Hayden and Highmore assisted on each other’s markers in the third period. With Rockford down by a goal 6:38 into the final frame, Hayden spun a pass that slipped under Cleveland netminder Matiss Kivlenieks to tie the game at two apiece.

Five minutes later, Highmore took a pass from Hayden and wired a wrist shot from distance to put the Hogs ahead for the first time in the contest.

Pelletier’s empty-net tally stood as the game-winner after Alex Broadhurst added a late goal to get the Monsters within a goal of the IceHogs. From his own zone, Pelletier cleared the puck off the boards and all the way down the ice into the open cage.

Cleveland went ahead early with first-period strike from Cameron Gaunce. Then, just 24 seconds into the middle stanza, Zac Dalpe scored his third goal in two games against Rockford to double the Monsters’ advantage. Seven minutes later, Andreas Martinsen potted the IceHogs’ first of the game to cut the lead in half.

Tomkins finished with a 32-save performance for his first win with the IceHogs in four starts. Kivlenieks posted 26 saves for Cleveland.

Next Home Game: Tuesday, Jan. 23 | Rockford vs Bakersfield Condors (7 p.m.) 

The IceHogs take on the Bakersfield Condors on Tuesday, Jan. 23 at 7 p.m. at the BMO Harris Bank Center. The contest marks another Fas Fuel Winning Weekday in 2017-18. If the Hogs win, tickets from Tuesday’s game can be redeemed for a ticket of equal or lesser value to the following Fas Fuel Winning Weekdays game on Wednesday, Feb. 7. Fans can also enjoy $2 tacos, select beer, and companion tickets as part of Taco Tuesday. Tickets can be purchased at IceHogs.com, by calling (815) 968-5222 or in-person at the BMO Harris Bank Center Box Office.