BROUWER AND HJALMARSSON RETURN TO ROCKFORD

Whirlwind week lands Brouwer back with Hogs

Chicago, Ill.-Chicago Blackhawks General Manager Dale Tallon announced on Wednesday that the National Hockey League club has returned winger Troy Brouwer and defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson on loan to the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League.

Brouwer has literally had an up-and-down week. The 6’-3” winger was recalled to the Blackhawks on Sunday morning and skated in the Hawks 4-3 overtime win over the St. Louis Blues at the United Center. Brouwer chipped in his first career NHL point with an assist on Chicago’s first goal.

On Monday, the Vancouver native was returned to the IceHogs and played in Rockford’s 4-1 win over the Milwaukee Admirals at the Bradley Center on Monday night. Following the contest, Brouwer was recalled to Chicago on an emergency basis for Wednesday’s game in Columbus against the Blue Jackets.

Brouwer didn’t play in Wednesday’s tilt in Columbus and was returned on loan to Rockford before the contest as Chicago forward Robert Lang was able to play. Brouwer has played in a pair of games with the Blackhawks this season.

In his second season overall in the pro ranks, Brouwer has 30g-18a-48pts in 66 games with the IceHogs. Brouwer leads the AHL with 21 power play markers.

Hjalmarsson received his first career NHL recall on Feb. 28. During his recall, Hjalmarsson appeared in 12 games for Chicago and earned an assist along with 13 penalty minutes. The rookie defenseman made his NHL debut on Feb. 28 at Dallas and picked up his first career NHL point on Sunday against St. Louis.

In 37 games with Rockford this season, the Eksjo, Sweden native has three goals and four assists. Hjalmarsson and Brouwer are expected to rejoin the IceHogs in time for Friday's game at the MetroCentre against the Chicago Wolves.

Next Home Game: Friday, March 28 vs. Chicago Wolves. Game time is 7:30 p.m. One of the quickest growing rivalries in the AHL rekindles at the MetroCentre when the IceHogs take on the Wolves. The first 1,000 fans to the game will pick up an IceHogs player figurine courtesy of Wheels By RT and FOX 39. Players featured on the figurine include Cam Barker, Mike Blunden and Martin St. Pierre.