RAANTA GETS THE CALL

Chicago, Ill. - The Chicago Blackhawks announced today that they have recalled goaltender Antti Raanta (AHN-tee RAHN-tah) from the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League.

Raanta, 24, has posted a 7-5-0 record with a 2.83 goals-against average and a .914 save percentage in 14 appearances this season with the IceHogs. He made his North American debut on Oct. 5 at San Antonio and earned his first win on Oct. 11 at Lake Erie. Raanta, who shares fourth in the AHL in wins posted four straight from Oct. 19 to Oct. 27.

Prior to his North American career, Raanta earned a 21-10-11 record with five shutouts, a 1.85 goals-against average and a .943 save percentage in 45 games last season with Assat Pori of SM-liiga (Finland). Raanta led the league in goals-against average and save percentage, and ranked fifth in shutouts, while leading his team to the 2013 SM-liiga championship. The Rauma, Finland, native was named to the league’s All-Star team, and was honored as the best goaltender, as well as the Most Valuable Player of the regular season and playoffs. Raanta registered a 48-27-16 record over five seasons with Lukko Rauma and Assat Pori of SM-liiga from 2007 to 2012.

The 6-0, 182-pound goaltender also posted a 4-3 record with a 2.09 goals-against average and a .928 save percentage for his native Finland in the 2013 IIHF World Championship. He was named as one of the country’s top three players by the tournament coaches.

Raanta was signed by the Blackhawks as a free agent on June 3, 2013.

Next Game: Wednesday, Nov. 20 vs. Abbotsford Heat. The puck hits the ice at 7 p.m. It's a WXRX Dollar Day at the BMO Harris Bank Center as fans can get $1 beers, sodas, hot dogs and companion tickets.