The Rockford IceHogs defeated the Milwaukee Admirals 6-2 on February 14, 2026, at the BMO Center, marking their second straight win against the division rival. Key contributions came from Dominic Toninato, who recorded a goal and three assists, and Taige Harding, who scored his first professional goal. The game highlighted the development of several Chicago Blackhawks prospects playing for the IceHogs.
The IceHogs took control early in their Central Division matchup against the Admirals. In the first period, Dominic Toninato opened the scoring just over 14 minutes in, assisted by Nick Lardis. Moments later, with 35 seconds remaining, defenseman Taige Harding netted his first professional goal from the left circle, beating Milwaukee's Matthew Murray.
The second period saw the IceHogs add two power-play goals: Lardis scored one, and Gavin Hayes the other. Milwaukee's Cole O’Hara replied in between to make it 3-1.
In the third, Aidan Thompson and Rem Pitlick extended the lead for Rockford, while Reid Schaefer added Milwaukee's second goal. Toninato was named the first star for his four-point performance, Harding the second for his milestone goal, and Lardis the third with a goal and assist.
Harding, a 6-foot-7 defenseman drafted by the Blackhawks in 2021, has shown increased confidence this season. Teammate Toninato praised him: “He’s definitely elevated his game to the next level, and he’s been a huge part of the success we’ve been having.” Lardis added, “The fights too, have built so much momentum for our team.” Harding credited partner Kevin Korchinski: “He just skates so well, and he’s really gifted offensively.”
Head coach Jared Nightingale noted the pairing's chemistry: “I think the combination of Harding and Korchinski... We’re really proud of Korch, his game away from the puck and the defending.”
Other Blackhawks prospects shone too. Sam Rinzel, recently returned from Chicago, assisted on a goal and has four assists in three games. Nightingale said of Rinzel: “He’s been playing at a high, high level.” Nick Lardis, back from a Blackhawks stint, has three goals in five games with Rockford. He emphasized team play: “Just making sure I’m playing a good two-way game.” Nightingale challenged him: “The challenge with him is getting to the inside, using his speed.”
Prior to the game, the IceHogs were 4-3-2 against Milwaukee this season, with just four points separating them in the standings. The win improves their record in the series. The teams meet again on February 15 at 4 p.m.
