Tuesday, June 28, 2011

IceHogs Year in Review: Rob Klinkhammer

                      Position: Left Wing               Shoots: Left
                      Height: 6'3"                         Birthday: August 12, 1986
                      Weight: 210                        Hometown: Lethbridge, Alberta

2010-11 Stats
GP   G   A   PTS   +/-   PIM   PPG   SHG   SOG   S%
76   17  29   46    +14     63      0       1      204    8.3

Rob Klinkhammer was an extremely versatile player for the IceHogs this season. He was mainly used as a top six forward for the club, had limited power play time on the second unit, and was one of the top penalty killers. He was very effective as a PKer. He'd use his ability to block shots and his active stick to get the puck out of the zone and, more often than not, get a shorthanded breakaway out of the deal. He'd even get breakaways at even strength due to his defensive zone play. Three times he drew a penalty shot, but he never converted on them. On a lot of his other breakaways, he also didn't convert as often as he should have. Late in the year, he started to convert on more of them.

Klinkhammer's a character guy in the dressing room and on the ice. He gives 100% effort every shift. He finishes his checks, uses his size to his advantage, and is a fast skater. He led the Hogs in +/- ratings with a +14. His 17 goals, 29 assists, and 46 points were all career highs for him. He was also third in team scoring.

This season was his fourth in the pros and on December 8th he was called up by the Blackhawks and he made his NHL debut at the United Center against the Dallas Stars. He was also recalled by the Hawks on April 14th to be a part of the Black Aces for the playoffs.

Klinkhammer's contract is up this summer. He's a restricted free agent and the Hawks did send him a qualifying offer. He'll be back in a Hogs sweater next year if he doesn't make the big club.

Teammates Brain Connelly and Chris DiDomenico celebrate with Klinkhammer after he scored a goal on October 23rd against the Chicago Wolves.

Klinkhammer after he was announced as 2nd star of the game on October 23rd.

Monday, June 27, 2011

IceHogs Year in Review: Alec Richards

                    Position: Goalie                   Catches: Left
                    Height: 6'4"                        Birthday: June 29, 1987
                    Weight: 200                       Hometown: Robbinsdale, Minnesota

2010-11 Stats
GP   W   L   SOL   SO   GA   GAA   SVS   SV%   A   PIM
44   17   21   1       2    114   2.89  1017   .899    1     0

Alec Richards came into the 2010-11 season with the IceHogs as the No. 2 goaltender. Early in the season, he made quite a few relief appearances for Hannu Toivonen. Richards looked like he was turning into the No. 1 goalie for awhile. He got a lot of starts toward the end of January and into February, but the team was in quite the slump then and he didn't always get the help in front of him that he should have. Toivonen took most of the starts down the stretch, consequently.

Richards' 17-21-1 record is kind of deceiving. It seemed like he was at least at a .500 record because he never seemed to be too far off of his game. For his first full year in Rockford, he did a pretty good job. He was rewarded by being recalled by the Blackhawks on April 14th to be a part of the Black Aces for the playoffs.


Richards' contract is up this summer, and the Hogs still don't have a goalie under contract. They can still re-sign him if they want to, and it wouldn't hurt at all if they brought him back.


Richards in net on January 22nd against the San Antonio Rampage on Pink in the Rink night at the MetroCentre.

Sunday, June 26, 2011

IceHogs Year in Review: Ivan Vishnevskiy

                      Position: Defenseman            Shoots: Left
                      Height: 6'0"                         Birthday: February 18, 1988
                      Weight: 200                        Hometown: Barnaul, Russia

2010-11 Stats
GP   G   A   PTS   +/-   PIM   PPG   SHG   SOG   S% 
46    5   10   15      0      26      2        0      81     6.2    

2010-11 was Ivan Vishnevskiy's first season in the Chicago Blackhawks organization after being acquired from the Atlanta Thrashers in exchange for Andrew Ladd. He was with the IceHogs all year long, but he was limited to 46 games, mostly due to multiple injuries.

When he was healthy, there were some nights where Vishnevskiy looked like he should be in the NHL. On the flip side, there were also nights where he looked like he was just right for the AHL. The inconsistency wasn't a great thing, but overall, he was serviceable for the Hogs. He was used on the power play a lot and was good at getting his shots from the point through to the net. Vishnevskiy is also a pretty good skater. He's not the fastest guy, but he's solid on his skates.

Vishnevskiy will not be back on the blueline for the Hogs next year. He signed a contract with Mytishchi Moscow of the KHL on May 17th.

Vishnevskiy in a game at the MetroCentre. (chicagoblackhawks.com)

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

IceHogs Year in Review: Hannu Toivonen

                    Position: Goalie                    Catches: Left
                    Height: 6'2"                         Birthday: May 18, 1984
                    Weight: 205                        Hometown: Hattula, Finland

2010-11 Stats
GP   W   L   SOL   SO   GA   GAA   SVS   SV%   A   PIM
49   21  16    4       3    119   2.90  1159   .907    1    10

2010-11 was a tale of two seasons for Hannu Toivonen. The first half was kind of rocky for the first round (29th overall) pick of the Boston Bruins in 2002. He had some good performances, including a shutout on November 18th against the Manitoba Moose, but he let in many goals he'd probably like to have had back. For awhile, Alec Richards was turning into the go-to-guy.
 
Toivonen started redeeming himself towards the last couple of months of the season. He was solid in net and was able to make the saves it seemed like he wasn't able to before. He posted two shutouts after the first of January. He also ended up being the IceHog with the most number one star selections with 11. The Blackhawks called him up on April 11th to be a part of the Black Aces for the playoffs.

Toivonen's contract is up this summer. Currently, there are no goalies under contract for the Hogs. They could choose to bring him back, or they could let him walk in favor of either another veteran netminder or they could possibly go with a younger one. 

Toivonen in net on October 23rd against the Chicago Wolves.

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

IceHogs Year in Review: Peter LeBlanc

                      Position: Center                   Shoots: Left
                      Height: 5'10"                       Birthday: February 3, 1988
                      Weight: 175                        Hometown: Hamilton, Ontario

2010-11 Stats
GP   G   A   PTS   +/-   PIM   PPG   SHG   SOG   S%
57   12  18   30     -8      12      3       0      107    11.2


Peter LeBlanc spent the beginning of the 2010-11 season with the Toledo Walleye. He played in 22 games, registering 22 points (8G, 14A) and an even +/- rating. He was recalled by the IceHogs on December 6th and was up for the rest of the year. He made an impact with the club right away. He scored some timely goals and worked his way up to centering the third line. He tallied his first AHL goal on December 8th against the Texas Stars. On December 18th in a home game against Lake Erie, LeBlanc scored the game winning goal 53 seconds into overtime, which ended up being the fastest overtime goal scored by the Hogs this season. 

LeBlanc was also used a lot on the second power play unit and on the penalty kill. He was very effective in both roles. Despite not being the biggest guy in the world, he would always be in the corners, working hard for pucks, and using his speed to help set up plays. He was pretty reliable in every situation. He also ended up being tied for the team lead in game winning goals with four.

LeBlanc had signed an AHL contract on July 21, 2010, and it expires this summer. It would be good for the Hogs to re-sign him, considering how much he helped the team this year.

LeBlanc in a game against the Manitoba Moose. (rrstar.com)

Monday, June 20, 2011

IceHogs Year in Review: Brandon Pirri

                     Position: Center                   Shoots: Left
                     Height: 6'0"                         Birthday: April 10, 1991
                     Weight: 180                        Hometown: Toronto, Ontario

2010-11 Stats
GP   G   A   PTS   +/-   PIM   PPG   SHG   SOG   S%
70   12  31   43      -6     50      2       0      128    9.4


After leaving RPI to turn pro, Brandon Pirri had a pretty good training camp with the Blackhawks. He was ultimately sent down to Rockford after a couple of preseason games. He made his NHL debut on October 9th, which was the Hawks' home opener and the 2010 Stanley Cup banner raising ceremony. The Hawks had called him back up due to an upper body injury to Patrick Sharp. He was sent back the next day.  

He had a decent start to his season. He started off with 6 points in 8 games and then his production slowed down some. At some points, it looked like he was still getting used to playing against bigger and stronger guys than he played against in college. Pirri was invited to Team Canada's World Junior tryouts, but he ended up being cut on December 15th. He came back to Rockford and his play started to pick up a bit. He missed five games at the end of February into the beginning of March with an injury.

When he came back from that though, his play improved a lot. Pirri had been used as the second line center for most of the year, but then he got a chance towards the end of the year to center the first line with Jeff Taffe on his wing. He was used as the center on the top power play unit, too. With the increased ice time, his point production increased and he came up big for the IceHogs down the stretch. He even led all Hogs rookies with 43 points.

The Hawks recalled him on April 14th to be a part of the Black Aces for the playoffs as well. According to IceHogs Insider, the Hogs' official gameday publication, Pirri is going to work with Gary Roberts this summer. That will definitely help him put on some size and muscle, which is something that he needs.
 
Pirri will more than likely be back in Rockford next season. He'll definitely be an option for the Hawks to call up when in need for a center, especially as he develops more.
Pirri lining up for a draw on November 27th against the Peoria Rivermen.

Pirri taking a draw in the same game.

Sunday, June 19, 2011

IceHogs Year in Review: Igor Makarov

                    Position: Right Wing              Shoots: Left
                    Height: 6'1"                         Birthday: September 19, 1987
                    Weight: 200                        Hometown: Moscow, Russia

2010-11 Stats
GP   G   A   PTS   +/-   PIM   PPG   SHG   SOG   S%
68   11  13   24      -8     49      2       1      130    8.5

2010-11 was a transition year for Igor Makarov. It was his first year playing in North America since he was drafted by the Blackhawks 33rd overall in 2006. He had been playing in the KHL for the last three years.

Makarov started out the year on a good note. He was impressive during training camp and, after being sent down to Rockford, had a pretty good October. One of his biggest moments came on October 23rd when he scored the game winning goal in overtime against the Chicago Wolves.
 
As the year wore on, Makarov kind of trailed off and just had an average season. He was obviously still getting fully adjusted to the North American game. He has a great physical aspect to his game, though. He battles hard every shift and can throw some pretty big hits. He was also used on the penalty kill sometimes and he cashed in for a shorthanded, wraparound goal on January 7th against the Toronto Marlies. His season was cut a week or two short, though, as he was out with an injury.

Makarov had signed a two year entry level contract on August 3, 2010, so he should be back in Rockford next season. 

Makarov celebrating his game winner in overtime on October 23rd.

Makarov being named 1st star on October 23rd.

Friday, June 17, 2011

IceHogs Year in Review: Chris DiDomenico

                     Position: Center                    Shoots: Right
                     Height: 6'1"                          Birthday: February 20, 1989
                     Weight: 180                         Hometown: Woodbridge, Ontario

2010-11 Stats
GP   G   A   PTS   +/-   PIM   PPG   SHG   SOG   S%
25     0   4     4      -10     6      0        0      22     0.0

Like Zack Torquato, Chris DiDomenico a good part of the 2010-11 season in Toledo with the Walleye. In 37 games, he tallied 25 points (9G, 16A) and a +/- rating of -8.

DiDomenico started the year with the IceHogs and was one of the last cuts from the Hawks roster at training camp. He started off kind of slow in Rockford, though. On January 6th, he was sent down to Toledo. He was called back up on March 27th for the end of the year. When he was in the lineup, his play definitely picked up. He showed off his speed and playmaking abilities by setting up Philippe Paradis' first AHL goal on April 9th and setting up a goal by David Gilbert on April 10th.
 
The Hawks originally acquired him on June 30th, 2010 in the Kris Versteeg trade with Toronto. He had signed a three year entry level contract with the Leafs on March 14, 2009, so it looks like he'll be in Rockford next season.

DiDomenico when he was in the QMJHL with Saint John. (thehockeynews.com)

Thursday, June 16, 2011

IceHogs Year in Review: Zack Torquato

                 Position: Center                   Shoots: Right
                 Height: 6'0"                         Birthday: June 8, 1989
                 Weight: 195                        Hometown: Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario

2010-11 Stats
GP   G   A   PTS   +/-   PIM   PPG   SHG   SOG   S%
12    0   0     0      -4      4       0       0       15     0.0

Zack Torquato spent most of the 2010-11 season with the Toledo Walleye, the IceHogs' ECHL affiliate. There he racked up 44 points (11G, 33A) in 54 games while having a +3 +/- rating.

He was recalled by the Hogs on February 26th and again on March 17th, a day after being sent back down, because of injuries to some forwards. He didn't get big minutes, but they were serviceable ones. The former Erie Otter has good speed, too. As more players got healthy and guys came up from juniors and college, Torquato got bumped out of the lineup and was a scratch.

Torquato's contract is up this summer. The Hogs could re-sign him, but there would be a chance he'll be in Toledo again with the depth of centers the Hogs are projected to have. If that's the case, he'd always be a good choice for a callup. But, it would be nice to see what he could do with more ice time with the Hogs. He has good potential to be a pretty good disher and centerman with the club. 
Torquato in an interview from the Walleye's Youtube Account.

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

IceHogs Year in Review: Jeff Taffe

                      Position: Center                   Shoots: Left
                      Height: 6'3"                         Birthday: February 19, 1981
                      Weight: 210                        Hometown: Hastings, Minnesota

2010-11 Stats
GP   G   A   PTS   +/-   PIM   PPG   SHG   SOG   S%
74   30  37   67     +10    22     11       1     217    13.8

If you're looking for the IceHogs' most valuable player, look no farther than Jeff Taffe. In fact, he was named the team's MVP on April 9th at the final home game of the season.

Taffe did everything for the Hogs this season. He was on the top power play unit, killed penalties, and centered the top line after Ryan Potulny was traded on February 28th. Taffe scored many clutch goals and set up a lot of them as well. He paced the Hogs in scoring with 67 points, was the only one to hit the 30 goal mark, and was second on the team in +/- ratings with a +10. He was only behind Rob Klinkhammer's +14 rating.

Taffe's 30th goal of the year came at a perfect time for the Hogs. He scored the game winner in overtime in the last game of the season against the Chicago Wolves at Allstate Arena. It was such a fitting ending to the year, considering how he was the go-to-guy all season long.

In addition to all of his on ice contributions, Taffe provided veteran presence and leadership to a young team. He also made the players around him better. The top line used to have him and Potulny on it, before the trade, and whoever was on the opposite wing had their play pick up. When Taffe was back at center with Potulny gone, both of the wingers on that line saw their play improve. Klinkhammer and Kyle Beach were just two of the guy who benefited. Brandon Pirri also did for awhile when Taffe moved onto his wing.

Taffe was recalled once during the regular season by the Hawks. He played on February 12th against the Phoenix Coyotes. The Hawks did call him up to be a part of the Black Aces for the playoffs on April 11th.

Taffe's contract is up this summer. It would be a good thing for the Hawks to re-sign him to a two-way contract for a veteran callup to have on hand and for veteran leadership in Rockford for what looks to be another young group of guys next season. 

Taffe in a game on November 27th against the Peoria Rivermen.

Monday, June 13, 2011

IceHogs Year in Review: Ben Smith

                    Position: Right Wing/Center     Shoots: Right
                    Height: 5'11"                         Birthday: July 11, 1988
                    Weight: 200                          Hometown: Avon, Connecticut

2010-11 Stats
GP   G   A   PTS   +/-   PIM   PPG   SHG   SOG   S%
63   19  12   31      -3     16      5       2      112   17.0

Ben Smith was one of the pleasant surprises on the IceHogs and the Blackhawks this year. He was one of the most consistent players for both clubs.
He spent most of the year with the Hogs, where he was able to grow as a player. The former Boston College Eagle's work ethic is second to none. He gives 100% on the ice and it's quite noticeable. Smith doesn't shy away from physical play and can always be found digging for pucks in the corner. His on ice positioning in all three zones is also great.
 
The rookie was a very versatile player for the Hogs. Throughout the year, he was used at both wing and center. He was one of their top penalty killers, who led the team in shorthanded goals with two, and was also used on the power play. He's also a great character guy in the dressing room and just an overall nice guy. Smith was named the Hogs' Rookie of the Year on April 9th at the last home game of the season.

Smith made his NHL debut on October 29th against the Edmonton Oilers. He was recalled later on in the year by the Hawks on April 6th and was up to stay. He scored his first NHL goal on April 8th on the road against the Detroit Red Wings. He made his NHL playoffs debut on April 13th in Game 1 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals against the Vancouver Canucks. In Game 2 on April 15th, he gave the Hawks a shot at winning as he scored two of the Hawks' three goals. The biggest goal of his young career came on April 24th in Game 6 of the series when he scored the game winning goal in overtime to force a Game 7. All Hawks fans will forever remember that goal.
 
Smith will probably make the Hawks' roster right out of training camp next season. There's a chance he could spend some minimal time in Rockford, but it's doubtful. He'll be a key asset in the Hawks' success next year, considering what he's done in the spotlight already.

Smith in a game on November 9th against the Peoria Rivermen.

Smith celebrating his game winning goal in overtime on April 24th with Marian Hossa. (chicagoblackhawks.com)

Sunday, June 12, 2011

IceHogs Year in Review: Mathis Olimb

                     Position: Left Wing/Center      Shoots: Left
                     Height: 5'10"                        Birthday: February 1, 1986
                     Weight: 175                         Hometown: Oslo, Norway

2010-11 Stats
GP   G   A   PTS   +/-   PIM   PPG   SHG   SOG   S%
60   10  22    32    +8      22     3        1     104     9.6

The 2010-11 season started out rough for Mathis Olimb. At Blackhawks Prospect Camp in July, his shoulder was injured after awkwardly falling to the ice following a fight with Kyle Beach. He ended up having surgery on it and missed four months.

He made his IceHogs debut on November 24th against the Lake Erie Monsters. He was a versatile forward for the Hogs. Olimb was used at both center and left wing. He was also used on the power play and the penalty kill. He has great speed and a pretty good set of hands.
 
Olimb scored some big goals for the Hogs, including a short handed breakaway tally on April 9th against the Grand Rapids Griffins. He also helped the Hogs end their season on a high note. They were trailing 4-3 in the last game of the season against the Chicago Wolves. With 39 seconds left in regulation, he tied the game up and the Hogs went on to win in overtime.

The Norwegian Olympian won't be back in Rockford next year. He signed a two year contract with his old Swedish Elite League team, Frolunda, on April 29th.

Olimb taking a draw on November 27th in a game against the Peoria Rivermen.

Saturday, June 11, 2011

IceHogs Year in Review: Jeremy Morin

                   Position: Left Wing               Shoots: Right
                   Height: 6'1"                         Birthday: April 16, 1991
                   Weight: 190                        Hometown: Auburn, New York

2010-11 Stats
GP   G   A   PTS   +/-   PIM   PPG   SHG   SOG   S%
22    8   4     12     +2     34      5       0       57    14.0

On June 23rd, it'll be one year since the Blackhawks made their first moves of the 2010 off-season that began the salary cap dumping no fan was looking forward to after the Hawks won the Stanley Cup. It'll also be one year since the Hawks acquired Jeremy Morin from the Atlanta Thrashers for Dustin Byfuglien, Ben Eager, Brent Sopel, and Akim Aliu.

Morin started his first year in the Blackhawks organization in Rockford after being one of the final roster cuts of the preseason. They called him back up on November 5th and he made his NHL debut, against Atlanta, on the 6th. He played nine games for the big club, tallying 3 points (2G, 1A), and a memorable one for him definitely had to be on December 8th, at home against the Dallas Stars, when he scored his first career NHL goal.

During his time in Rockford, the former Kitchener Ranger made quite an impact with the team. He scored some big goals for the Hogs, including five on the power play. The gritty winger isn't afraid to dig in the corners for pucks, throw his body around, and even drop the gloves. He's fast and has a good shot, and it pretty much makes him the complete package. On December 18th, his last game in Rockford before he headed off to Buffalo, New York, to play for Team USA at World Juniors, he scored a goal with 14.1 seconds left in the 3rd period by driving hard to the net that tied the game. The Hogs went on to win in overtime.

At World Juniors, Morin suffered a shoulder injury midway through the tournament and missed a couple of games. He came back though and helped the team earn a bronze medal. When he came back, he had shoulder surgery and missed a little less than a week. He played in his first game back on January 11th. Four days later, on January 15th, his season ended. At Allstate Arena against the Chicago Wolves, Andrei Zubarev hip-checked him in open ice in the 1st period and Morin landed on his head. He got up and skated off under his own power, but he was out for the rest of the season with whiplash

Despite missing all that time, Morin was recalled by the Hawks on April 14th to be a part of the Black Aces for the playoffs.

Morin may or may not be with the Hogs next year. There's an extremely good chance he could make the Hawks' roster out of training camp. Spending some more time down in Rockford won't hurt at all though. It would only help him, considering he missed so much time this year. It would give him a chance to work on his defensive game and make his skating and his shot even better.

Morin during warmups on November 9th.

Morin during warmups on November 27th.

Friday, June 10, 2011

IceHogs Year in Review: Brandon Bollig

                    Position: Left Wing               Shoots: Left
                    Height: 6'3"                         Birthday: January 31, 1987
                    Weight: 225                        Hometown: St. Charles, Missouri

2010-11 Stats
GP   G   A   PTS   +/-   PIM   PPG   SHG   SOG   S%
55    4   0      4     -7     115     0       1       51     7.8


Brandon Bollig is one of those guys good teams need. He's someone that provides a lot of grit and character to the IceHogs.

During his first pro year, he threw his body around a lot and could normally be counted on for a good, solid hit. He also was not a stranger to dropping the gloves. He won most of his fights and provided a lot of energy for the team that way. He was fifth on the Hogs in penalty minutes with 115. Bollig was also used as a penalty killer throughout some of the season.

The undrafted Bollig signed a two year entry level contract with the Hawks on April 3, 2010, so he'll more than likely be back with the Hogs next year. His type of gritty play is something the Hawks greatly lacked this year after they traded guys like Andrew Ladd and Ben Eager due to salary cap reasons.

Bollig during warmups on November 27th against the Peoria Rivermen.

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

IceHogs Year in Review: Jimmy Hayes

              Position: Right Wing              Shoots: Right
              Height: 6'5"                         Birthday: November 21, 1989
              Weight: 210                        Hometown: Dorchester, Massachusetts

2010-11 Stats
GP   G   A   PTS   +/-   PIM   PPG   SHG   SOG   S%
 7    0    0     0       0      2       0        0      14     0.0

Out of all the guys that joined the IceHogs at the end of the year from juniors or college, Jimmy Hayes was the first to do so. He made his Hogs debut on March 30th against the Lake Erie Monsters after coming off of winning the 2011 Hockey East Championship with Boston College. In the four post season games, he tallied 6 points (4G, 2A). In the regular season, Hayes had 33 points (21G, 12A) in 39 games.

In his seven games with the Hogs, Hayes was held scoreless. But he did show some good hockey sense. He went right to the front of the net on the power play, and as often as he could, to use his big frame to screen the goalie. He's got a good set of hands on him as well. He didn't hit as much as he could have, considering his size, but hopefully that will come with more development. He has great potential to become a dominant power forward.
The day Hayes made his AHL debut was also the day he signed an entry level contract with the Blackhawks that will kick in at the start of the 2011-12 season. Hayes, the second round (60th overall) pick of the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2008 draft and acquired by the Hawks at last year's draft for a 2nd round pick, will more than likely spend the year in Rockford next season while he develops.

Hayes (83) at the Hawks' Prospect Camp in July 2010. (chicagoblackhawks.com)

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

IceHogs Year in Review: David Gilbert

                  Position: Center                  Shoots: Left
                  Height: 6'2"                        Birthday: February 9, 1991
                  Weight: 176                       Hometown: Chateauguay, Quebec

2010-11 Stats
GP   G   A   PTS   +/-   PIM   PPG   SHG   SOG   S%
 5    2    1     3      +3      2      1       0       13    15.4

David Gilbert made his IceHogs season debut on April 3rd against the Texas Stars after 4 games in the QMJHL playoffs with the Acadie-Bathurst Titan. He had 3 points (2G, 1A) in the four contests. This was after a great regular season where he played in 52 games, had 51 points (28G, 23A), and was +22.

In his five games with the Hogs this year, Gilbert looked good. He has good speed and a good shot. At 6'2", he's got good size to become a solid centerman in the pros. The Hawks' 7th round pick (209th overall) in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft could turn out to be a late round gem.

He scored his first two professional goals on April 10th in the final game of the season against the Chicago Wolves. The first one was at even strength and the second one was on the power play. 

Gilbert signed an entry level contract with the Blackhawks on May 31st. He'll more than likely be in Rockford for the full year next season and he will only add to the growing depth of centers that the Hawks seem to be accumulating in the system.
Gilbert in the Rookie Tournament hosted by the Maple Leafs in September 2010. (chicagoblackhawks.com)

Monday, June 6, 2011

IceHogs Year in Review: Wade Brookbank

                    Position: Defenseman            Shoots: Left
                    Height: 6'4"                         Birthday: September 29, 1977
                    Weight: 225                        Hometown: Lanigan, Saskatchewan

2010-11 Stats
GP   G   A   PTS   +/-   PIM   PPG   SHG   SOG   S%
56    2   0      2     -11   143      0       0      25     8.0 

In a young IceHogs dressing room, Wade Brookbank provided some much needed veteran presence to the team.

He's a defenseman, but for much of the year he was used as a forward. He did a good job up front, providing a big body for the front of the net and physical play. If there were some injuries on the blue line, he would hop back there for a couple of games, or a period or two if an injury happened during play. The former Carolina Hurricane dropped the gloves a decent amount of times this year, too. He was third on the Hogs in penalty minutes (143) behind Kyle Hagel and Kyle Beach.

On March 19th against the Peoria Rivermen, Brookbank played in his 700th career professional game.

Brookbank's contract is up this summer. If an NHL team doesn't offer him a deal, the Hogs could look to bring him back, which would be good for a team that could be even younger next season.


Brookbank playing for the Carolina Hurricanes in 2008. (carolinahurricanes.com)

Sunday, June 5, 2011

IceHogs Year in Review: Kyle Hagel

                       Position: Left Wing               Shoots: Left
                       Height: 6'0"                         Birthday: January 21, 1985
                       Weight: 205                        Hometown: Hamilton, Ontario

2010-11 Stats
GP   G   A   PTS   +/-   PIM   PPG   SHG   SOG   S%
77    5   8     13    -11    245      0       0       75     6.7


When it comes to Kyle Hagel, there's no better team guy in the world. He'd do anything to help his team out. Off the ice, he's one of the absolute nicest guys. He's very involved in the community as well. He's a part of Hockey Players for Kids, or HP4K, and he set up a reading program called "Stick to Reading" at Kishwaukee Elementary School in January. He was also named the Hogs' Man of the Year and the team's Unsung Hero during the Hogs' Team Awards on April 9th.

On the ice, the former Princeton Tiger is a fearless competitor. He was used a lot this year as a penalty killer and was very effective. He also finished every check and wasn't afraid to dig in the corners for pucks. He provided the team with a lot of grit.

To say Hagel wasn't afraid to drop the gloves is an understatement. Hagel was the team's penalty minute leader-fifth overall in the AHL- and he was tied for the lead in the AHL with 31 fighting majors with Devin DiDiomete of the Connecticut Whale. During most of his fights, Hagel fought guys that were bigger than him, and he won 99% of his bouts. Some of his most memorable fights were against Adam Huxley of the Chicago Wolves. Both guys would just drop absolute bombs on each other continuously. It also seemed like every time the I-90 rivals met, the fans in either the MetroCentre or the Allstate Arena could count on a Hagel-Huxley go-around.

Unfortunately for the Hogs, Hagel signed a two way contract with the St. Louis Blues on May 9th, so he won't be back next season. Hopefully he'll have a shot to stick with the Blues all year next year because there isn't a more deserving guy to be in the NHL than Hagel. 

Hagel in a game on November 27th against the Peoria Rivermen.


Friday, June 3, 2011

IceHogs Year in Review: Kyle Beach

                Position: Left Wing              Shoots: Right
                Height: 6'3"                        Birthday: January 13, 1990
                Weight: 210                       Hometown: Kelowna, British Columbia

2010-11 Stats
GP   G   A   PTS   +/-   PIM   PPG   SHG   SOG   S%
71     16  20   36     -24    163     6        0      164    9.8

Kyle Beach's first full year pro was a definite learning year for him. Early on in the first couple of months in the season, he would let his temper get the best of him. He dropped the gloves a lot, tried to fill an enforcer role that wasn't really his, and would yap at the officials a lot if something didn't go his way. About halfway though the season though, he calmed down a bit, didn't drop the gloves as much, and complained less. Occasionally though, he still said something to the officials.

His skating also improved over the course of the year. During the second half, Blackhawks skating coach Paul Vincent was down in Rockford for a bit, and Beach spent some time talking with him, so that had to have helped. He still needs to work on that some more, though.

Fans made a lot out of his -24 plus/minus rating, and they have a right to. Especially early on in the season, he didn't look very good defensively. Towards the end of the year, he did make a better effort at playing D, but that part of his game needs to improve. When he was on a line with Jeff Taffe his overall game picked up as well, but that was the case with many guys when they were put on his line.

Beach is probably still a year away from making the Hawks, although he was one of the last cuts at Training Camp this season and his grit was something the big club lacked this year. He needs some more time in Rockford to develop and maintain a complete game before being thrown into the NHL fire full time. But with some improvement and when in need for a gritty, fourth line body, he could easily be a call up next year.

Beach lining up for a draw in a game against the Lake Erie Monsters on November 24th.

Beach fighting Phil McRae of the Peoria Rivermen on November 27th.

Thursday, June 2, 2011

IceHogs Year in Review: Philippe Paradis

                      Position: Left Wing              Shoots: Left
                      Height: 6'2"                        Birthday: January 2, 1991
                      Weight: 212                       Hometown: Normandin, Quebec

2010-11 Stats
GP   G   A   PTS   +/-   PIM   PPG   SHG   SOG   S%
 4     1   0     1          -2      2        0       0        6     16.7 

After playing 59 games (23G-30A-53Pts) in the regular season and five games in the playoffs (1G-1A-2Pts) with the Prince Edward Island Rocket of the QMJHL, Philippe Paradis was called up by the IceHogs for the end of the regular season. His first game in a Hogs sweater was on April 5th at San Antonio.

During his four games with the club, Paradis looked pretty good. He showed that he has great speed and that he's not afraid to get his nose dirty and throw his body around a bit.

The Carolina Hurricanes' first round (27th overall) draft pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft scored a big goal, the first of his pro career, on April 9th in the Hogs' 4-2 win over the Grand Rapids Griffins. It was set up by Chris DiDomenico and it turned out to be the game winner. Both Paradis and DiDomenico came over to the Chicago organization from the Toronto Maple Leafs in the Kris Versteeg trade on June 30, 2010.

Paradis had signed a three year entry level contract with the Leafs on April 21, 2010 before he was traded, so he should be apart of another young group in Rockford for next season.

Paradis at the Rookie Tournament in Toronto on September 12th. (from chicagoblackhawks.com)