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Swerski Sports Podcast Player

Thursday, August 28, 2014

Which Bears played their way on and off the 53-man roster?


For the Bears, the 4th and final preseason game was nothing more than a showcase to win the final roster spots.  So who performed and who did not?

Winners:
Santonio Holmes:  After being brought in late, following Marquess Wilson's injury, Holmes did not have much of a chance to showcase what he had left.  However, with a great catch and move for a TD and a great punt return to follow, Holmes showed his value to the team and likely won himself a roster spot.

Josh Bellamy: Almost forgotten about in the battle at wide receiver, Bellamy came out and played like a man possessed.  He caught several 4 passes for 78 yards and greatly improved his chances at making the team.

Christian Jones: Undrafted out of Florida State, Jones had a lot to prove.  In the last game, he got to show his athleticism and prowess at linebacker and special teams.

Shaun Draughn: Originally listed as the primary backup to Matt Forte, Draughn fell quickly. but came out and played well in the final preseason game rushing for 29 yards.

Losers:
Demontre Hurst: I figured he had played well enough to earn his way onto the roster via special teams.  But after a few miscues and an absolutely awful pass interference penalty, his chances took a tumble.

Jeron Mastrud: With Zach Miller out for the season, the battle for TE opened wide.  Bennett and Rosario seem to have the 1-2 spots locked up, but with #3 still available, Mastrud came out and had a pedestrian game, including bad pass bobble.

We will be discussing in more detail on this weekend's podcast episode.  So watch for Episode 26 on Sunday.

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

ICEHOGS ANNOUNCE 2014-15 REGULAR SEASON SCHEDULE

08/27/2014 10:00 AM -
Hogs open home slate on Oct. 11 against Milwaukee


Rockford, Ill.- The Rockford IceHogs, in conjunction with the American Hockey League, announced the club’s 2014-15 regular season schedule.  The IceHogs are entering their 16th season of professional hockey in Rockford, including eighth in the AHL as the primary affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks.

Rockford’s 76-game slate begins on Saturday, Oct. 11 at the BMO Harris Bank Center against the Milwaukee Admirals at 7 p.m. The IceHogs close the regular season with three straight home contests, including the season finale on Saturday, April 18 against the Toronto Marlies.

In honor of the IceHogs 16th season of professional hockey in Rockford, fans can purchase tickets for any 2014-15 regular season home game at 16% off only on Thursday, Aug. 28. To take advantage of this special presale on IceHogs tickets, call (815) 847-6399 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

All individual game tickets will go on sale on Wednesday, Sept. 10 at 9 a.m.


Download Schedule.png Print Schedule.png

After Opening Night, Rockford will embark on their longest road trip of the regular season which spans eight days and includes the IceHogs first AHL matchup with the Adirondack Flames on Oct. 16. The Flames are the only new opponent of Rockford’s schedule as the two clubs will faceoff four times in 2014-15, including twice at the BMO (March 18 and March 21).

Overall, Rockford will face-off against Midwest Division rivals Chicago, Grand Rapids, Lake Erie and Milwaukee 40 times, West Division foes 24 times with the 12 remaining tilts against the AHL’s North Division. The IceHogs will play their two closest geographic rivals, Chicago and Milwaukee, 12 times each.

Unless noted, all non-Sunday games will be played at 7 p.m. while Sunday outings will start at 4 p.m. Rockford will play two home matinees in 2014-15 including Monday, Jan. 19 (4 p.m. vs. Chicago) and Wednesday, Feb. 18 (10:30 a.m. vs. San Antonio). The IceHogs will also play in Iowa’s school day game at 10:30 a.m. on Nov. 6. at the Wells Fargo Arena.

Of Rockford’s 38 home games, 12 fall on Saturday, 10 will be played on Friday and six on Sunday, making 28 home weekend dates.

The IceHogs will announce a promotional calendar at a later date. Ticket packages, including full season and partial season ticket plans, and group tickets can be purchased now by calling 815-847-6399.

Schedule notes:
-Seven of Rockford’s first  ten games will be played on the road
-Rockford has nine October games against nine different opponents
-The IceHogs longest homestand is four games (March 18 to March 25) while the longest road swing is six contests (Dec. 10 to Dec. 21)
-Rockford has three home games slated between Christmas and New Years (Dec. 26, 28 and 30)
-November and December represent the IceHogs busiest months with 13 games each month
-Rockford plays just 10 times in February, March and April
-Of their final 16 regular season games, just five of them come against Midwest Division rivals

Season Tickets for 2014-15 Now on Sale: Reserve your seats today for the IceHogs 16th season of professional hockey and eighth as the AHL affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks. Call (815) 847-6399 or visit icehogs.com to find a ticket package that fits your needs.

Sunday, August 24, 2014

Bill Swerski's Sports Talk Chicago episode 025

Bears get decimated by Seahawks, Javier Baez breaking records, Konerko wrapping his career, and Doug McDermott destroying the 7th inning stretch.

Bears until 26:50
Cubs 26:50-45:30
Sox 45:30-48:45
Blackhawks 48:4-53:10
Bulls 53:10-end



A few more pics from Bears training camp