NICK SCHMALTZ ASSIGNED, JOHANSSON RECALLED

Chicago, Ill. - The Chicago Blackhawks announced today that they have assigned forward Nick Schmaltz to the Rockford IceHogs and recalled goaltender Lars Johansson from Rockford.

Schmaltz, 20, has collected four points (1G, 3A) in 26 games with the Blackhawks this season. Schmaltz made his National Hockey League debut on Oct. 12 vs. St. Louis and notched his first career NHL goal three games later against Nashville on Oct. 15. The Verona, Wis., native was selected by the Blackhawks in the first round (20th overall) of the 2014 NHL Draft.

Prior to joining the professional ranks, Schmaltz was a standout collegiate player, helping the Universtiy of North Dakota secure the NCAA National Championship last season. He finished third on the Fighting Hawks in 2015-16 with 46 points (11g-35a) in 37 games, and over his two seasons at North Dakota he posted 72 points (16g-56a) in 75 games. Schmaltz also helped Team USA to a bronze medal finish at the 2016 World Junior Championships.

Johansson, 29, has registered a 6-7-1 record in 16 games with one shutout, a 2.63 goals-against average and .911 save percentage for Rockford. The netminder heads to the NHL for the first time in his career. The Avesta, Sweden, native spent the previous three seasons with Frolunda HC in the Swedish Hockey League, posting a 56-27-0 record with 11 shutouts in 93 games.

Next Home Game: Wednesday, December 7 vs. the San Antonio Rampage (8-10-1-0) at 7 p.m. The IceHogs welcome the Rampage for their teams’ first matchup of the season. After every IceHogs home win on a weekday game (Monday – Thursday), all fans in attendance can redeem their game ticket for a FREE ticket of equal or lesser value to the next weekday game. Also, one lucky fan in attendance will WIN a $50 gas card courtesy of Fas Fuel. It is also WXRX Dollar Days where fans can take advantage of $2 beers, soft drinks, hot dogs and companion tickets.