Reese Johnson to Become 125th IceHogs Alum to Make NHL Debut Tonight

ROCKFORD, Ill. – When the Chicago Blackhawks take the ice against the Columbus Blue Jackets tonight at 6:00 p.m. down at United Center, IceHogs fans may recognize yet another familiar name jumping into the Hawks’ lineup as forward Reese Johnson makes his NHL debut and becomes the 125th IceHogs alum to make his NHL debut and the 95th player to go from Rockford to the Blackhawks.

He joins forward Philipp Kurashev and goaltender Kevin Lankinen for IceHogs alums to make their NHL debut this season.

"He really improved his skating, his pace to his game,” said former IceHogs Head Coach now Blackhawks bench boss Jeremy Colliton during media availability. “He plays hard. Tremendous [on] faceoffs... He’s earned the chance. What he does with it, it’ll be exciting to see.”

Johnson, 22, is in his second professional season after posting eight points (4 goals, 4 assists) in 52 games with the IceHogs during his rookie campaign last year. His 63 penalty minutes were third-most on the team and fifth among AHL rookies.

The Rockford IceHogs open their 22nd season of hockey in the Stateline, their 14th campaign in the American Hockey League and the 2020-21 season on Friday, Feb. 5 at 6 p.m. against the Cleveland Monsters at BMO Harris Bank Center! Fans can watch all of this season’s action LIVE on AHLTV and 23.2 Antenna TV WIFR (home games)! Tune in to every broadcast for free on SportsFanRadio 1330 AM, Sportsfanradio1330.com, IceHogs.com, and the IceHogs app!

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