ICEHOGS SIGN KEITH TO STANDARD CONTRACT

Forward is in second stint with Hawks organization

Rockford, Ill.- Chicago Blackhawks General Manager of Minor League Affiliations Mark Bernard announced Friday that Center Matt Keith has been signed to a standard player contract for the remainder of the season by the Rockford IceHogs.

Keith, 26, has appeared in 36 games for the IceHogs this season, registering 14 points (9g-5a) and earning 21 penalty minutes. Keith scored two goals in the third period of the Hogs’ 4-3, come-from behind victory over the Peoria Rivermen at the Rockford MetroCentre on Oct. 17. He also recently posted a six-game point streak from Dec. 29, 2009 to Jan. 9, 2010.

The Edmonton, Alberta native was selected #59 overall (Round 2) in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft by the Chicago Blackhawks. His best AHL stastical season came in 2004-05, when he skated in all 80 games and posted 49 points (18g-31a).

Keith has skated in 24 career games with the Blackhawks, during which he’s posted five points (2g-3a). The current season is his first with the organization since 2006-07.

Next Home Game: Saturday, Jan. 23 vs. Grand Rapids Griffins: The Hogs welcome the Grand Rapids Griffins into the Rockford MetroCentre for a 7:05 p.m. start. The first 2,500 fans will pick up an IceHogs fleece blanket thanks to Lonnie’s Carpet Max.