The Rockford IceHogs kicked off Training Camp this week. They play their one and only preseason game this afternoon when they take on the Chicago Wolves (of course) in Hoffman Estates. I already took a good at the IceHogs goaltenders on the Training Camp roster. Now, let’s look at the defensemen. There are some familiar names on this list, and some young kids. They’ve got a good mix this season.

Cody Franson

Another former IceHog is back in the fold. Cody Franson (33) has rejoined the team to bring a veteran presence to an extremely young blue line. After leaving Rockford once the 2017-18 season ended, he went on to play 2 seasons in Russia for Avangard Omsk.

2018-19: 54 GP 5 G 22A 27P

2019-20: 44GP 3G 13A 16P

Franson had a big impact on the blue line during his first stint with the team. He’s got a good shot and can quarterback a powerplay. He was a great addition to bring in as a mentor for the kids.

Michael Krutil

Michael Krutil (18) was a 4th round pick of the Blackhawks in the 2020 draft. Most recently, he played for the Czech Republic in the 2021 World Junior Championship. He played 4 games and went without notching a point. But, for a defenseman, that’s not as much of an issue. He was a steady defender and came into Blackhawks Training Camp much the same way. He’s the youngest defender at camp for the IceHogs. I’m curious to see how he looks against seasoned pros. He is only on an Amateur Tryout Agreement (ATO), so we’ll see if he sticks around. But, there’s no better time to see what the kid can do. I hope he stays.

It’s near impossible to find any video of him, so here’s a link to one from the Blackhawks’ Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nhlblackhawks/videos/646603342913627/

Chad Krys

Chad Krys (22) is one of 10 returning players to the IceHogs squad. He was a Blackhawks 2ns round pick in 2016 and played 3 seasons at Boston University before turning pro. The 2019-20 season was his first full year with the IceHogs and he made notable progress on both ends of the ice as the season went on.

2016-17(BU): 39GP 5G 6A 11P

2017-18(BU): 36GP 7G 20A 27P

2018-19(BU): 30GP 8G 12A 20P

2018-19(RCK): 9GP 0G 4A 4P

2019-20(RCK): 41GP 2G 6A 8P

As a returning member of the team, look to him to take on a bigger role with the IceHogs this season. From his college numbers, he’s capable of hitting the scoresheet, but he’s more reliable in his own end. We’ll see if that stays consistent or if he’s able to find more of an offensive game this season.

Anton Lindholm

Anton Lindholm (26) came over in the trade that sent Brandon Saad and Dennis Gilbert to the Colorado Avalanche. It’s quite possible that he gets judged more harshly this season due to coming in for 2 fan favorites. His highest point total over the last 3 seasons was 8 in 2018-19. Maybe this will be his breakout season as a two-way defender. If not, hopefully he can hold his own in front of the IceHogs goaltenders.

Cole Moberg

Cole Moberg (20) was a 7th round pick of the Blackhawks in 2019. He spent the last 3 seasons playing full time with the Prince George Cougars of the WHL. 

2017-18: 64GP 2G 9A 11P

2018-19: 61GP 13G 27A 40P

2019-20: 58GP 13G 24A 37P

I’m going to be honest and say that this kid is the one I was most excited to see on the training camp roster. He is with Rockford on a Professional Tryout Agreement (PTO), so it’s left to be seen whether he sticks with the club or not.

Moberg was a standout player to me in the 2019 Traverse City tournament. He was in the right spots, he can chip in on the scoresheet, and he’s got some pretty good wheels. I hope he sticks with the team all season. I’ll be very interested in tracking his progress.

Dmitry Osipov

Dmitry Osipov (24) is a player that I’m just a huge fan of. He spent the last 2 seasons splitting time between the Indy Fuel and Rockford IceHogs. He’s not a flashy player and won’t hit the scoresheet often, but he will sure throw some punches. It’s always nice to have a guy that will stick up for his teammates.

He also told me he preferred playing for the IceHogs over the Wolves. I’m sure it was just lip service, and he doesn’t really have a strong opinion. But, I choose to believe he meant it.

Isaak Phillips

Isaak Phillips (19) was a 5th round draft pick for the Blackhawks in 2020. The 6’3” defender spent the last 2 seasons playing for the Sudbury Wolves of the OHL. 

2018-19: 68GP 3G 11A 14P

2019-20: 63GP 9G 17A 26P

He’s a big guy and looks to have some offensive talent. He’s with Rockford on an ATO. We’ll see if he sticks around or goes back to the OHL once their season begins.

Alec Regula

Alex Regula (20) was a third round draft pick of the Detroit Red Wings in 2018. Chicago acquired him in a trade for Brendan Perlini. The Michigan native is no stranger to the area. He played for the Chicago Steel before heading off to London of the OHL where he spent the last 3 seasons. The London Knights are a consistently good team. Current Blackhawks players, Patrick Kane and Adam Boqvist, came out of their system. He and Boqvist were teammates during the 2018-19 season. Despite being a defenseman, his numbers in London were quite remarkable. 

2017-18: 67 GP 7G 18A 25P

2018-19: 66GP 11G 28A 39P

2019-20: 56GP 27G 33A 60P

Those are the 2021 Rockford IceHogs defenders. Next, we’ll take a look at the forward group. Stay tuned!