Icehogs Game Day Preview: Opening Night Edition against Grand Rapids

The Rockford IceHogs faceoff against the Griffins at 7:00 PM at the BMO Center

(Photo Courtesy: Rockford Icehogs/Brad Repplinger)

By Jack Masters, Ice Insider Lead IceHogs Analyst, @hogthought

ROCKFORD--After the sting of a first-round exit at the hands of Grand Rapids last season, Rockford begins their run at redemption Saturday night against the Griffins at the BMO Center. Grand Rapids comes into town off the high of a 3-0 defeat of Milwaukee in their home opener Friday at the Van Andel Arena.

Where: BMO Center

When: 7pm

Expected Goaltenders: Sebastian Cossa (1-0, 0.00 GAA) vs. Drew Commesso (0-0, 0.00 GAA)

Players to Watch:

Nazar looks on (Micheal Reaves/ Getty Images)

Rockford- Frank Nazar: Making his AHL debut after a stellar end-of-the-year debut with Chicago last season, Nazar will presumably be on a line with Brett Seney and Landon Slaggert flanking him, which found immediate success in Rockford’s preseason win over Iowa. After losing scorers like David Gust, Michal Teply, Mike Hardman and Anders Bjork, Rockford will need top prospect Frank Nazar to immediately impress with his speed and playmaking ability.

Grand Rapids- Nate Danielson: Rockford isn’t the only club with a first-round scoring talent to lean on this season. Grand Rapids will roll into town touting 9th overall selection in 2023, Nate Danielson. Danielson, a big, powerful skater, has all the tools needed to step in and produce immediately for a Grand Rapids club that looks as strong as the team that eliminated Rockford last season. After going scoreless with a lone shot on net in the Griffin's 3-0 defeat of Milwaukee Friday night, watch for Danielson to be on the hunt for his first AHL point Saturday.

HERE COME THE KIDS:

Along by with Frank Nazar, Icehogs fans will get to see the possible AHL/professional debut’s of others including Samuel Savoie, Kevin Korchinski, Landon Slaggert, Gavin Hayes and Paul Ludwinski. All figure to have prominent roles on a young Icehogs club.

JERSEY WATCH- Rockford has been sneakily teasing via-X that Saturday will debut a new black alternate sweater.

BLOCK PARTY- Saturday also brings the return of Rockford’s yearly pre-game block party. Starting at 4pm and running up until gates open at 6 pm, it should make for great pre-game festivities.

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