By Jim Hagerty
Reporter

ROCKFORD — The Rockford IceHogs made a big leap toward playoff contention this weekend by capping a four-game winning streak with wins over the Chicago Wolves and Milwaukee Admirals.

In action at the BMO Harris Bank Center Friday night, Henri Jokiharju scored his first professional goal as part of a four-goal run for the Rockford that ended with a 5-2 victory against the Wolves.

Chicago jumped to an early 1-0 lead but 19-year-old Jokiharju drew Rockford even 12:30 into the game. The goal came on a blast from the right point that beat Oscar Dansk glove side.

Alexandre Fortin potted the go-ahead marker when he redirected a centering feed from Terry Broadhurst in the second period. Broadhurst now has five points in his last four games.

William Pelletier put Rockford up 4:25 later on another redirect orchestrated by Broadhurst. Victor Ejdsell added another goal late in the middle period, giving the IceHogs a 4-1 lead entering the third.

Gage Quinney added a Chicago goal in the third period but Alexandre Fortin scored his second of the night on an empty-netter to silence the comeback.

Kevin Lankinen made 28 saves for the IceHogs.

It was an overtime affair at UW-Milwukee Panther Arena as the Admirals overcame a 2-0 lead to send things to extra time. Their chance to escape with a with a win was short lived, however. Darren Raddysh made sure of that 1:27 into overtime to send Rockford home with a 3-2 decision and fifth place in the Central Division. 

The Raddysh game-winner happened as Jordan Schroeder entered the offensive zone down the left side, and found Raddysh breaking for the net. The defenseman converted high past the glove of Troy Grosenick.

All four goals in regulation came in the third period. Dylan Sikura got Rockford on the board first by flipping in his team-leading 13th of the season at the 2:40 mark. Pelletier padded the lead on a bank shot off a Milwaukee defenseman with just under eight minutes to go.

Milwaukee pulled Grosenick late and Eeli Tolvanen cut the lead to 2-1. Rockford’s Andreas Martinsen then drew a penalty, giving the Ads a 6-on-4 advantage with an empty net. Yakov Trenin quickly found the equalizer to send the game into OT.

IceHogs goaltender Anton Forsberg made 26 saves in the win, allowing two or fewer goals for the fourth time in his last five starts. Forsberg has posted a 2.01 GAA and a .934 save percentage over that span.

Next Home Game
Wed. Feb. 6, 7 p.m.
The Rockford IceHogs take on the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins on a Fas Fuel Winning Weekday. The first 2,000 fans through the doors will receive a free slice of pizza, courtesy of Papa John’s. And like every Wednesday home game this season, this is also a $2 Dog Day. For an additional $2, fans can bring their dog to the arena.  Proceeds from the dog admission will benefit local animal shelters. Hot dogs will also be available for purchase from concessions for just $2. If the IceHogs win, fans can redeem their game ticket for a free ticket of equal or lesser value to the next weekday home game. In addition, one lucky fan will win a $50 Fas Fuel/ Fas Mart gift card. R.