The temperature drops. The sun fades to sleep earlier. The leaves start falling.

Hockey is in the air.

New players come in. Beloved players go out. Kids have a new chance to achieve their dreams.

The hockey season is near.

Fall. It's the best time of the year. The sights, the sounds, the tastes, the smells - they are all crisp and pleasant.

But, fall is also a time of change. Not only does our environment change all around us, our much-loved hockey teams have changed as well. No matter your team, brand new rosters are set to hit the ice. As much as we will grow to love each new player, there’s always an adjustment.

When change all around, there is one constant. Joseph Zakrzewski (Joey Z), the Voice of the Rockford IceHogs, will return to our screens and speakers game in and game out - from roster turnover and rough losing patches, to milestone games and playoff victories - to bring the IceHogs' faithful a fantastic game day broadcast.

As he rests up his voice and the boys get their skates and sticks ready for the season opener on Saturday, October 15 in Manitoba, Joey Z graciously gave me some of his time to answer questions about the upcoming Rockford IceHogs season via email for you all!

*As you’ll see, Joey is a much nicer human than myself to IceHogs opponents. When asked about his favorite moments from last season, he didn’t even mention the 8-0 demolition of the Chicago Wolves on January 7, 2022. Don’t worry, Joey, I won’t let any of the wonderful IceHogs fans (or Wolves fans, for that matter) ever forget.

Joking aside - just as we all enjoy his game calls, you'll love this interview.

Enjoy!

First of all, how was your summer? Did you get a chance to rest up your voice?

Great to hear from you and I hope you had a great summer. For me, I feel like (and I say this every summer) it was the fastest summer in the history of summers. Started off with catching up with some family in Maryland and then it was on to all the catchup birthdays/weddings/etc. that the pandemic postponed the last couple summers. Covered a lot of milage from Maryland, Missouri, Texas, Tennessee, California and back again. I could use another month maybe HAHA. Biggest highlight was getting married in August back home in Texas. What a whirlwind of a few months.

Speaking of your voice, you do most of the IceHogs broadcasts solo. Without a partner there to go back and forth with, how do you manage to stay focused on the game while also providing an entertaining experience for the folks watching and listening at home?

It's a challenge, but I’ve become so used to it that when I do have a color analyst, I tend to tell them a lot to either tap my arm or wave their hand so they can jump in HAHA. For me, and I’m still trying to find that happy medium, of calling the action and telling the story. By telling the story I mean, sharing if there are any important milestones, features in the games, players celebrating a homecoming, etc. vs. just straight play-by-play. I try to save those moments for when there is a slow part (teams dumping pucks, stuck in the neutral zone, line changes, etc.). When the puck crosses the blue line, I try to make it all about the action, especially when the game moves so fast. It’s happened to me a million times and I’m sure it will this year as well, but sometimes I get caught telling the story TOO much and I’ll miss a fast-break goal or something special on the ice.

One detail of calling games that must be difficult is getting all of the names correct. How do you prepare for opponents coming in to make sure you get the pronunciations down and know who is who out there during the game?

I’m lucky to see the IceHogs 72+ times a season, so I tend to have them locked down pretty early on. This year, the Hogs have a great core group coming back that will ease the learning process. Reichel, Slavin, Söderblom, Hardman and even former and now current Hogs like Sikura and Clendening will be easy to jump back into the groove. The opponents present a different challenge. With so many players going up and down between the NHL/AHL/ECHL, the rosters are always evolving. Most of my notes, if not all, have at least one or two (sometimes more) hand-written players from recent transactions that I have to add. The first or second meetings can be a challenge, but after that, seeing them for the 4th, 5th or 12th time certainly does help. With Manitoba, I’ll learn them for this Opening Weekend, and then the IceHogs will see them again on Oct. 23. Three times in the first four games, and we are off and running!

The IceHogs are seeing some new opponents this season, is there one in particular you’re excited for?

I’m very excited to see Colorado as well as Hartford and Springfield. It will be the first trips to all three of those locations EVER for the IceHogs organization and will be great to see all-new opponents/jerseys/arenas/broadcasters and more.

What is your favorite away arena to visit?

Being a Texas native, I very much enjoy going “home” when the IceHogs visit Cedar Park (Texas Stars), it’s a great chance to quickly catch up with family and friends. With the fast-paced schedule and limited opportunities, sometimes it’s my only time to see them, especially around the Holidays. I’m thankful that the IceHogs are playing the Stars on my birthday this year (November) so that will make for an extra special visit.

You had a front row seat to witness how the returning players took steps in their development in the 2021-22 season. Which Blackhawks prospect do you think is poised to have a breakout year in Rockford?

I think we will continue to see top prospect, Lukas Reichel, gain confidence and make major plays. From his team-leading 57 points last year, he’s on a great upward trajectory that I know the Blackhawks are excited to see as well. I’m also looking forward to seeing the continued development of Michal Teplý. I remember during the shortened pandemic season in 2021 and last year, he took a moment to get his grasp of the North American pro game. But when the second half of last season arrived, he lit up the scoresheets and it was no surprise to see him as the IceHogs’ Most Improved Player award winner last year. I also think you will see an increased hunger and work ethic from players like Josiah Slavin, Mike Hardman, Isaak Phillips and more. These are big seasons for them and they will certainly get plenty of ice time and opportunities to showcase their progression.

Speaking of the 2021-22 Rockford IceHogs season, there was a lot of excitement around the team. Do you have a favorite game or moment from last year?

There were so many great games last year, it’s really hard to pick one. Arvid Söderblom’s 1-0 shootout, shutout win at Chicago was a big one. Garrett Mitchell scoring the IceHogs’ opening goal in his 500th AHL game in Tucson with his family present was another special moment. I think the one that tops them all though, and I’m sure your readers might agree, was the 1-0 OT win vs. Texas in the postseason at the BMO to send the IceHogs to the next round of the playoffs. The energy was electric. Scoring a minute into the overtime session after BOTH teams had so many great chances over the 60 minutes. Another stellar performance from Arvid Söderblom and the IceHogs.

Is there a player(s) on the team that you are extra aware of when they step on the ice because they always make something happen?

This season, so far from watching the Prospect Showcase and the two preseason games, Reichel and Teplý look like they are a step above where they were last season. Smooth skating, can break from the pack easy, and it looks like they “slow the game down” to benefit their skillset. A tough thing to do. I also notice the work ethic from a lot of players. Josiah Slavin and D.J. Busdeker in the showcase and the preseason never gave up on pucks. They battle every shift and almost were rewarded several times shorthanded.

With the IceHogs kicking off the season on the road again, what are the best ways for fans at home to watch them and be engaged on game days?

We’d love for you to follow along on IceHogs.com or if you download the IceHogs app and enable the notifications, you’ll get all the game previews, latest information and more direct to your mobile device. The IceHogs social media channels are another great way to keep up with what’s happening with the club all season and on game days. And of course, I’m happy to invite everyone to the broadcast to tune in. IceHogs.com, IceHogs app, AHLTV, 23.3 WIFR and the places to find and we’ll have all the latest news, notes and action…as well as some fun along the way!

IceHogs Twitter | IceHogs Instagram | IceHogs Facebook | IceHogs YouTube

What is the best part of being the voice of the Rockford IceHogs?

It sounds super cheesy, but is 4,000% true, I love being able to tell the IceHogs’ story and be the trusted representative of the organization and the fans to share those moments. From Opening Night, to a Tuesday in February, to the postseason hunt, to a winner-take-all playoff game. There is nothing better than bringing the action and story to the viewers and listeners. I grew up listening to old timey radio shows and sports broadcasts. Did they tell the action…sure…but it was how they shared it vs. told it. You feel a part of the conversation. Like talking to a friend while watching the game together. That’s my favorite part.

Finally, are you willing to throw out a prediction on where the IceHogs will finish in the standings?

With as deep as this roster is and all the returning experience from the past two seasons, especially after the postseason run last season, there is no doubt in my mind that this is a postseason team. There will be some great challenges along the way, especially within the Central Division within Iowa, Manitoba, Grand Rapids, Chicago, Texas and Milwaukee. I have a good feeling it will be another fun battle all the way to the final weekend to where a win or two can shoot you to the top or a tough loss here or there could see a team or two fall.

Many thanks to Joey Z for setting aside some time for me as they prepare for Game 1 tomorrow! I can’t wait to tune in.

The Rockford IceHogs open the 2022-23 season this weekend with two games in Manitoba against the Moose. Saturday and Sunday’s games are both at 2:00pm CST. You can watch on AHLtv or listen and follow along on IceHogs.com.

The boys are back in town for the Home Opener on Saturday, October 22 against - YOU GUESSED IT - The Chicago Wolves. Grab your tickets HERE before they sell out.

And most importantly,

GO HOGS!