ICEHOGS ADD JOKIHARJU FROM CHICAGO, MCARDLE FROM INDY

ROCKFORD, Ill. – The Chicago Blackhawks today announced they have reassigned defenseman Henri Jokiharju to the American Hockey League’s Rockford IceHogs. In addition, Rockford has also recalled defenseman Josh McArdle from its ECHL affiliate, the Indy Fuel.

Jokiharju, 19, made his AHL debut with the IceHogs this season and logged nine points (1g, 8a) in nine games. The blueliner ranks tied for third among AHL defensemen in scoring since making his team debut on Feb. 1, and returns to Rockford’s lineup with seven points (7a) during his current four-game point streak.

The Oulu, Finland native skated in his 38th NHL game of his rookie season last night with Chicago. He has collected 12 assists with the Blackhawks on the year, including beginning his pro tenure by ranking second among NHL rookie defenseman in scoring during the first month of the season with seven points (7a) in 12 games.

Jokiharju was originally selected by Chicago in the first round (29th overall) of the 2017 NHL Draft.

McArdle, 24, has split the 2018-19 season between Rockford and Indy, posting a goal and two assists in 13 AHL games with the IceHogs and five points (1g, 4a) in 27 ECHL contests with the Fuel. The blueliner rejoins the Hogs’ lineup having collected each of his three points over his last five games. That stretch includes his first point streak from Jan. 25-26 and first AHL goal on Feb. 6 vs. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

The Roscoe, Illinois native recorded an assist in his lone game with the Fuel after being reassigned on Sunday. Overall, McArdle has combined for seven points (1g, 6a) in 37 career ECHL games over the last two seasons between Worcester and Indy.

Next Home Game: March 1 vs. Grand Rapids | 7 p.m.
The Rockford IceHogs return home to host the Grand Rapids Griffins on Country Night at the BMO Harris Bank Center. The first 1,500 fans to arrive will receive a FREE bandana, thanks to Texas Roadhouse.