Leonard hat trick powers Griffins past IceHogs 5-1
John Leonard had four points and Michal Postava made 27 saves in Grand Rapids’ home victory.
John Leonard scored three goals and added an assist as the Grand Rapids Griffins beat the Rockford IceHogs 5-1 at Van Andel Arena on Sunday, Oct. 18.
Michal Postava turned aside 27 of 28 shots for Grand Rapids, which improved to 5-1-1-0. Rockford dropped to 1-5-0-0.
After a scoreless first period, Leonard opened the scoring at 12:04 of the second off a Carter Bear pass. He added a power-play goal 39 seconds into the third period.
Gavin Hayes brought Rockford within one at 2:47, but William Lagesson answered 11 seconds later. Wilmer Skoog then scored his first goal for the Griffins on a power-play deflection at 9:36.
Leonard completed his hat trick with 38 seconds remaining while Grand Rapids held a two-man advantage. The Griffins converted three of eight power plays and held Rockford scoreless on six chances.
Jacob Bryson had two assists. Grand Rapids next hosts Manitoba on Wednesday, Oct. 21, while Rockford visits Toronto on Saturday, Oct. 24.