BERNARD NAMED ICEHOGS TEAM PRESIDENT

AHL Executive of the Year to take on dual roles in Rockford

Rockford, Ill.- Rockford MetroCentre General Manager Corey Pearson announced on Thursday that Mark Bernard has been named Team President for the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League. Bernard will serve as the IceHogs top executive while remaining in his role as the Chicago Blackhawks General Manager of Minor League Affiliates.

“The MetroCentre welcomes Mark Bernard to the organization and to the Rockford community,” said Pearson. “Mark’s wealth of knowledge and experience with the AHL will propel the operations of the IceHogs forward, and continue our path of success. We look forward to starting a new IceHogs season with Mark on board.”

After spending the past two seasons with the Norfolk Admirals (AHL) as the Vice President (2007-08) and Assistant General Manager (2006-07), Bernard will oversee the business operations for the IceHogs organization. Last season, Bernard was awarded the James C. Hendy Memorial Award as the Outstanding Executive in the AHL.

“I am very excited about this new opportunity and very anxious to work with all of the staff members as they have done a terrific job here in Rockford for so many years,” said Bernard. “I will be relying on my past two years experience in Norfolk and the hard work of everyone in our office to make sure IceHogs hockey remains the hottest show in town.

“I would also like to wish departing Team President Ryan Washatka the best of luck in all of his future endeavors as he was and forever will be a big part of the IceHogs.”

The 2008-09 campaign is not Bernard’s first stint in Rockford. The Hamilton, Ontario native served as the Head Coach of the IceHogs during the 2003-04 season when the team played in the United Hockey League. Bernard brings diverse experience in professional hockey to Rockford as he has worked in the roles of player, coach, hockey operations manager and front office executive over a span of 20 years at the professional level.

Season Tickets And Individual Tickets Now On Sale: The Rockford IceHogs have a variety of season ticket packages available for the 2008-09 season. To find a package that works for you, call (815) 986-6465 and speak with a season ticket sales executive. Individual game tickets are also on sale. Call (815) 968-5222, visit www.metrocentre.com, at the MetroCentre Box Office or in Hogs Headquarters in CherryVale Mall to purchase your tickets for the IceHogs 10th Anniversary season.