Welcome to our Central Division Preview, where one-by-one we will take a look at each of the Checkers' division rivals. Today's focus is on the Rockford IceHogs, affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks.
Forwards
The IceHogs fielded a top-10 offense last season in terms of goals per game, with much of the production coming from a trio of 40-point scorers: Mark McNeill, Garret Ross and Peter Regin. Also helping boost the offense was late-season acquisition Spencer Abbott. Shipped over from Toronto, Abbott went off for 21 points in his 19 games wearing an IceHogs sweater. The bad news for Rockford is that half of that core is not returning for the 2015-16 campaign, with Abbott and Regin both jetting for Europe. But the IceHogs have some talent waiting in the wings, like Ryan Hartman and Phillip Danault (though the latter will be sidelined for the beginning of the season with an injury), that should help replace that lost offense should they spend this season in Rockford. But in the end, the IceHogs could feel the hurt from losing a chunk of their top-end scoring.
Defense
2014-15 Season
- • 46-23-5-2; 99 points; 2nd in Midwest Division; 4th in Western Conference
- • Checkers 2014-15 Head-To-Head Record: 2-2-0-0
- • Three Stars:
RW Spencer Abbott – 45 points (19g, 26a)
C Mark McNeill – 44 points (23g, 21a)
LW Garret Ross – 43 points (21g, 22a)
- • Key Additions:
D Cameron Schilling (Signed 2-year, 2-way contract)
D Sam Jardine (Signed 1-year, AHL contract)
F Michael Liambas (Signed 1-year, 2-way contract)
- • Key Departures:
RW Spencer Abbott (Signed with Frolunda in Sweden)
C Peter Regin (Signed with KHL’s Jokerit)
D Stephen Johns (Traded to Dallas)
The IceHogs boasted a top-three defense and benefitted from some blue line production as well. T.J. Brennan and Ville Pokka notched 36 and 30 points, respectively, making Rockford one of just seven AHL teams to have at least two 30-point defensemen on their roster. But as with their forwards, the IceHogs could find themselves without their biggest weapons come this season. Brennan was sent to Toronto last season in exchange for Abbott, and it seems that Pokka could be poised to join the Blackhawks this season (http://www.secondcityhockey.com/2015/8/27/9214601/blackhawks-top-prospect-rankings-ville-pokka-scouting-report-future-2015). Add to that the loss of highly touted prospect Stephen Johns, who was dealt to Dallas this offseason as a part of the Patrick Sharp trade, and the IceHogs could be trotting out a new-look blue line in 2015-16.
Goalie
The IceHogs goaltending was arguably their biggest strength throughout last season. Michael Leighton shouldered the bulk of the workload, appearing in 42 games and turning in solid numbers, while Scott Darling spelled him throughout the season and put up similarly strong stats. Leighton looks to be the one constant for Rockford heading into this season, as the 34-year-old inked a new deal this offseason and seems to be a lock as the number one guy in Rockford. Darling, on the other hand, will most likely serve as the backup in Chicago. If Leighton can lend his veteran experience and turn it into another strong campaign, he could be an integral part of Rockford’s success.
Outlook
As is the nature of the beast in the AHL, the IceHogs are facing quite a bit of turnover heading into this season. They’re also in danger of losing some of their top-end returning talent to Chicago, as the Blackhawks appear to have some spots open for the taking. The return of Leighton should help keep the IceHogs competitive, but it may be hard for them to replicate last year’s success.
