Forward/Defenseman returns for third campaign in Rockford
Rockford, Ill. – Chicago Blackhawks General Manager of Minor League Affiliations Mark Bernard announced that the American Hockey League’s Rockford IceHogs have re-signed forward/defenseman Wade Brookbank to an AHL contract for the 2012-13 season.
After skating in 73 games with the IceHogs over the past two seasons, Brookbank returns to Rockford for his third campaign. He made his 2011-12 IceHogs debut on Feb. 17 at Toronto in Rockford’s 4-3 shootout loss to the Marlies after signing a PTO on Feb. 2, after ending a brief retirement.
“We’re very excited about having Wade back for his third season with the IceHogs,” said Bernard. “His constant professionalism and exemplary work ethic make him the perfect veteran to help lead this young group of prospects and show them all how to be good professionals.”
While skating with the IceHogs during the 2011-12 season, Brookbank accumulated 1g-4a-5pts and scored a goal in the 3-2 shootout win at Milwaukee on March 25.
The Lanigan, Sask. native has skated in 396 career AHL games with Grand Rapids, Binghamton, Milwaukee, Manitoba, Providence, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Albany, and Norfolk, totaling 26g-27a-53pts. In 127 NHL games, Brookbank racked up a career total of 6g-3a-9pts with the Nashville Predators, Vancouver Canucks, Boston Bruins, and Carolina Hurricanes.
The 6-4, 225-pound defenseman scored his first NHL goal on Jan. 31, 2004 to help Vancouver notch a 6-1 victory over the Capitals.
Brookbank’s younger brother Sheldon, 31, signed a two-year deal with the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday, July 1.
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