ICEHOGS ADD VETERAN GROULX, ROOKIE MACARTHUR

Pair signs AHL deals with Rockford

Rockford, Ill.- Chicago Blackhawks General Manager of Minor League Affiliations Mark Bernard announced on Thursday that the American Hockey League club has signed defenseman Danny Groulx and winger Peter MacArthur to AHL contracts for the 2008-09 season.

Groulx enters his seventh professional season and sixth in the AHL. The veteran defenseman skated in 58 games with the Manitoba Moose last season netting 4g-20a-24pts with a plus/minus rating of +11. The LaSalle, Quebec native chipped in a pair of goals and added an assist in six Calder Cup postseason games.

“Danny Groulx is a great addition for us on our defense as he brings not only experience in the AHL, but he has also captured the ultimate goal which is the Calder Cup,” said Bernard. “We will be looking for him to help solidify our blue-line while at the same time providing leadership to our young players.”

The 6-0, 203-pound d-man was a member of the Hamilton Bulldogs Calder Cup Championship squad in 2006-07. After being held without a goal in 58 regular season games with Hamilton in ’06-07, Groulx potted six markers in the Calder Cup Playoffs. Overall, Groulx has played in 335 AHL games with Manitoba, Hamilton and Grand Rapids.

MacArthur is entering his first full professional season after four productive campaigns at Boston University. During his senior season in ’07-08, MacArthur turned in colligate career highs with 21g-24a-45pts to lead the Terriers. The Clifton Park, N.Y. native was team captain for BU as well last year.

“We’re very excited to be signing Peter MacArthur to an American Hockey League contract,” said Bernard. “He is coming off of a very successful career at Boston University and parlayed that into a very successful prospect camp with Chicago in July earning him this opportunity. His addition adds to an already strong forward core that is going to create some great competition during our training camp."

During his four seasons with the Terriers, MacArthur helped lead the team into the NCAA Tournament three times. The 23-year old winger notched at least 13 goals all four years and racked up 147 points in 159 career collegiate games. Following his senior season, MacArthur signed a PTO with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers (AHL), appearing in nine games, chipping in an assist.

With the addition of Groulx and MacArthur, the IceHogs now have four players signed for the fast approaching season. Forward Mike Radja and defenseman Brennan Turner are also under contract for the IceHogs 10th Anniversary season in 2008-09.

Season Tickets And Individual 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. Individual game tickets are also on sale. Call (815) 968-5222, visit www.metrocentre.com or stop down to the MetroCentre Box Office to purchase your tickets for the IceHogs 10th Anniversary season.