The Rockford IceHogs defeated the Texas Stars 3-1 on Friday, ensuring they wouldn't leave town with the Richard Clarke Trophy and forcing a game 6. The Stars trailed for the majority of the game and often failed to clear their zone against the relentless IceHogs forecheck. Veteran goaltender Jeff Glass was once again a huge factor and turned in 40 saves on 41 shots.
Mike McKenna struggled a bit in net and had an uncharacteristic play late in the third period that saw the IceHogs push the lead to two. Roope Hintz scored the single tally for the Stars.