Rockford IceHogs: Boisvert, Spellacy, & Vanacker Are Finally On The Board

It took them longer than expected, but the Rockford IceHogs finally saw Sacha Boisvert, AJ Spellacy, and Marek Vanacker get on the board in the AHL. For Spellacy and Vanacker, these are their first professional points.

The breakout came in Saturday night's game against the Grand Rapids Griffins. The IceHogs went down 3-0 before scoring 5 unanswered goals. Eventually, they held on to win 6-4. 

2 of Rockford's 6 goals came off the stick of Marek Vanacker. They were the 2nd and 4th of the 5 unanswered goals. The 5th was scored by Boisvert. Late in regulation time, while the Griffins were within one and trying to tie, Spellacy threw one into the empty net for his first. All 3 of these star prospects broke out of their early-season offensive slump in the same game. 

On Sunday, while hosting the Iowa Wild for their second home game in a row, Spellacy added two assists, but the IceHogs fell 5-2. 1 of the 2 assists recorded by Spellacy was shorthanded, so he's making an impact while killing penalties too. 

It isn't all about offense for these three players, especially Boisvert and Spellacy, but it is important for them to get their points for their confidence. Every one of these prospects wants to contribute, and they finally look like a trio of young players ready to do that. 

During Training Camp, it seemed like 1 or more of them would get an NHL look at some point, but between their early-season slump and the performance of the Blackhawks, there might not be as big a rush for it anymore. These 3 players all have bright futures, and the organization might as well do what it can to make sure they are taking the proper development path with no cut corners. 

Next up for the IceHogs is a Wednesday night battle up in Grand Rapids. At 5-7-0-1, the IceHogs have dug themselves into a hole to start the season, but they are close enough to be right back in it if they go on a bit of a run. With Arvid Soderblom joining them this week, we'll see what kind of impact he can make. 

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