In a nod to Rockford's rich hockey heritage, the Rockford IceHogs are set to don Rockford Icemen jerseys for their annual postgame live jersey auction, sponsored by Insurance King, on Saturday, April 4.
This exciting event gives fans the unique opportunity to bid on game-worn Rockford Icemen jerseys right after the IceHogs face off against the Iowa Wild at 7 p.m. Players will hit the ice individually, with a live auctioneer kicking off the bidding for each jersey.
This tradition serves as the main fundraiser for the IceHogs Community Fund, which has impressively raised over $1.3 million across 24 seasons. A portion of this year’s proceeds will support the Rockford Hockey Club.
In a special unveiling, representatives from the IceHogs and Rockford Hockey Club were joined by Tim Mattila, the legendary former head coach of the Rockford Icemen, and Jon Larson, President of the Rockford Lightning High School Hockey Program and former Icemen coach. They showcased the jerseys the IceHogs will wear on April 4, which pay tribute to the Icemen's legacy and their foundational role in Rockford hockey.
These blue jerseys, accented with green and white, feature the iconic “Old Man Winter” Icemen logo, with “Rockford” proudly displayed above it. The shoulders are graced with both the IceHogs and Lightning logos.
Under Mattila’s leadership from 1998 to 2016, the Icemen secured 16 state championships in Illinois' Combined Division High School League, including an incredible streak of 15 consecutive titles. The Icemen were instrumental in cultivating a vibrant hockey culture in Rockford, nurturing talent from youth levels to high school.
Mattila emphasized the importance of starting young in hockey, stating, “The key with youth hockey is you need to start when you are five to eight years old if you really want to play competitive hockey. It’s all about the youth programs to make your high school teams better and then your high school teams to make your pro teams better.”
The IceHogs Community Fund has been a proud supporter, contributing over $160,000 in the last four years to initiatives by the Rockford Hockey Club and Rockford Park District aimed at youth hockey development.
Ryan Snider, IceHogs President of Business Operations, highlighted the organization’s commitment to the community: “One of our primary missions is to support our community and make Rockford proud. Supporting local hockey and growing the game is a key part of that. The lessons learned in youth hockey are invaluable for developing not just athletes, but well-rounded individuals.”
Jordan Tuminaro, President of Rockford Hockey Club, noted the impact of the Community Fund: “The support helps get more kids on the ice at a younger age. We’re also on the verge of launching a youth girls hockey team to further expand our reach.”
Tickets for this special game and live jersey auction on April 4 are available now!
About Rockford Icemen
The Rockford Icemen were a powerhouse in Illinois high school hockey from 1991 to 2016, claiming 16 state championships under the guidance of Coach Tim Mattila. Known for their dedication and success, the team operated as a combined club program until 2018.
About Rockford Hockey Club
For over 30 years, the Rockford Hockey Club has offered competitive hockey experiences for skaters aged 8U to 18U, fostering a positive and fun learning environment for developing players.
About Rockford Lightning
The Rockford Lightning High School Hockey Program is committed to excellence both on and off the ice, aiming to develop student-athletes with integrity and a strong work ethic through rigorous training and community involvement.