Rockford releases Kessel from PTO

Rockford, Ill.- The American Hockey League’s Rockford IceHogs have announced that they signed defenseman Brett Skinner to a PTO. The IceHogs also released defenseman Blake Kessel from his PTO.

Skinner joins the IceHogs after playing 10 games this season with the Norfolk Admirals on a PTO. The Brandon, Manitoba native recorded three assists and a -3 plus/minus rating for the Admirals. The blue-liner had 54 points (11g-43a) between the Allen Americans and Grand Rapids Griffins during the 2012-13 season and played 21 of 24 playoff games for the Griffins in their Calder Cup Championship run.

The d-man has played 421 career AHL games showing 193 points (28g-165a). In the 2008-09 season, Skinner made his NHL debut with the New York Islanders and has played career 11 games at the NHL level. Skinner was drafted in the third round (#68 overall) of the 2002 NHL Entry Draft by the Vancouver Canucks.

Kessel was signed on Nov. 11, and played three games for Rockford where he was held without a point and has a -2 plus/minus rating. The defenseman will return to the Orlando Solar Bears of the ECHL.

Next Home Game: Wednesday, Nov. 27 vs. Milwaukee Admirals. Game time is 7 p.m. The game will be a WXRX Dollar Day. Fans can purchase hot dogs, soft drinks, beer and companion tickets for $1. Fans can also purchase IceHogs jerseys for half off at Oink Outfitters.