IceHogs Comeback Falls Just Short to Griffins 4-2

Rockford's rally comes up short against Grand Rapids

Mar. 21, 2026 at 3:26am

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The Rockford IceHogs were unable to complete a comeback against the Grand Rapids Griffins, falling 4-2 inside the BMO Center. The Griffins jumped out to an early 1-0 lead on a shorthanded goal by John Leonard, but the IceHogs answered to tie it at 1-1. The teams traded goals in the second period before the Griffins scored twice in the third to seal the victory.

Why it matters

This loss is a setback for the IceHogs, who are looking to make a push for the playoffs in the final stretch of the season. The Griffins, on the other hand, solidify their position in the standings with this important road win.

The details

The Griffins opened the scoring with a shorthanded goal by John Leonard in the first period. Rockford quickly responded to tie the game at 1-1 on a goal by Rem Pitlick. The teams traded goals in the second period, with Carter Mazur and Joey Anderson finding the back of the net. In the third period, Ondrej Becher and Jakub Rychlovsky scored for the Griffins to give them a 4-2 lead, which they would hold onto for the victory.

  • The Griffins scored the opening goal at 15:49 of the 1st period.
  • The IceHogs tied the game at 1-1 at 15:49 of the 1st period.
  • Carter Mazur gave the Griffins a 2-1 lead midway through the 2nd period.
  • Joey Anderson tied the game at 2-2 with 3 minutes left in the 2nd period.
  • Ondrej Becher scored the go-ahead goal for the Griffins in the 3rd period.

The players

John Leonard

A forward for the Grand Rapids Griffins who scored the opening shorthanded goal.

Rem Pitlick

A veteran forward for the Rockford IceHogs who scored to tie the game at 1-1.

Carter Mazur

A forward for the Grand Rapids Griffins who scored the go-ahead goal in the 2nd period.

Joey Anderson

A forward for the Rockford IceHogs who scored to tie the game at 2-2 in the 2nd period.

Ondrej Becher

A forward for the Grand Rapids Griffins who scored the game-winning goal in the 3rd period.

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What they’re saying

“We had our chances to tie it up late, but just couldn't find the back of the net. Credit to Grand Rapids, they played a strong game and capitalized on their opportunities.”

— Jeremy Colliton, Head Coach, Rockford IceHogs

What’s next

The IceHogs will look to bounce back on Saturday, March 21 when they face the Chicago Wolves on the road.

The takeaway

This loss is a tough one for the IceHogs, who were unable to complete their comeback against the Griffins. However, there is still time for Rockford to make a push for the playoffs, and they will need to regroup quickly ahead of their next game against the Wolves.