Rockford, Ill. – The Rockford IceHogs are bringing back the popular Local Artists Hat Series for a fourth straight season, a collaboration that blends community creativity with the excitement of AHL hockey. Presented by BMO and organized with the Rockford Area Arts Council, the program highlights three local creators whose designs will be printed on limited‑edition caps and handed out to the first 3,000 fans at designated games.

Winning designs selected from a flood of submissions

More than 40 artists submitted entries for the 2026‑27 season. After a careful review by the IceHogs and the Arts Council, three finalists were chosen:

• Bruce Quast – a Rockford cartoonist best known for the comic panel “Comfortably Dumb.” His design features a literal IceHog – a hog on skates – rendered in a playful, bold style.
• Alicia Teran – a mixed‑media artist and season‑ticket holder who created a contemporary graphic centered on a bold “RFD” with motion lines, inspired by a vintage Rockford Speedway advertisement.
• Garret Rapp – a graphic designer specializing in branding and signage. Rapp’s vintage‑style cap, titled “Good Old Days,” showcases Hammy’s face from the IceHogs logo in a nostalgic look.

Each artist’s hat will be distributed to the first 3,000 fans who attend the following home games:

• Nov. 27 – IceHogs vs. Texas Stars (7 p.m.) – Bruce Quast’s hat
• Feb. 6 – IceHogs vs. Toronto Marlies (7 p.m.) – Alicia Teran’s hat
• Apr. 10 – IceHogs vs. Chicago Wolves (7 p.m.) – Garret Rapp’s hat (regular‑season finale)

Supporting Rockford’s artistic community

The Local Artists Hat Series debuted in the 2023‑24 season as a way to give local creators a platform while offering fans a tangible piece of the city’s cultural identity. By pairing the IceHogs’ broad reach with the Arts Council’s network of artists, the program strengthens the bond between sports fans and the broader creative community.

“We’re proud to showcase the talent that lives right here in Rockford,” said IceHogs director of community outreach, John Miller. “These hats are more than merchandise; they’re a celebration of the city’s artistic spirit and a reminder that our fans are part of a larger family.”

How fans can get a hat

Fans who wish to receive a hat should arrive early for the designated games and present a valid ticket at the merchandise booth. The caps will be handed out on a first‑come, first‑served basis, so early arrival is encouraged. All three designs will also be available for purchase after the giveaway, with a portion of proceeds supporting the Rockford Area Arts Council’s ongoing programs.

Looking ahead

The IceHogs plan to continue the series as long as there is enthusiasm from both the fan base and the artistic community. Future seasons may expand the number of participating artists or explore additional merchandise formats, such as scarves or t‑shirts, further integrating local culture into the game‑day experience.

For more details on the Local Artists Hat Series, including artist bios and a full schedule, visit the IceHogs’ official website or the Rockford Area Arts Council’s page.

Original reporting: WIFR Rockford News First (local) — read the source article.