HAYES RECALLED, MONTADOR JOINS HOGS

Forward Jimmy Hayes heads to Chicago, defenseman Steve Montador joins Rockford

Rockford, Ill. – The Rockford IceHogs announced on Tuesday that forward Jimmy Hayes has been recalled from loan to the National Hockey League’s Chicago Blackhawks. In addition, defenseman Steve Montador has been loaned from Chicago to Rockford.

Hayes heads to the Blackhawks after appearing in 58 contests with the IceHogs this season. The second year pro has set career highs in goals (22), assists (17) and points (39). The Dorchester, Mass. native’s 22 tallies is tied for most amongst all IceHogs skaters. Over the past 15 tilts, the forward has notched 10 goals and six assists, including a pair of three-game point streaks.

Last season, Hayes skated in 31 games for Chicago, potting five goals and four assists. He also laced up in two Stanley Cup playoff matchups.

Montador joins the Hogs after playing for the Blackhawks a season ago. The defenseman was limited to 52 tilts for Chicago a year ago, prior to injury. Montador recorded five goals, nine assists and 45 penalty minutes while with the Blackhawks.

The Vancouver, British Columbia native enters his 12th professional season, appearing in 571 career NHL contests during stints with Calgary, Florida, Boston, Anaheim, Buffalo and most recently with Chicago. During his NHL career, the blueliner has accumulated 33 goals, 98 assists and 807 penalty minutes. Montador also was a part of the Calgary Flames club that reached the 2004 Stanley Cup Finals, and was also a 2001 Calder Cup Champion with the Saint John Flames.

Next Home Game: Friday, March 15 vs. Chicago Wolves. The puck hits the ice at 7:05 p.m. as the IceHogs and Wolves go at it at the BMO Harris Bank Center in an Illinois Lottery Cup matchup. It's Country Night at the BMO sponsored by Frito Lay and Q98.5, where fans will be treated to live music from Back Country Roads. There will also be a mechanical bull on site for fans to ride and a contest for best-dressed cowboy/cowgirl.