CRAWFORD RE-SIGNS WITH THE BLACKHAWKS

Goalie returns to Chicago organization for fourth season

Chicago, Ill.- Chicago Blackhawks General Manager Dale Tallon announced Monday that the National Hockey League club has re-signed goaltender Corey Crawford for the 2008-08 season.

In 55 games with the Rockford IceHogs in 2007-08, Crawford finished third in the AHL with 29 wins and had a 2.83 goals against average with a .907 save percentage. The Montréal, Québec native was a vital component of the Rockford IceHogs first-round win over the Houston Aeros in the 2008 Calder Cup playoffs, allowing more than one goal in a game just once. He posted a 2.27 GAA and .921 save percentage in 741 minutes in the postseason.

The 23-year-old was drafted by the Blackhawks #52 overall (round 2) in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. He has played in 163 AHL games with an 89-60-10 record, 2.79 GAA and .909 save percentage. In seven games with the Blackhawks, he has a .915 save percentage and has allowed 13 goals. He has six career professional shutouts.

The workhorse netminder finished sixth in the AHL in 2007-08 in appearances despite spending three weeks with the Blackhawks in relief of an injured Nikolai Khabibulin. It was his sixth consecutive season with 50 or more games played stretching back to his second year with the Moncton Wildcats of the Québec Major Junior Hockey League.

During his stint with the Blackhawks last season, Crawford notched his first NHL win, a 19-save shutout over the Anaheim Ducks. He also made a career-high 44 saves against Detroit on March 11, 2008. In his third career re-call, he had a .929 save percentage and 2.14 GAA in five contests.

Season Tickets Now On Sale: The Rockford IceHogs have a variety of season ticket packages available for the 2008-09 season. To find a package that works for you, call (815) 986-6465 and speak with a season ticket sales executive.