Staff Report

ROCKFORD — The Rockford IceHogs on Tuesday announced their 2018 Training Camp schedule.

The IceHogs begin their 20th season of professional hockey, and 12th as the top affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks, with their first official practice of the 2018-19 campaign on Sunday, Sept. 23 at the BMO Harris Bank Center.

IceHogs fans can catch their first glimpse of the 2018-19 team at the FREE IceHogs FanFest on Friday, Sept. 28 at BMO Harris Bank Center, with doors opening at 6 p.m. The event will include an intra-squad scrimmage at 7 p.m. where fans can watch the team at ice level on the arena floor. Following the scrimmage, fans will be able to go out onto the ice for autographs and photos with the team.

FanFest will offer great food specials including BBQ ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, burgers and more. In addition, D & A Concessions will be serving treats such as ice cream cones, bars, sno-cones, cotton candy and more. Families can also enjoy bounce houses and other interactive activities, courtesy of About the Bounce. Fans can also shop a variety of new team memorabilia and merchandise at the Oink Outfitters kiosk on the arena floor.

Training Camp is scheduled to run through Monday, Oct. 1. All Training Camp practices will be held at the BMO Harris Bank Center, but will be closed to the public.

The full Training Camp schedule is below:

Meanwhile, camp is underway for the Chicago Blackhawks. Twenty-three players who saw action in Rockford last season are with the big club. The IceHogs will solidify their roster as the Hawks begin to send players down. R.