Game Summary: IceHogs Earn Dramatic Victory
The Rockford IceHogs kicked off their 2025-26 AHL season in dramatic fashion, edging the Milwaukee Admirals 3-2 in overtime Friday night at the BMO Center.
Forward Samuel Savoie sealed the win with the overtime dagger just 1:38 into the extra frame, capping an emotional home opener that had a bit of everything—scoring, saves, and even a fight.
1st Period
Milwaukee carried the early play, outshooting Rockford 15-8 in the first period, but goaltender Drew Commesso kept the IceHogs in it with a string of tough stops.
At 13:49, Brett Seney opened the scoring during 4-on-4 play, one-timing a Kevin Korchinski cross-ice feed past Admirals netminder Matt Murray.
Moments later, rookie Connor Mylymok brought the crowd to its feet. He dropped the gloves with Kyle Marino in his BMO debut.
Milwaukee responded quickly, tying the game 1-1 when Jordan Oesterle’s wrist shot slipped through traffic at 16:12.
2nd period
The second period was a goaltending duel. Both Commesso and Murray turned aside every chance. Rockford was unable to cash in its first power play of the season.
The game went to the second intermission deadlocked at 1-1.
3rd period/OT
Milwaukee grabbed a 2-1 lead midway through the third. Rookie Joey Willis broke down the wing. He cut to his backhand, and slid the puck past Commesso for his first professional goal.
With time running out, Rockford pulled the goalie for an extra attacker. Defenseman Aidan Thompson fired from the point. Jackson Cates redirected the puck in the slot to tie the game 2-2 with 1:12 remaining, forcing overtime.
It took just 98 seconds of OT for the IceHogs to finish the job. Savoie cut across the high slot and snapped a shot under Murray’s glove, sending the BMO crowd home happy and delivering Rockford’s first win of the year.
By the Numbers
- Final Score: Rockford 3 – Milwaukee 2 (OT)
- Shots on Goal: Rockford 35 – Milwaukee 33
- Power Play: RFD 0-for-1 (0%) | MIL 0-for-2 (0%)
- Penalty Kill: 100% (2-for-2)
- Top SOG: Cavan Fitzgerald (5), Jamie Engelbert (5)
- Multi-Point Games: Aidan Thompson (2 A), Ethan Del Mastro (2 A)
- Goaltenders: Drew Commesso — 33 SV on 35 SA (.946 SV%) | Matt Murray — 32 SV on 35 SA (.914 SV%)
- Record: Rockford 1-0-0-0 | Milwaukee 0-0-1-0
Three Takeaways from IceHogs Win
1. Commesso stands tall in his season debut.
The second-year goaltender looked composed and confident, making 15 first-period saves and key stops late in regulation. His .946 save percentage set the tone for the home opener.
2. IceHogs depth scoring and balance shine.
Rockford’s veterans and prospects all contributed. Seney scored, Del Mastro (D) assisted in transition play. The top six generated consistent pressure. The tying and winning goals came from secondary players, a great early-season sign.
3. Savoie’s confidence is growing fast.
Samuel Savoie’s overtime winner was pure instinct: cut to the slot, release, finish. He’s shown poise beyond his age. Savoie could become a clutch performer this year for Rockford.
Three Stars of the Game
1️⃣ Samuel Savoie (RFD) — GWG (OT), +1, 1 SOG
2️⃣ Aidan Thompson (RFD) — 2 A, +!
3️⃣ Drew Commesso (RFD) — 33 SV, .946 SV%, First Win of Season
Next IceHogs Game
The IceHogs hit the road on Sunday, October 12, to face the Iowa Wild at the Casey’s Center. Puck drop 5:00 p.m. CT.
Rockford returns home on Friday, October 17, for a 7:00 p.m. matchup against the Texas Stars.
