Something is cooking in the Illinois sports world and it smells like bacon. This may be a stretch but there may be subtle hints being dropped about more changes happening within one of the hockey organizations in the Land Of Lincoln. After close review, I have reason to believe the Rockford IceHogs may be unveiling a new mascot.

Provided photo
Provided photo
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It's no secret there are big things happening regarding the future of Rockford's professional hockey team. Along with announcing the purchase of the team, the Chicago Blackhawks also committed to multimillion-dollar upgrades to the BMO Harris Bank Center where the team's home games take place. You can read more about that here.

NEW HEADQUARTERS + NEW LOGO

The IceHogs also moved their office into a building along E. State Street in downtown during the summer of 2022. For many years the team operated out of the "big orange box" (a.k.a BMO Harris Bank Center). Along with the move a new update team logo was unveiled as well.

Rockford IceHogs
Diehard 'Hogs fans will notice Hammy is no longer biting down on a hockey stick. (Credit: Rockford IceHogs)
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Another Update Coming?

On October 22, 2022, the Rockford IceHogs are planning a big celebration for their season home opener. The team will host a pre-game block party with Hard Rock Casino and will have live music from Miles Neilsen & The Rusted Heart before the puck drops at 7.

As a member of the Rockford IceHogs' crew, I can confirm I have not been told anything other than what has already been shared publicly but I do believe a change to the team's mascot is also coming.

A New Hamilton E. Hog?

The social channels for the Rockford IceHogs have occasionally been dropping subtle hints that there's a new version of their beloved mascot.

Rockford IceHogs
Rockford IceHogs
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The teams also dropped a short video teasing the loving pig wants to be more "dynamic" with the narrator saying, "like Tommy Hawk." As far as how Hammy "transforms" I wonder if something Chicago BlackHawks-related will be incorporated into the costume. My reasoning has to do with the team's new slogan.

Rockford IceHogs
Rockford IceHogs
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Whatever is coming will be unveiled and it's safe to say we're witnessing a new era of the Rockford IceHogs.

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