BLACKHAWKS DRAFT PICK ALIU SIGNS ON WITH ROCKFORD

Berti becomes 19th different Hogs skater recalled to NHL this season

Chicago, Ill.- Chicago Blackhawks General Manager Dale Tallon announced of Friday that the National Hockey League club has recalled winger Adam Berti from the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League. IceHogs General Manager of Hockey Operations Al MacIsaac also announced that Chicago's 2007 second-round draft pick (#56 overall) Akim Aliu (AH-keym AL-EE-oo) has signed an Amateur Try-Out with the IceHogs.

Berti is currently skating in his second season in the pro ranks. The Oshawa, Ontario native was Chicago’s third-round draft pick (#68 overall) in the 2004 NHL draft. In 42 games with Rockford in 2007-08, Berti has two goals and five assists.

The recall to Chicago is Berti’s first of his young career. Berti also becomes the 19th different IceHogs skater to get recalled to the Blackhawks this season.

Aliu becomes the second skater (along with Patrick Kane) from Chicago’s 2007 draft class to join the organization. The 6’-3”, 220-pound winger appeared in 60 games with the London Knights in ’07-08 and accumulated a junior career-high 28 goals and 33 assists. Aliu also was whistled for 133 penalty minutes.

Born in Okene, Nigeria, Aliu is trying to join former NHL skater Roman Ndur as the only Nigerian-born hockey players to play in the NHL. The 18-year old winger played three overall seasons in the Ontario Hockey League before signing on in Rockford, playing in 162 games netting 58 career goals and 67 assists.

Next Home Game: Saturday, April 5 vs. San Antonio Rampage. The puck drops at 7:05 p.m. A key West Division match-up at the MetroCentre as the IceHogs and Rampage meet for the final time in the regular season. The game is the IceHogs Charitable Foundation’s annual Jersey Auction presented by Saturn as the IceHogs wear special jerseys that will be auctioned following the game. The first 1,000 fans to the game will pick up a jersey auction t-shirt courtesy of Saturn of Rockford, Dental Dimensions, Alpha Controls & Services and 13 WREX.