Rockford IceHogs set for one final road trip before going their separate ways

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO/WQRF) — The IceHogs are set for one final, long road trip before ending their season and heading their separate ways. They’ll play two games in Texas against the Stars Friday night and Saturday night.

IceHogs coach Jared Nightingale says he wants to give some of the IceHogs’ youngest players into the action, but he says everyone will see action.

“Yeah, the younger guys will see plenty of ice. You know, we have eight ‘D’ (defensemen), and they’ll all see ice this weekend, and you know try to get the goaltenders (action). We have three goalies. Berezhnoy is back and ready to go. I’d like to get him some time. It’s the same as what it’s been all year. Guys that are playing well and earned the ice time they’ll get it.”

This final road trip will also provide some more time for Nightingale to reflect on this season and on what this group of players have meant to him and his coaching staff. The IceHogs didn’t make the playoffs, but Nightingale still believes in this team.

“I’ve already been kind of doing that (reflecting on the season). You know, it’s bittersweet. I feel for the older guys. I do think we had a good enough team to get into the playoffs, but yeah we’ll try to enjoy the road.”

“We’re going to a great city. That doesn’t mean we’re not wanting to win a couple hockey games, you know, but in the next few weeks it will definitely be a lot of reflection. I was spoiled. It’s a great group. It was a tight team. No cliques. That really makes life easier on a coach.”

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