IceHogs Overview

Fast facts

League: American Hockey League

Head Coach: Derek King

Team Mascot: Hammy Hog

Year Opened: 1981

Capacity: 5895

City / State: Rockford / Illinois

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Rockford IceHogs-Chicago Wolves Rivalry

Rival Team: Chicago Wolves

The rivalry between the Wolves and IceHogs mirrors the rivalry in the city between the Wolves and the NHL’s Blackhawks. Many die-hard Wolves fans don’t care too much for the Blackhawks helping fuel the rivalry between these two northern Illinois AHL rivals. On the other hand, if you’re a huge Blackhawks fan, there is no better time to attend a Wolves game than when the IceHogs come town as it presents an excellent opportunity to see future Hawks.

Rockford IceHogs-Milwaukee Admirals Rivalry

Rival Team: Milwaukee Admirals

You won’t want to miss it when the IceHogs face off against Central Division rivals Milwaukee. There is a strong rivalry between Illinois and wisconsin meaning bragging rights are always on the line when these two teams meet. Don’t miss it when the IceHOgs take on the Admirals as the games between these two are always some of the best of the season.

Rockford IceHogs-Grand Rapids Griffins Rivalry

Rival Team: Grand Rapids Griffins

The Griffins’ parent club the Detroit Red Wings are the IceHogs’ parent club the Chicago Blackhawks biggest rivals making matchups between these two teams must-see events. Blackhawks and Ice Hogs fans hate the Griffins creating an intense atmosphere at any game between these two Central Division rivals.

IceHogs Stadium Guide

In Game

If you want to see the future of the Chicago Blackhawks, then make the short northern trek to see an IceHogs games. IceHogs games are an excellent opportunity to see future Blackhawks players hit the ice, and you’ll also be able to see tributes to current Blackhawks at the “Stars of Tomorrow” wall making an IceHogs game a fantastic experience for any die-hard Hawks fans.

Those of you who aren’t as into hockey or the Blackhawks will also enjoy an IceHogs game as they feature tons of in-game entertainment. The in-game promotions help make every game a fun and unique experience, and kids will love the IceHogs’ mascot Hammy, who can be seen all around the arena during the game.

Additionally, you’ll encounter a very passionate fan base when attending an IceHogs game. The fans here go all out to support their team, and their signature “Hey guess what? Your goalie sucks” chant and cowbells help create a one of a kind in-game atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else.

Finally, if you’re looking to grab a bite to eat or something to drink, then make sure to check out some of the options near the arena. The District Bar and Grill is a fun place to grab a drink within walking distance of the BMO Harris Bank Center and Carlyle Brewing Co. across the bridge offers plenty of local brews.

You’ll have an excellent time attending an IceHogs game, so start planning your trip to Rockford today.

Things to check out

“Stars of Tomorrow” Wall

Check out the “Stars of Tomorrow” wall to see all the former IceHogs who have made it to the NHL. The exhibit is a must-see for hockey fans, especially Blackhawks, so take some time to see it during your visit to the BMO Harris Bank Center.

UHL Championship Banner

Take a look at the IceHogs UHL championship to remember the best team in Rockford hockey history. The banner is a can’t-miss for any hockey fan from the Rockford area, so make sure to check it out.

Cowbells

Bring your cowbells to an IceHogs game to get the full game day experience. The fans here ring their cowbells after every big play by the IceHogs, so join in the fun during your trip to Rockford.

Hammy

Keep an eye out for the IceHogs’ beloved mascot Hammy. Hammy performs all kind of antics during the game, and if you see him on the concourse, give him a high-five.

Fight Songs

  1. Goal Horn and Goal Song

    “Boom! Shake the Room” by DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince

    Yeah, and here we go
    Break down
    ‘Til the beat go
    ‘Til the beat go
    Break down
    ‘Til the beat go

    Here I go, yo back up now and give a brother room
    The fuse is lit and I’m about to go boom
    Mercy, mercy, mercy me
    Uh, my life is a cage but on stage I’m free
    Hyped up, psyched up, ready for wilin’
    Standin in a crowd of girls like a island
    I see the one I want, I said “come here cutie”
    I flip her around and then I work that booty
    Work the body, work, work the body
    Slow down girl you’re ’bout to hurt somebody
    Hold up, yo let’s get just one thing clear
    There’s only one reason why I came here

    Ya really done want me to tigga, tigga, tigga tell ya what’s up (GO)
    Ya really done want me to tigga, tigga, tigga tell ya what’s up (GO)
    Ya really done want me to tigga, tigga, tigga tell ya what’s up (GO)
    I came here tonight to hear the crowd go

    (Boom! shake, shake, shake the room)
    (Boom! shake, shake, shake the room)
    (Boom! shake, shake, shake the room)
    (Tic, tic, tic, tic, boom)

    Well yo are ya’ll ready for me yet?
    (Pump it up Prince)
    Well yo are ya’ll ready for me yet?
    (Pump it up Prince)
    Well yo are ya’ll ready for me yet?
    (Pump it up Prince)
    Well here I go, here I go here I, here I go

    Yo, dance in the aisles when the Prince steps to it
    The rhyme is a football ya’ll and I went and threw it
    Out in the crowd and yo it was a good throw
    How do I know?, because the crowd went (HO)
    In response to the way that I was kickin it
    Smooth, an individual, rhymes always original
    Like the Dr. Jekyl man and this is my ‘Hyde’ side
    I am the driver and you’re on a rap ride

    So fellas (yeah)
    Are ya’ll with me? (yeah)
    I said fellas (yeah)
    Are ya’ll with me? (yeah)
    Why don’t you tell the girls what ya’ll wanna do
    Ya wanna (oh, ah, ah, ah, ah, ew)
    That’s right yo and I’m in the flow
    So pump up the volume along with the tempo
    I want everybody in the house to know
    I came here tonight to hear the crowd go

    [Chorus 2x]

    Yeah
    Break it on DOWN, uh
    Yeah, give ’em it
    Uh, bring it back to ’em
    Yeah, c’mon now

    [Chorus]

    Here I go
    The F-f-f-f-Fresh P-p-p-p-Prince is who I am
    So tell my mother that I never make a whack jam
    But sometimes I get n-nervous and start to stutter
    And I f-fumble every word, for word I utter
    So I just try to ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-chill
    But it gets worse-a but worse-a but-but-but worse still
    I need the c-c-c-crowd to k-k-k-kick into it
    They help me calm down and I can get through it
    So higher higher, get ya hands to the ceilin
    Let it go ya’ll don’t fight the feelin
    Mic in a strangle hold, sweat pourin
    And like Jordan yo I’m scorin
    Yeah that’s right ya’ll and I am in the flow
    So pump up the volume, along with the tempo
    Many have died tryin to stop my show
    I came here tonight to here the crowd go

    [Chorus 4x]

    Yeah, uh
    Kick it to ’em right here
    Don’t stop ..
    All night long
    And I’m outta here

    “Break down”
    [repeated until fade]

  2. Hey Guess What? Your Goalie Sucks

    Join in this chant after the IceHogs score. The chant is to the tune of “Mony, Mony” and is an excellent way to celebrate an IceHogs’ goal.

    Hey Guess What? Your Goalie Sucks

IceHogs Bars & Restaurants

  1. Backyard Grill & Bar

    Backyard Grill and Bar

    American restaurant turning out burgers, steaks & salads in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere.

    6473 N 2nd St, Loves Park, IL 61111, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  2. Rural on Tap

    Rural on Tap

    Rural On Tap is a unique neighborhood bar that offers over 75 different craft beers for you to indulge in!

    1710 Rural St, Rockford, IL 61107, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  3. Tad’s on the Rock

    Tads on the Rock

    Come on down to Tad's and enjoy unique Riverfront dining, Tiki Bar, Awesome Fish fry every Friday, DJ every Friday and Saturday, Fast and friendly service.

    10 E Riverside Blvd, Loves Park, IL 61111, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  4. Mulligan’s Pub & Grill

    Mulligans Pub and Grill

    Mulligan's is the Rockford areas one of a kind Irish Pub. We offer a neighborhood feel and an atmosphere with true Irish flair.

    2212 N Main St, Rockford, IL 61103, USA

    Bar website

    european - $

  5. The Olympic Tavern

    The Olympic Tavern

    Longtime American taproom with 25+ drafts & creative bar bites, pasta, sandwiches, steak & seafood.

    2327 N Main St, Rockford, IL 61103, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  6. Whiskey’s Roadhouse

    Whiskeys Roadhouse

    Burgers, pizza & wings served in an upbeat atmosphere with live bands, karaoke & slot machines.

    3207 N Main St, Rockford, IL 61103, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  7. Rue Marche

    Rue Marche

    A fun place to go, relax, and have a few drinks with good friends!

    620 Market St, Rockford, IL 61107, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  8. CJ’s Public House

    beer burger

    Redefining our casual tavern with a fresh menu, classic drinks and memorable experiences for every guest.

    300 E State St, Rockford, IL 61104, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  9. Oasis Micro-Pub

    Criterion beer Mazzys Brewballs Cogans Deli Sports Pub Kamikazes Libbys Bar Grill Knot Pub Cara Irish Mess Hall

    26 draught lines with the finest micro brews and craft beers available in the Rockford area!

    901 E State St, Rockford, IL 61104, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  10. Mary’s Place

    beer

    Mary's Place is the oldest bar in Rockford, and is home to some of the best live music in the Rockford area.

    602 N Madison St, Rockford, IL 61107, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  11. Octane

    Coffee

    Longtime Internet cafe featuring New American fare, cocktails & espresso in a contemporary interior.

    124 N Main St, Rockford, IL 61101, USA

    Bar website

    american - cafe - $$

  12. Carlyle Brewing Co.

    Carlyle Brewing

    Warm local brewpub teaming an array of craft beers with simple pub grub in a brick-walled space.

    215 E State St, Rockford, IL 61104, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  13. District Bar and Grill

    District Bar and Grill

    Casual hangout serving drinks & pub grub, with regular live music & other events.

    205 W State St, Rockford, IL 61101, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  14. Social Urban Bar & Restaurant

    Social Urban Bar and Restaurant

    Trendy taproom serving locally sourced New American small & large plates, cocktails & absinthe.

    509 E State St, Rockford, IL 61104, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  15. Los Portales

    Los Portales

    Authentic Mexican food prepared with love.

    805 E State St, Rockford, IL 61104, USA

    Bar website

    mexican - $

  16. Schiro’s

    Schiros

    No doubt you'll enjoy their homey Italian food.

    1201 N Springfield Ave, Rockford, IL 61101, USA

    Bar website

    italian - $

  17. Mr. C’s Family Restaurant

    Diner2

    Good food, good price, great service.

    4309 W State St, Rockford, IL 61102, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  18. Woodfire Brick Oven Pizza

    Woodfire Brick Oven Pizza

    Industrial-chic restaurant serving wood-fired pizzas, plus housemade pasta & other Italian dishes.

    408 E State St, Rockford, IL 61104, USA

    Bar website

    pizza - $$

  19. Capri Restaurant & Pizza

    Capri Restaurant and Pizza

    Old-school Italian joint with padded booths, muralled walls & a classic menu of pizza & pasta.

    313 E State St, Rockford, IL 61104, USA

    Bar website

    italian - pizza - $$