BRENT GETS FIRST BLACKHAWKS RECALL, SKILLE SENT BACK

Rockford, Ill.- Chicago Blackhawks General Manager Dale Tallon announced Tuesday that the National Hockey League club has recalled Center Tim Brent from loan to the Rockford IceHogs and returned right wing Jack Skille.

This is Brent’s first recall to the Blackhawks since joining the organization over the summer. The Cambridge, Ontario native was acquired for defenseman Danny Richmond on July 17, 2008. Rockford’s team captain has 50 points (19g-31a) in 48 games, good enough for second on the IceHogs in both goals and assists.

Since returning from injury on Jan. 29, Brent has notched 20 points (10g-10a) and is +7 in 15 games, including six multi-point game and a hat trick at Milwaukee on Feb. 19.

Brent made his NHL debut with the Anaheim Ducks on Jan. 5, 2007 against Columbus and notched his first and only NHL point, a goal, on Feb. 20, 2007 against Vancouver. He was recalled by Pittsburgh for one game in 2007-08, playing against Washington on Jan. 21, 2008. He is the ninth IceHogs skater to be recalled by the Blackhawks in 2008-09.

Skille held scoreless in two games, finishing with two shots and was -1, since being recalled on Friday.

In his second professional season, the 21-year-old is third on the IceHogs with 16 goals and ranks fourth with 38 points in 47 games. The Madison, Wis. native appeared in Chicago’s first six games in 2008-09, notching one goal and five penalty minutes before being assigned to Rockford on Oct. 21.

Skille played in 16 games with the Blackhawks in 2007-08, finishing with three goals and two assists. He also racked up 16 goals and 18 assists in 59 contests with Rockford en route to being named the team’s 2007-08 Rookie of the Year.

Prior to turning pro, Skille spent two seasons at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (2005-07), recording 38 points (21g-17a) and 47 penalty minutes in 65 games. He was a member of the Badgers 2006 NCAA National Championship team.

Next Game: Wednesday, March 4 at Grand Rapids Griffins. The game starts at 6 p.m. The IceHogs four-game road swing comes to an end when the team makes a final visit to the Van Andel Arena to take on the Griffins. The game is the fourth and final in the season series between the two clubs.