The Rockford IceHogs are set to open the 2026-27 American Hockey League season with a roster that blends familiar names, fresh Blackhawks prospects, and a leadership group built around some of the organization’s most established pieces.
Rockford announced its 26-player opening-night roster, which features 15 forwards, eight defensemen, and three goaltenders. The group also includes several recent draft picks by Chicago Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson.
Up front, the IceHogs are bringing back a core that looks a lot like last season’s team. Captain Brett Seney returns, along with Gavin Hayes, Paul Ludwinski, Martin Misiak, Samuel Savoie, and assistant captain Dominic Toninato. Landon Slaggert is also listed as an assistant captain after spending most of 2025-26 in the NHL with the Blackhawks, though he still logged eight AHL games with Rockford.
Seney is back in Rockford for his fifth season and third as captain. He also sits all over the IceHogs’ record book, leading franchise skaters in game-winning goals with 16 while ranking second in points with 207, third in goals with 73, and third in assists with 134.
The forward group also features a wave of newcomers in Sacha Boisvert, Jiri Felcman, AJ Spellacy, and Marek Vanacker. All four are recent Blackhawks draft picks, and Boisvert and Vanacker were both first-round selections in 2024.
Boisvert already got a taste of the NHL last season, making his first seven career appearances with Chicago after signing an entry-level contract in March. Before turning pro, he spent two seasons in college hockey, including 2025-26 at Boston University.
Vanacker comes to Rockford after four years with the Brantford Bulldogs in the OHL, where he led the league with 47 goals last season.
The blue line brings its own mix of experience and upside. Cavan Fitzgerald and Connor Mackey will wear assistant captain letters on defense, while Derrick Pouliot adds another veteran presence. Taige Harding, Jake Furlong, and Ashton Cumby remain prospects.
In goal, Drew Commesso is back for his fourth season as Rockford’s starter. Stanislav Berezhnoy returns for a second year in Rockford, while first-year pro Adam Gajan will be in the mix for playing time.
The IceHogs begin the regular season on Saturday, Oct. 3, against the Milwaukee Admirals at the BMO Center. Rockford is trying to bounce back after missing the Calder Cup Playoffs last season for the first time since 2018-19.
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