Grand Rapids, MI. – The Rockford IceHogs couldn’t keep pace with the Grand Rapids Griffins on Friday night, falling 8-3 inside Van Andel Arena.
The Griffins exploded on home ice scoring five goals in the 1st period. First, it was Sheldon Dries who connected on the power play, pushing a rebound past Mitchell Weeks.
Rockford responded with Dmitri Kuzmin’s 3rd goal of the season. He crashed the net a backhanded the puck home after Zach Sanford’s wrap around attempt. The Griffins jumped back out in front 2-1 thanks to Tim Gettinger’s wrist shot from the near circle.
After earning another power play, the Griffins’ Amadeaus Lombardi shoveled in a shot from the far wing to extend the lead 3-1. The Hogs punched right back on a man-advantage of their own. Gerry Mayhew cut the deficit to 3-2, capping off a passing play between Cole Guttman and Sanford.
