ROCKFORD, Ill. -- The Rockford IceHogs, proud members of the American Hockey League, on Thursday announced their 2017-18 promotional schedule.
The promotional schedule kicks off with the home opener on Saturday, Oct. 14, as the first 4,000 fans will receive an IceHogs calendar, thanks to Impact Networking. The IceHogs will take on the Iowa Wild at 6 p.m. to begin the home portion of the regular season slate.
The IceHogs will host several new promotions this season, highlighted by Geeks and Goblins/Halloween Night on Saturday, Oct. 28, and features clear PVC IceHogs bags for the first 1,500 in attendance, courtesy of Dr. Sexton Orthodontics, as well as postgame trick-or-treating. The event will feature will also feature cosplay and vendor booths. On March 24, the IceHogs introduce another new giveaway as the first 1,500 fans will receive a dri-fit shirt, courtesy of Peak Fitness.
Making a return to the promo schedule this season include baseball hat giveaway night (Nov. 24) to the first 2,500 fans, courtesy of Burr Pest Control and Star Wars Night which will also feature a garden gnome giveaway (Feb. 18), sponsored by Lawncare by Walter.
Several fan-favorite giveaways return this season. The IceHogs will once again give away 1,500 bomber hats on Dec. 23, thanks to Pepsi. The first 1,000 kids aged 14-and-under will receive an IceHogs youth jersey on Jan. 2, courtesy of Ortho Illinois. This year's bobblehead night on Feb. 17 will feature Rockford native and Toronto Raptors point guard, Fred VanVleet, courtesy of Rock Valley Culligan.
The promotional schedule also features a number of theme nights. On Oct. 22, the Treasures Galore-sponsored Princess and Pirates night makes its debut. Military Appreciation Night on Nov. 24 will be highlighted by specialty jerseys to honor service members. This year's Teddy Bear Toss Night will fall on Dec. 2, with the stuffed animals then being donated to local hospitals and charities for kids.
Pink in the Rink Night, sponsored by Swedish American, is scheduled for Jan. 26 and will again have proceeds from a specialty jersey auction going towards breast cancer research initiatives. The IceHogs Annual Jersey Auction Night, sponsored by Insurance King, will take place on March 31, with further details, including the beneficiary, to be announced at a later date. The final home game of the regular season on April 13 will be home to Fan Appreciation Night and features a team photo giveaway to the first 2,500 in attendance, thanks to American Solutions for Business.
The following is the full promotional schedule for the 2017-18 regular season. Promotions, quantities, dates, and times are all subject to change.
