BLACKHAWKS RECALL RAANTA

Chicago, Ill. - The Chicago Blackhawks announced today that they have recalled goaltender Antti Raanta (AHN-tee RAHN-tah) from the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League.

Raanta, 24, was handed a tough 2-1 shootout loss with the IceHogs in last night’s preseason game against Milwaukee, stopping 24 shots in regulation and another nine of ten in the shootout.

The netminder has appeared in one preseason game with the Blackhawks, earning a 5-4 shootout win over the Washington Capitals on Sept. 20. He made 26 saves and stopped all three shootout attempts in the victory.

The Rauma, Finland, native earned a 21-10-11 record with five shutouts, a 1.85 goals-against average and a .943 save percentage in 45 games last season with Assat Pori of SM-liiga (Finland). Raanta led the league in goals-against average and save percentage, and ranked fifth in shutouts, while leading his team to the 2013 SM-liiga championship. He was named to the league’s All-Star team, and was honored as the best goaltender, as well as the Most Valuable Player of the regular season and playoffs.

Raanta posted a 4-3 record with a 2.09 goals-against average and a .928 save percentage for his native Finland in the 2013 IIHF World Championship. He was named as one of the country’s top three players by the tournament coaches.

Raanta registered a 48-27-16 record over five seasons with Lukko Rauma and Assat Pori of SM-liiga from 2007 to 2012.

Next Home Game: Saturday, Oct. 19 vs. Grand Rapids. Game time is 7 p.m. Rockford opens the home portion of their regular season schedule against the Griffins. The first 5,000 fans to the game will receive an IceHogs calendar courtesy of Stateline Staffing Services. For tickets, call (815) 968-5222, visit IceHogs.com or in person at the BMO Harris Bank Center Box Office or at any Ticketmaster outlet.