Jan 03, 2026
Written By: Nick Lalpuis
Hershey, PA- The Rockford IceHogs (13-16-2-1) hit the road to Chocolatetown for a two-game series against the Hershey Bears (14-14-1-0). This is the first time the IceHogs have traveled to Hershey since the 2018-19 season where they split the two-game season series with the Bears.
The Matchup:
All-Time Series: 3-0-0-1
Season Series: N/A
Tale of the Tape: The IceHogs and Bears have only met four previous times with the IceHogs taking three out of the four previous meetings. Tonight’s game will be the first time the two teams have played since February 23, 2019 where Hershey took a 3-2 shootout victory. Hershey enters the weekend set with Rockford having lost their previous four games, limited to two goals or less in each of the four losses. Forward Andrew Cristall leads Hershey with 22 points this season and had a nine-game point streak come to an end on Dec. 27 against Wilkes/Barre Scranton. Goaltender Clay Stevenson leads the way with 17 games and a 7-8 record. The fourth-year Bear has posted a 2.56 GAA and a .912 save percentage through 17 games. The Bears have a 8-9-1-0 record at the Giant Center this season while the IceHogs have gone 9-7-1-0 away from Rockford this season.
Three Things To Know:
Lombardi’s Big Week: Rockford forward Kevin Lombardi quickly accumulated five points over his previous three games this past week. Lombardi, 27, recorded his first two goals of the season on Dec. 27 against the Texas Stars and also tallied an assist. The six-foot-five forward then picked up a two-goal performance Wednesday afternoon against the Chicago Wolves. Lombardi has spent the majority of the season with the Indy Fuel where he has recorded 18 points (9g, 9a) in just 15 games. Lombardi was born in Schwenksville, PA, which is less than two hours away from Hershey. The Pennsylvania native has five points (4g, 1a) in seven games with the IceHogs this season.
Engelbert Finding His Stride: Rookie Jamie Engelbert posted a strong month of December with the IceHogs and has moved up the team leaderboard in points. The Ontario native tallied seven points in December with the IceHogs and is currently fourth among active IceHog skaters in points with 14 (6g, 8a). Engelbert signed with the IceHogs over the offseason after putting up 31 points (17g, 14a) in 38 games with Jared Nightingale and the South Carolina Stingrays. Engelbert spend his first season in professional hockey playing for the Bloomington Bison, South Carolina Stingrays, and three games with the Manitoba Moose.
Allan and Seney Return: The IceHogs will get some familiar faces back to the lineup soon with Nolan Allan and Brett Seney returning from the 2025 Spengler Cup. Both Allan and Seney represented Team Canada at the tournament. Seney, who played in the tournament last year, tallied a goal and assist in three games. Allan skated in three games fin his first international tournament since the 2022-23 season where he played in the World Junior Championships. The IceHogs’ captain returns to Rockford with 30 points (9g, 21a) in 29 games to lead the team in points.
2025-26 Matchups:
| Jan. 3 | @ | HER | 6:00 p.m. |
| Jan. 4 | @ | HER | 2:00 p.m. |
| Mar. 6 | vs. | HER | 7:00 p.m. |
| Mar. 7 | vs. | HER | 7:00 p.m. |
The IceHogs return to the BMO Center Friday January, 9th against the Chicago Wolves for a $2 Beer and soft drink night presented by Bud Light. Rockford will then host the Manitoba Moose on Saturday January, 10th for Star Wars Night. Tickets for both games are available at icehogs.com
