The Rockford IceHogs are lacing up for one last ride. As their AHL season winds down, the team embarks on a final road trip to Texas for a weekend back-to-back against the Stars this Friday and Saturday night.

With playoff hopes behind them, the focus shifts to development and reflection. Head coach Jared Nightingale confirmed he plans to give his younger players significant ice time, stating, "The younger guys will see plenty of ice." He emphasized that all eight defensemen and three goaltenders, including the returning Berezhnoy, will get a chance to showcase their skills in these final contests.

Beyond evaluating talent, this trip offers a moment for the team to bond one last time. Coach Nightingale called the season's end "bittersweet," expressing pride in the group's cohesion. "I was spoiled. It's a great group. It was a tight team. No cliques. That really makes life easier on a coach," he reflected, acknowledging his belief that the roster had the potential for a postseason run.

While the IceHogs aim to finish strong with a couple of wins in Texas, these games mark the closing chapter for this year's squad before players head their separate ways for the offseason.