FORMER HOGS HEAD COACH JOINS HAWKS ORGANIZATION

Bernard named Chicago’s GM of Minor League Affiliates

Rockford, Ill.- The Chicago Blackhawks announced that the team has named Mark Bernard General Manager of Minor League Affiliations.

“We are extremely excited to have Mark join the Blackhawks. His experience and hockey knowledge will prove to be great resources for our club, especially the operation of our minor league affiliates,” said Blackhawks General Manager Dale Tallon.

Bernard joins the Blackhawks from the Norfolk Admirals of the American Hockey League (AHL) where he served as Vice President and Assistant General Manager. He joined the Norfolk club in June 2006 as Assistant General Manager and was named Interim Vice President in October of 2006 before his appointment to Vice President one month later. While serving as VP, Bernard orchestrated the organization’s day-to-day business operations and also assisted with hockey operations decisions in his dual role as Assistant General Manager.

Bernard was recently named the winner of the James C. Hendy Memorial Award as the AHL’s most outstanding executive for the 2007-08 season.

Prior to his appointment with the Admirals, Bernard was a goaltender for four seasons with the Hampton Roads Admirals (ECHL), accumulating a record of 62-38-12 with a 3.69 goals against average and a .882 save percentage. He was a member of the 1991 and 1992 teams that claimed back-to-back Riley Cup championships, appearing in all 14 post-season games en route to the ECHL Playoffs Most Valuable Player Award.

In 13 overall professional seasons, Bernard played in 441 games and has the distinction of being just one of three professional goalies to have scored two goals. Bernard also set a professional hockey record when he assisted on four goals while playing for the Bracknell Bees (BISL) on Jan. 30, 1997.

Bernard was the head coach for the IceHogs during the 2003-04 season. Following a brief stint in Rockford, Bernard took over as Head Coach and General Manager of the Basingstoke Bison in the British Elite League. After two seasons in England, Bernard returned stateside and to Norfolk where the former goalie put together an impressive playing career.

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.