ROCKFORD, Ill. — Three consecutive goals lift the Rockford IceHogs over Chicago Wolves, 4-1, in Rockford during Chicago’s first of three preseason games. Northbrook, Illinois native Sam Povorozniouk was the lone Wolves scorer, breaking Rockford’s shutout bid in the latter half of the third period. Chicago’s rookie goaltender Ville Husso stopped 32 of 35 shots in the loss.
Early in the first period, the IceHogs took the lead while the Wolves were in the midst of a line change; Evan Mosey netted the game’s first marker on the odd-man rush. Later, Rockford doubled its lead when Tyler Sikura slid a shot through net-front traffic, off the post, off Husso and in.
Unable to score with 45 seconds remaining in the first frame, the Wolves began the middle stanza with 1:15 of power-play time, including 20 seconds of a 5-on-3. Rockford had one chance that rang off the post before giving the Wolves two more man advantages. Bryn Chyzyk buried a centering pass with 4:05 left in the period to put the IceHogs up 3-0 going into the third.
Action picked up near the 12:49 mark of the final frame with a fight between Rockford’s Tyler Currier and Alexander Taulien. The IceHogs failed to convert on the man advantage before Chicago got a power-play chance of their own. Again, Chicago was unable to capitalize. Soon after, on the power play, Sam Povorozniouk blasted a shot from the point to put the Wolves on the board. Bryce Gervais and Mackenzie MacEachern recorded assists. In the final minute of play, Mark Tvrdon potted an empty-net goal to seal the victory, 4-1, for Rockford.
The Wolves continue action Friday, Oct. 7, hosting the Grand Rapids Griffins at West Meadows Ice Arena in Rolling Meadows. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased in advance or at the gate. Call the arena at 847-398-2700 for tickets. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m.
Chicago finishes its preseason schedule on Saturday, Oct. 8, at the Triphahn Ice Arena with a game against the Milwaukee Admirals. Tickets are $8 and available in advance or at the door. Call 847-885-7500 for tickets. Puck drop is slated for 7 p.m.
The Wolves open the 81st AHL regular season on the road Friday, Oct. 14, in Grand Rapids. Chicago returns home the following night for the back end of a home-and-home series with the Griffins, and its first game of the 2016-17 season at Allstate Arena. Join the team in celebrating its 23rd season with a free tailgate party in the arena’s West Lot from 4 to 6 p.m. To purchase tickets or get more information about the Wolves’ home opener, visit ChicagoWolves.com or call 1-800-THE-WOLVES.
