BLACKHAWKS LOAN OLESZ TO ROCKFORD

Veteran forward clears waivers, joins IceHogs

Rockford, Ill.- The National Hockey League’s Chicago Blackhawks announced on Thursday that they have loaned winger Rostislav Olesz to the American Hockey League’s Rockford IceHogs.

Olesz, 28, skated in 50 games for Rockford in 2011-12, notching 17g-24a-41pts. He began the ‘11-12 campaign with the Blackhawks and appeared in six tilts with Chicago.

The Bilovec, Czech Republic native was acquired by the Blackhawks on June 24, 2011 from the Florida Panthers in exchange for Brian Campbell. Olesz has played in 355 career NHL games, including 349 with the Panthers, totaling 57g-75a-132pts.

The veteran winger was originally drafted by Florida in the first round (#7 overall) of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft.

Next Home Game: Friday, March 15 vs. Chicago Wolves. The puck hits the ice at 7:05 p.m. as the IceHogs and Wolves go at it at the BMO Harris Bank Center in an Illinois Lottery Cup matchup. It's Country Night at the BMO sponsored by Frito Lay and Q98.5, where fans will be treated to live music from Back Country Roads. There will also be a mechanical bull on site for fans to ride and a contest for best-dressed cowboy/cowgirl.