BERTI, HJALMARSSON AND VERSTEEG SENT BACK TO ROCKFORD

Trio loaned to Rockford from the Blackhawks

Chicago, Ill.-Chicago Blackhawks General Manager Dale Tallon announced on Monday that the National Hockey League club loaned forwards Adam Berti and Kris Versteeg along with defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson back to the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League.

Berti became the 19th different IceHogs skater to get recalled to the Blackhawks when Chicago summoned him last week. The winger appeared in Chicago’s final two regular season games and had a shot on goal. Berti made his NHL debut on Friday night against Nashville.

Versteeg was recalled for the third time this season to Chicago. The Lethbridge, Alberta native played the Blackhawks final regular season game on Sunday in Detroit. In 13 overall games with Chicago this season, Versteeg accumulated two goals and two assists.

Hjalmarsson received his second recall of the season on Sunday morning as well and played against Detroit. The rookie d-man played in 13 total games with the Blackhawks and chipped in an assist from the blue-line.

All three players are expected to be back in Rockford in time for the IceHogs game on Wednesday against the Peoria Rivermen.

Next Home Game: Wednesday, April 9 vs. Peoria Rivermen. The game starts at 7:05 p.m. The final week of the 2007-08 AHL regular season begins for the IceHogs when Peoria makes their final visit to the MetroCentre. Wednesday’s game is presented by Crown Royal.