John Jaeckel: Your 2013-14 Rockford Ice Hogs

Didn't Brad Winchester come in with a bit of hype about him as a power forward?

- Ogilthorpe2

Still not going to say it?

>>>Hockeybuzz Group Outing game<<<

The Stanley Cup will be in attendance for this game!
http://icehogs.com/news/icehogs/?article_id=3877

Texas Stars vs. Rockford Icehogs

When: Sunday, October 27th at 4 pm

Where: BMO Harris Bank Center in Rockford, IL

Tickets: May be purchased at a reduced rate by contacting Icehogs Ticket Rep. Ryan Woodrow by either phone 815-847-6383 or by email [email protected]. Make sure to tell him that you are part of the Hockeybuzz group.

Hockeybuzz posters or readers, spouses, significant others and children would be welcome and encouraged to attend with the group. If you gave any questions or need other information (such as directions, where to park, ect.), feel free to contact Eli Kolb at: [email protected].

This is a great opportunity for Hawks fans to catch the farm team and see the Stanley Cup! The Hawks do not play a game on this date.

Didn't Brad Winchester come in with a bit of hype about him as a power forward?
- jmatchett383

Into the league, or into Chicago?

In my mind he came into Chicago to be the anti-Backes vaccine. I'm a little surprised he's not on the roster, even if he sits most nights.

Didn't Brad Winchester come in with a bit of hype about him as a power forward?
- jmatchett383

I don't think "hype" is the right word but many of us (myself included) thought he'd be a food 4th liner who hits, fights and chips in a few goals. I think he'll be up with the big squad at some point this year.

Still not going to say it?
- EKolb13

Nope.

I don't think "hype" is the right word but many of us (myself included) thought he'd be a food 4th liner who hits, fights and chips in a few goals.
- Kentxo

Agreed.

He'll play the power forward role in Rockford. He'll also add leadership there too.

John Jaeckel: Your 2013-14 Rockford Ice Hogs
- John Jaeckel

JJ,

Thanks for this insightful and in depth piece on the Hogs.

Wade Brookbank's back for more eh ? Thought he was done 5 years ago and he's still collecting a check. Good for him.

My impression is that Leblanc hasn't fallen out of favor at all. He's a young guy who needs some pro-seasoning and the odds of him renting in Chicago this year were slim. Not sure he'll ever be an NHL'er....but think the org still likes his potential.

Shalunov and Froese are two guys i'm really rooting for, Froese in particular because he had a good camp and looks like a decent two-way player.

Hope Raanta really is as good as advertised and that he makes a smooth transition to the North American game.

Wade Brookbank's back for more eh ? Thought he was done 5 years ago and he's still collecting a check. Good for him.
- philco28

They brought him back after Bollig got called up due the John Scott trade. He'll fill the roll of team pugilist and probably wear an "A" on his sweater.

They brought him back after Bollig got called up due the John Scott trade. He'll fill the roll of team pugilist and probably wear an "A" on his sweater.
- EKolb13

Thanks EK...i know he's been with the organization on/off for a few years. Being an enforcer in the A at age 36 ain't easy. Props to Wade for hanging in.

>>>Hockeybuzz Group Outing game<<<

The Stanley Cup will be in attendance for this game!
http://icehogs.com/news/icehogs/?article_id=3877

Texas Stars vs. Rockford Icehogs

When: Sunday, October 27th at 4 pm

Where: BMO Harris Bank Center in Rockford, IL

Tickets: May be purchased at a reduced rate by contacting Icehogs Ticket Rep. Ryan Woodrow by either phone 815-847-6383 or by email [email protected]. Make sure to tell him that you are part of the Hockeybuzz group.

Hockeybuzz posters or readers, spouses, significant others and children would be welcome and encouraged to attend with the group. If you gave any questions or need other information (such as directions, where to park, ect.), feel free to contact Eli Kolb at: [email protected].

This is a great opportunity for Hawks fans to catch the farm team and see the Stanley Cup! The Hawks do not play a game on this date.
- EKolb13

Though I am not attending, Eli deserves a thank you for taking the lead on HockeyBuzz night in Rockford. I have headed up festivities planning on several occasions in the past and it is like herding cats. Buy him a beer if you're going to the game!

Though I am not attending, Eli deserves a thank you for taking the lead on HockeyBuzz night in Rockford. I have headed up festivities planning on several occasions in the past and it is like herding cats. Buy him a beer if you're going to the game!
- eburgio

Into the league, or into Chicago?

In my mind he came into Chicago to be the anti-Backes vaccine. I'm a little surprised he's not on the roster, even if he sits most nights.
- Ogilthorpe2

Doesn't Winchester have to clear waivers if he is brought up to the Hawks (or sent back down)?

It would be nice if they could bring him up and dress him for teams like the Blues and Kings in the RS when he may be needed.

>While Danault looked fabulous at Prospects Camp, the brief glimpse I saw of him in the NHL preseason, was disappointing -- hoping his speed improves
>McNeil, to me, looked like he was further along, physically, to being able to play at the NHL pace -- from what I saw of him in the NHL preseason
>Have serious doubts about LeBlanc -- can make plays with time and space -- but struggled in the other two zones and gets knocked off the puck rather easily

>While Danault looked fabulous at Prospects Camp, the brief glimpse I saw of him in the NHL preseason, was disappointing -- hoping his speed improves
>McNeil, to me, looked like he was further along, physically, to being able to play at the NHL pace -- from what I saw of him in the NHL preseason
>Have serious doubts about LeBlanc -- can make plays with time and space -- but struggled in the other two zones and gets knocked off the puck rather easily
- SnapitUpstairs

I feel like LeBlanc is a concussion waiting to happen. Maybe it's his crouch, but he just looks like his head is down all the time. Maybe it's me.

Hutton didn't look to bad last night For Nashville. Only gave up one goal through 2 1/2 periods of work but boy did he leave some dangerous rebounds.

Though I am not attending, Eli deserves a thank you for taking the lead on HockeyBuzz night in Rockford. I have headed up festivities planning on several occasions in the past and it is like herding cats. Buy him a beer if you're going to the game!
- eburgio

I whole heartily agree. Great job Eli on putting this shindig together!

Brian Hedger ‏@BrianHedger
Q confirms that Ben Smith will play vs. #Lightning Saturday. He was RW on 3rd line at #Blackhawks practice today, in place of Jimmy Hayes

Eli, thank you for coordinating that outing, but Sundays are tough for me due to travel during the week. Appreciate the work on this, and hopefully I'll meet some of you face to face this year at a Hawks game.

On another note....I am not crazy. Hayes already being replaced by Smith. After a win, which seems odd considering Q's reluctance to change up a winning combination, but again...hayes didn't do anything to impress. So IF Smith can impress Saturday night, he may be able to get a leg up in what looks to be a revolving spot on this club.

- philco28

I second that.

Eli, thank you for coordinating that outing, but Sundays are tough for me due to travel during the week. Appreciate the work on this, and hopefully I'll meet some of you face to face this year at a Hawks game.

On another note....I am not crazy. Hayes already being replaced by Smith. After a win, which seems odd considering Q's reluctance to change up a winning combination, but again...hayes didn't do anything to impress. So IF Smith can impress Saturday night, he may be able to get a leg up in what looks to be a revolving spot on this club.
- SteveRain

Maybe just getting a player a game early in the season.

And, to take it one step further: Crawford or Khabibulin?

Maybe just getting a player a game early in the season.

And, to take it one step further: Crawford or Khabibulin?
- StLBravesFan

Believe it's Crawford...shouldn't see Khabibulin until either next Friday or Saturday...with back to back to games.

the less we see of the vodka maniac, the better off everyone on this board will be. And people thought Crawford's glove was bad....just wait. .....