BRITISH SKATER DAVID PHILLIPS SIGNS WITH ICEHOGS

Phillips comes to North America after successful 2008-09 season in the UK

Rockford, Ill.– Chicago Blackhawks General Manager of Minor League Affiliations Mark Bernard announced Tuesday that the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League have signed defenseman David Phillips to a one-year AHL contract.

Phillips, 21, is the first ever British-born player to sign with the IceHogs. The Beverley, England native has played for the Elite Ice Hockey League’s Hull Stingrays and Belfast Giants in the United Kingdom for the past three seasons. Phillips compiled 35 points (10g-25a) in 71games for the Giants last year helping the club to their best finish in team history. With the Stingrays Phillips registered nine points (3g-6a) in 2006-07 and in 2007-08 he finished with 15 points (2g-13a).

“David Phillips is a player that I am very excited to see develop this season as he has great size, is a very good skater and has good mobility,” Bernard said. “We feel that he has a tremendous upside and that is what earned him this contract. Working with our coaches, it should be exciting to watch him grow this season.”

Phillips attended the National Hockey League’s Chicago Blackhawks Prospect Camp from July 6-10.

Before playing in the EIHL, Phillips played two seasons for the Hull Stingrays in the British National League (2004-06) as well as the Hull Stingrays in the English Premier League (2005-06). Phillips registered five points (1g-4a) in the BNL and 19 points (7g-12a) in the EPL.

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