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Rockford IceHogs – Awards and Season Wrap Up |
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The AHL announced their season was official cancelled on May 11th.
The IceHogs finished their 2019-20 campaign with a 29-30-2-2, which was good for 5th in the Central Division.
They were still in the playoff hunt at 63 games, but struggled with consistency for most of the season.
Injuries and call-ups to the Blackhawks didn’t help their cause, but there was still a good chance the ‘Hogs would have made the playoffs.
I won’t go into any more detail because we’re fortunate enough to have the in-depth thoughts and analysis from Theodore Fox, aka AEL_Fox.
Here is a breakdown from the IceHogs season, along with some year-end awards:
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Overall for the 2019-20 season, the IceHogs were a streaky team looking like a playoff caliber squad at times then struggling mightily at others.
The Hogs began the season dropping 3 straight, then spent most of 2019 going on mini win streaks that were interspersed with 1-2 losses in between.
Calendar year 2019 ended horribly with the start of a 6-game losing streak. They had another 6-game losing streak to end January then went 9-6 before the league shut down.
Offensively, the Hogs scored the 3rd least goals in the AHL. On the defensive side of the ledger, they landed in the latter third of the league for goals allowed.
Special teams were horrendous as the PP was 29th out of 31 teams at 11.4% conversion while the PK was dead last at a 76.2% kill rate.
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With a majority of the 2019-20 season in the books, there is more than enough sample size to consider team superlatives.
MVP: Dylan Sikura
Sikura pushed the pace offensively being noticeable every shift, generating shots galore, creating scoring chances for teammates, and not only showing a willingness to play 200 feet but also sticking his nose in fiesty situations. As surprsing as it sounds, he's by no means a soft player.
Top Forward: Dylan Sikura
See above.
Top Defenseman: Lucas Carlsson
Carlsson plays a reliable two-way game on the blueline. He is capable of carrying the mail, skating fluidly, making pinpoint passes, and rifling shots that get on net. However, what sets him apart is his steadying influence in the D zone with his compete level, defensive awareness, and physical style.
Best Goalie: Collin Delia
This season was a tale of 2 goalies. When Lankinen was up, Delia was down. Then when Delia was up, Lankinen was down. On the balance, Delia gets the edge for how he bounced back and got stronger. When he was back on his game, he was tracking pucks well, moving more economically, and taking control of his net.
Most Improved, Part 1: Alexandre Fortin
The most improved from last season to this season was by far Fortin. He has gotten smarter at using different gears rather than just being fast all the time. Changing speeds helps him to make appropriate plays at both ends. He also finishes his chances, plays physical, and is great on the PK.
Most Improved, Part 2: Nicolas Beaudin & Chad Krys
From start to finish this season, Beaudin and Krys have improved considerably learning how to protect the high danger areas, not stray out of position, battle down low for 50/50 pucks, and play the body whenever necessary. Also, their gap management is much better to angle players off pucks and seal off lanes.
Biggest Surprise: Matt Tomkins
Tomkins is no longer a distant 3rd anymore on the minor league goalie depth chart as he took a huge step forward in his development. While a goalie prospect can get reps as an ECHL starter, not sure how much they can really develop at that level which is why Tomkins was on a better growth trajectory this year. He is composed with sharp reflexes and rebound control.
Biggest Disappointment: Philipp Kurashev, Tim Soderlund & Mikael Hakkarainen
The disappointment definitely was not that all 3 played terribly because they certainly did not but was because they were sidelined with various injuries that slowed their progress.
When healthy, Kurashev showed why he is one of the few forward prospects projecting as high as an NHL 2nd liner with his subtly smooth offense, attention to defense, and gumption to bulldog his way through rough play as he generates chances.
Soderlund seemed restrained from playing his game. He is at his best when he can use his speed to backcheck relentlessly and besiege defenses venturing to the tough areas with no fear. Also, his hockey sense helps him scan options and make plays at top speed.
Hakkarainen is a plus skater and sturdy on his feet. He goes into traffic and engages in board battles. Could be a future 4th liner. As a comparable, I see Kampf but with more offensive skill.
Unsung Hero: Nick Moutrey
Although he has no NHL future, Moutrey brings his lunch pail and hard hat to each game. He plays a heavy style in all zones, crashes the net, and sticks up for his teammates. Think of Reaves without being in super beast mode all the time.
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Thanks for such a great breakdown, Theo.
I’ll have more this week.
Stay safe and healthy out there.
TC
Chicago Blackhawks Blogger • 
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