JOE LAVIN JOINS ROCKFORD AFTER SIGNING AN ATO

JOE LAVIN JOINS ROCKFORD AFTER SIGNING AN ATO

Rockford, Ill. – Chicago Blackhawks General Manager of Minor League Affiliations Mark Bernard announced on Saturday that defenseman Joe Lavin has signed an amateur try-out agreement with the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League.

The Shrewsbury, Mass. native finished his second season with Notre Dame accumulating 6g-11a-17pts in 44 games in 2010-11.

Prior to skating with the Fighting Irish, the 21 year old appeared in 57 games for the Omaha Lancers of the USHL during the 2008-09 and 2009-10 seasons, racking up 40 points (12g-28a). Lavin also registered nine points (9a) in 48 games at Providence College in 2007-08 and 2008-09 before transferring to Notre Dame.

Lavin was the Blackhawks fifth round pick (#126 overall) in the 2007 National Hockey League Entry Draft.

Next Home Game: Saturday, April 9 vs. Grand Rapids Griffins. Puck drop is at 7:05 p.m.  In the final home game of the season, the IceHogs battle the Grand Rapids Griffins at the MetroCentre. The contest is the sixth and final meeting between the two clubs. Rockford shows a record of 3-2-0-0 against Grand Rapids in '10-11.


ROCKFORD'S HOME FINALE SOLD OUT


Rockford, Ill.- The Rockford IceHogs will take on the Grand Rapids Griffins in the final home game of the 2010-11 season tonight at the sold out Rockford MetroCentre at 7:05 p.m.

The Rockford IceHogs continue to be one of the hottest teams in the AHL after defeating the Lake Erie Monsters last night ending the Monsters  franchise record eight-game road winning streak.  Since Feb. 25, the IceHogs are 15-5-1-1 and have won eight of their last nine contests.

Tonight's game can be heard on 1330 AM WNTA, 1380 AM ESPN and on-line at www.wnta.combeginning at 6:35 p.m. with the U.S. Cellular Pregame Show.  The game can be seen in Rockford on Rockford's My Network TV Channel 17.2 and Comcast and Charter Channel 16 and on the web through www.ahllive.com.

The contest is the sixth and final meeting between the two clubs. Rockford shows a record of 3-2-0-0 against Grand Rapids in '10-11, although the Griffins have won the last two contests.

Last time the two teams clashed, Grand Rapids bested the Hogs 5-3.  Defenseman Jassen Cullimore lit the lamp twice that night and had a helper for his first career professional three-point game.

The first 2,500 fans to the game will receive a 2010-11 IceHogs team photo.

Also, the IceHogs will hold a side walk sale located outside Oink Outfitters on the main concourse.  All merchandise will be heavily discounted between 40-60% off, available during the game only.

The IceHogs finish the regular season tomorrow afternoon at the Allstate Arena when they face the Chicago Wolves at 3 p.m.

Season Tickets On Sale For 2011-12: It'll be a long summer without IceHogs hockey and season ticket packages for the 2011-12 season are now on sale. To find a ticket package that quenches your hockey thirst, call (815) 847-6399.