hired Steve Martinson as head coach for the 2004-05 season, and he led the IceHogs to their best season in franchise history, winning their first division championship.
The IceHogs were also named the 2004-05 and 2005-06 UHL Member Franchise of the Year for the club's success on and off the ice.
During the 2006-07 season, the IceHogs played in the UHL's Western Division with the Quad City Mallards, Chicago Hounds, Bloomington PrairieThunder, and Fort Wayne Komets. Every year the team held a "Jersey Night" during which the team wore a special, one-off alternate jersey and auctioned them off for charity. Many of the alternate jerseys were related to cultural icons such as Elvis Presley and St.
The UHL IceHogs were replaced by an American Hockey League team of the same name for the 2007-08 season. The MetroCentre purchased the IceHogs name and logo from Tri Vision Sports and applied them to the new AHL franchise.