BLACKWATER SIGNED TO A TRY-OUT AGREEMENT

Rockford, Ill.- Chicago Blackhawks General Manager of Minor League Affiliates Mark Bernard announced Thursday that the Rockford IceHogs have signed forward Judd Blackwater to a professional try-out agreement.

The Lethbridge, Alberta native (6-0, 193) skated for Rockford in the 2008 training camp before signing an ECHL contract with the Fresno Falcons to start the season. He appeared in 30 games (5g-9a) before the team folded in late December. Blackwater then signed with the Stockton Thunder as a free agent on Dec. 30, 2008. In 12 games with Stockton, the 21-year-old has two goals and five assists.

Blackwater played for the Spokane Chiefs (WHL) under now-Rockford head coach Bill Peters for three seasons, ending his amateur career by winning the Memorial Cup in May. This is his first American Hockey League call up.

Next Home Game: Friday. Feb. 13 vs. Peoria Rivermen. Rockford returns home at 7:30 p.m. The IceHogs come home after a 19 day hiatus to take on the Rivermen. The first 1,500 kids to the game will receive an IceHogs Youth Jersey courtesy of Feldco Windows and Doors, FOX 39 and 104.9 FM, WXRX.