BLACKHAWKS RECALL PELLETIER AND HJALMARSSON FROM ROCKFORD, REASSIGN BRENT TO ICEHOGS

Chicago, Ill.-The Chicago Blackhawks have recalled left wing Pascal Pelletier (pas-KAL PEHL-tyay) and defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson (JAHL-muhr-suhn) from the American Hockey League’s Rockford IceHogs. In addition, the Blackhawks have reassigned center Tim Brent to Rockford.

Pelletier has appeared in one game over two recalls with the Blackhawks this season, recording one shot in 9:02 of ice time in the team’s 2-0 win over the Ottawa Senators on Dec. 10, 2008. The 25-year-old forward, who was acquired by the Blackhawks from the Boston Bruins in exchange for center Martin St. Pierre on July 24, 2008, leads Rockford and shares fourth in the AHL with 27 goals and ranks second on the club with 51 points in 58 contests this season.

The Labrador City, Newfoundland, native made his National Hockey League debut last season with the Bruins and was held scoreless in six games. He spent the majority of last year in the AHL where he led the Providence Bruins with a career-high 37 goals and a career-best 75 points in 73 regular-season contests. He also dished out a career-most 38 assists before leading Providence with 12 points in 10 playoff tilts. A fifth-year pro, Pelletier appeared in 264 career AHL regular-season matchups with Providence and Rockford, registering 98 goals, 123 assists and 221 points.

Hjalmarsson, 21, has been held scoreless in two games with the Blackhawks this season. The Eksjo, Sweden, native has appeared in 52 games with Rockford this season, recording 15 assists, 18 points, a +12 plus/minus rating and 53 penalty minutes.

The Blackhawks' fifth choice, 108th overall, in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft, Hjalmarsson made his National Hockey League debut last season, dishing out one assist in 13 games with Chicago. He also tallied 13 points (four goals, nine assists) in 47 regular-season tilts and four assists in 12 playoff contests with Rockford.

Brent made his Blackhawks debut in last night’s 3-2 overtime win over the Anaheim Ducks, accruing two penalty minutes in 10:07 of ice time. The 24-year-old forward was acquired by Chicago from the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for defenseman Danny Richmond on July 17, 2008. The Cambridge, Ontario, native ranks second on Rockford with 19 goals and 31 assists in 48 games this season, averaging over a point per contest (1.04). His 19 goals are a professional career high. Brent will not be in Grand Rapids tonight when the IceHogs take on the Griffins.

Next Home Game: Friday, March 6 vs. Quad City Flames. The puck drops at 7:30 p.m. The IceHogs and Flames meet up in Rockford for the final time in 2008-09. The first 2,500 kids 14-and under will receive an IceHogs Lunch Tin courtesy of Rock Valley Culligan, Rockford Health Systems and 13 WREX.