Frank Nazar scores two points in IceHogs' preseason win over Iowa

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – The IceHogs won their preseason game in front of a packed house at BMO on Wednesday. Beat Iowa 4-3 in front of 4,844 fans in the team’s annual “school day” game.

Frank Nazar scored the first goal of the contest, lighting the lamp just hours after the Blackhawks announced they were sending him to Rockford.

“He was great,” head coach Anders Sorensen said of Nazar after the game. “I spoke to him last night and asked him how he felt and if he wanted to play. He said, “Yeah, I want to play,” so give him a lot of credit. He’s a hockey player, he wants to play.

Nazar’s line with Brett Seney and Landon Slaggert stood out in the game. The trio had consistent scoring chances throughout and contributed to the first and final goals of the pre-season victory.

“I thought that line was really good,” Sorensen said. “I thought Slaggert was really good with them too. He created a lot of space for these guys. When these guys have space, they can play, right? I think if you look at that first goal, Slaggert kind of creates the turnover, makes a little play to them, and then Seney passes to Nazar. I like the combination, these three guys together.

Nazar played in his first three NHL games last season with a goal in his first career game. The 13th overall pick in the 2022 draft wants to work on all facets of his game during his time in Rockford as he continues to adapt to professional hockey.

“Just get better at everything,” Nazar said. “I’m here to win games and do what I can to help the team win. I’m just going to continue to play my game and my style, and get better along the way.

Two other skaters are also on their way to Rockford. The Blackhawks announcing they were firing two defensemen. Kevin Korchinski, 7th pick in the 2022 draft, and Louis Crevier, 7th round in 2020.

Next up for the IceHogs is a preseason game against the Iowa Wild on Thursday, October 3.