Rockford, Ill.- Chicago Blackhawks General Manager of Minor League Affiliations Mark Bernard announced on Friday that the American Hockey League’s Rockford IceHogs have signed veteran defenseman Brett Lebda to a Professional Try Out (PTO).
The IceHogs also announced the team’s training camp roster, which includes 34 players. Training camp opens on Sunday, Sept. 30 at the BMO Harris Bank Center.
Lebda, 30, has appeared in 397 career NHL games with the Detroit Red Wings, Toronto Maple Leafs and Columbus Blue Jackets, totaling 20g-56a-76pts. The Buffalo Grove, Ill. native, was a member of the 2008 Stanley Cup Champion Red Wings, skating in 65 regular season and 23 postseason contests.
The blueliner has also participated in 137 AHL tilts with the Grand Rapids Griffins and Springfield Falcons, amassing 7g-52a-59pts. Last season, Lebda split time between Springfield (26gms, 1g-9a-10pts) and Columbus (30gms, 1g-3a-4pts).
Joining Lebda on a tryout basis for Rockford’s 14th training camp include forwards Chris DeSousa, Travis Novak and Jake Trask.
The following is a list of players on Rockford’s training camp roster:
Forwards (21): Kyle Beach, Brandon Bollig, Terry Broadhurst, Wade Brookbank, Chris DeSousa, Rob Flick, Byron Froese, David Gilbert, Jimmy Hayes, Marcus Kruger, Peter LeBlanc, Jeremy Morin, Travis Novak, Philippe Paradis, Brandon Pirri, Brandon Saad, Andrew Shaw, Ben Smith, Martin St. Pierre, Brandon Svendsen and Jake Trask
Defensemen (9): Adam Clendening, Klas Dahlbeck, Shawn Lalonde, Joe Lavin, Brett Lebda, Nick Leddy, Dylan Olsen, Ryan Stanton and Ben Youds
Goalies (4): Mac Carruth, Carter Hutton, Alec Richards and Kent Simpson
Click here to view Rockford’s training camp roster.
Next Home Game: Saturday, Oct. 20 vs. Charlotte Checkers. Game time is 7:05 p.m. The IceHogs open the home portion of their regular season slate against the Checkers at the BMO Harris Bank Center. The first 5,000 fans to the game will pick up an IceHogs “It All Starts Here” calendar.