"Divisional rivals, the Rockford IceHogs and the Chicago Wolves met last night for their final match up of the season at the Allstate Arena. It was Adopt-A-Dog night and apparently the Hogs were taught a few new tricks by the Wolves. The Wolves proved their Alpha Dog skills, dominating the Hogs to a 5-2 victory. The Allstate was packed to the rafters with a reported 16,019 fans in attendance. This fan must add that she always has a good experience mingling with the Wolves fans at the AA. Yes, every arena has a few of "those fans" who are donkeys. We always try to treat opposing fans the way we want to be treated in return. You have to give respect, in order to get it back. Rivalries can be fun when kept in perspective. With this loss, Rockford now has to wait out the results of the Houston Aeros remaining game this weekend, before knowing where they will be seeded in the playoffs. Chicago, on the other hand, will miss playoffs this year. By the middle of next week they will scheduling tee times.

 

We left the arena personally questioning the reasoning behind Coach Peters' line choices for the game. The Hogs' top line players were scratched, giving them the night off. Apparently a few of them were a bit banged up from Friday night's game and needed  rest. This left the team manned with few experienced & skilled players. The game started with a bang when the Hogs handed the first 2 goals to Chicago wrapped up with a pretty bow. Both Mike Brennan and Sean McMorrow received penalties at 1:50 of the 1st frame to give Chicago a 5 on 3 advantage. McMorrow received 4 minutes for attempted head butting and Brennan got 2 minutes for interference. McMorrow did go over to IceHogs goalie Antti Niemi immediately after leaving the box to say a few words, hopefully to apologize. Brennan appeared to continue to help the Wolves score in that ill fated 1st frame when he crashed into the back of Antti Niemi, knocking him out of the crease.

 

Blackhawks prospects, Kyle Beach and Akim Aliu both played last night for the IceHogs. Aliu scored his first professional regulation goal at 17:32 of the 2nd frame. He tallied a 2nd goal in the 3rd frame at 1:45. With time and maturity, he's got the skills & talent to take him far in this sport. Beach's night was cut short after delivering a questionable check to Alex Brooks during the 2nd frame. Brooks received a laceration to his face. Beach received a Boarding Major and a Game Misconduct for that hit. After receiving medical attention, Brooks was able to return to the game. All in all, Referee David Banfield handed out 31 pim/10 inf to Rockford and 14 pim/7 inf to Chicago. Blackhawks President, John McDonough was in attendance, along with Al MacIsaacs. They were seen sitting with Wolves owner Don Levin during the game."