ABBOTT AND FORSLING ASSIGNED TO ROCKFORD

ROCKFORD, Ill. – The Chicago Blackhawks announced today that they have assigned defenseman Gustav Forsling and forward Spencer Abbott to the Rockford IceHogs.

Forsling, 20, was selected by the Vancouver Canucks in the fifth round (126th overall) of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. The Linkoping, Sweden native made his NHL debut on Oct. 12, 2016 against the St. Louis Blues and has recorded one goal, three assists and four points in 32 games with Chicago.

Prior to the NHL, Forsling skated in the Swedish Hockey League. Over the three seasons he collected 27 points (9g, 18a) in the 86 games he appeared in.

Abbott, 28, leads the IceHogs with eight goals and shares the team lead in both points (21) and power-play goals (3). The forward was recalled to Chicago on Jan. 3 and debuted in his first Blackhawks and second NHL game on Jan. 5 against the Buffalo Sabres. Prior to his recall, he produced multi-point efforts during each of his last two appearances with Rockford, and was riding a team season-high tying four-game point streak (4g, 2a).

The Hamilton, Ontario, native has posted 169 points (57g, 112a) in 217 career AHL games between the Toronto Marlies (2011-15) and IceHogs (2015, 2016-17). He spent the 2015-16 season in the Swedish Hockey League with the Froluna Indians, totaling 35 points (14g, 21a) in 42 games.

Prior to making his pro debut, Abbott excelled at the collegiate level with 146 points (54g, 92a) in 152 games with the University of Maine from 2008-12. The winger led all NCAA skaters in both points (62) and assists (41) during his senior season in 2011-12, and finished as a finalist for the 2011-12 Hobey Baker Award, which is presented annually to the best player in collegiate hockey

Next Home Game: Sunday, January 8 vs. Chicago Wolves: Game time is 4 p.m. at the BMO Harris Bank Center. The first 2,500 fans to enter the arena will receive a copy of the 2016-17 IceHogs team card set, compliments of the Rockford Register Star. After the game, fans have the opportunity to participate in Skate with the Hogs on the BMO Harris Bank Center ice. Fans are required to bring their own skates as there are no rentals available.