MATTSON RETURNED TO INDY

Rockford, Ill. – The Rockford IceHogs announced on Thursday that they have returned defenseman Nick Mattson to their ECHL affiliate, the Indy Fuel.

Mattson, 25, made his 2016-17 season debut for Rockford on Jan. 3 in Milwaukee. He has appeared in two games with the IceHogs, recording a +2 plus/minus rating with two penalty minutes.

Prior to joining Rockford this year, he notched 12 points on a goal and 11 assists in 32 games with Indy. The Chanhassen, Minn. native split time between the IceHogs and Fuel last season, collecting seven points (1g, 6a) and a +4 plus/minus rating in 17 games for the Hogs, while also notching 15 points (1g, 14a) in 48 games for Indy.

Mattson played collegiately at the University of North Dakota before joining Rockford with fellow IceHogs forwards Nick Schmaltz and Luke Johnson. In four seasons with UND in Grand Forks, Mattson netted 17 goals and 61 assists for 78 points.

Mattson was originally drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in the sixth round (No. 180 overall) in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.

Next Home Game: Friday, January 13 vs. the San Diego Gulls at 7 p.m. The IceHogs welcome the Gulls for the first time this season. The first 1,500 fans will receive a winter pom pom hat courtesy of BMO Harris Bank. A Blue Flame Lounge Pre-Game Party will kick off Friday night at 5:15 p.m. and includes free appetizers and happy-hour specials.