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Health & Fitness

On the Beat with the Rockford IceHogs

As I have well-documented here, the Chicago Rush will not be playing in the 2014 season.  When one door closes, another opens.  Enter the Rockford IceHogs.

While covering the Chicago Rush in Rockford last season, I met several members of the Rockford IceHogs organization.  They extended an invitation for me to come out to watch the IceHogs in action.

I am always interested in new opportunities and different activities and I love hockey.  I looked forward to the IceHogs' 2013-14 season.

I understand some of you may wonder why I would go to Rockford for hockey (or anything) when there is hockey (and anything else) here in the Chicago area.  As I wrote, I like new opportunities, but it is more than just that.

Rockford is an easy 90 minute drive west of Skokie.  Rockford has a lot to offer, but you are best served getting all of that info from the Rockford Convention and Visitors Bureau.  I am here to talk (mostly) hockey.

The Rockford IceHogs are the top affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks in the AHL (American Hockey League).  Simply translated, the Hawks of tomorrow are the IceHogs of today.  Sixteen of the Blackhawks last season had previously played for the IceHogs.

Debuting for the 2007-08 season, the IceHogs have called the BMO Harris Bank Center their home from their first game.  It is a comfortable arena, with great sight-lines, ample parking, excellent food options and a fully-stocked merchandise store.  The several thousand fans who attend each game love it and keep it loud and lively.

We attended our first game last week and saw the IceHogs beat their division rival Milwaukee Admirals 2-1 in overtime.  IceHogs goalie Kent Simpson had a fantastic game, while teammate Mark McNeill had the game-winning goal and an assist.

After the game, we had the opportunity to talk to IceHogs Head Coach Ted Dent and IceHogs Simpson, McNeill and Jeremy Morin.  They gave us their thoughts on the game and a few other topics.  All were friendly and gracious with their time, especially after such an intense game.  (See accompanying videos)

We finished our evening with delicious pizza at Old Chicago Pizza conveniently located near our hotel.  Their applewood-spiced chicken pizza was worth the trip by itself.  I am sure we will be returning to Old Chicago on future trips.

Yes, future trips.  I was sold on the experience early in the evening.  Obviously, my schedule will not allow me to attend every game, but I will be attending as many as possible.  I enjoyed it that much and look forward to exploring more restaurants and other attractions in Rockford.

I don't work for the Rockford IceHogs.  I went there as a freelance writer-fan.  If I did not really enjoy the night, I would not be writing this.  I just want to share the experience and encourage others to make the trip to a Rockford IceHogs game.

I don't expect anyone to buy season-tickets (yet).  All I am hoping is that you will try one game.  After that, I am confident that the IceHogs action will sell itself and you will return (just like me).  Until then, I hope you follow along here as I continue to provide coverage of the IceHogs.

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