SKILLE RECALLED BY CHICAGO

Chicago, Ill.- General Manager Dale Tallon announced today that the Blackhawks have recalled right wing Jack Skille from the Rockford IceHogs of the AHL. Skille will make his NHL debut on Sunday when the Blackhawks host the Los Angeles Kings at the United Center.

Skille, 20, was selected by the Blackhawks with the seventh overall pick in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft. In 33 games with the IceHogs this season, Skille has eight goals and eight assists for 16 points and 27 penalty minutes. Four of Skille’s goals have come on the power play.

Skille’s addition to the Blackhawks roster means the last five first round picks of the Blackhawks will be in the lineup on Sunday night. The other first round picks are: Brent Seabrook, 2003 14th overall; Cam Barker, 2004 3rd overall; Jonathan Toews, 2006 3rd overall and Patrick Kane, 2007 1st overall. Add in Tuomo Ruutu, 2001 9th overall and Blackhawks first round picks from six of the last seven years will be in Sunday night’s lineup.

IceHogs General Manager Al MacIsaac also announced that the American Hockey League club has signed defenseman Matt Macdonald and forward Ross Carlson to 14-day PTO’s.

Macdonald was loaned to Rockford from the Cincinnati Cyclones (ECHL). Macdonald is in his currently skating in his second season with the Cyclones. In 29 games with Cincinnati, the 6-1, 205-pound defenseman has a pair of goals and 10 assists. Macdonald attended IceHogs training camp prior to this season.

Carlson was loaned to Rockford from the Texas Wildcatters (ECHL). The 2007-08 season is his first full campaign at the pro level and in 30 games with the Wildcatters, Carlson has 10g-22a-32pts. Last season the Duluth, Minn. native appeared in four games with the Providence Bruins after completing his senior season at the University of Wisconsin.

Both Macdonald and Carlson are expected to be with the IceHogs in time for the club’s game at Peoria against the Rivermen tonight.

Next Home Game: Monday, Dec. 31 vs. Milwaukee Admirals. Game time is set for 7:05 p.m. Welcome in the New Year with the IceHogs as they take on the Admirals at the MetroCentre. Come for the hockey and stick around for a post game concert as the IceHogs and 23WIFR-TV welcome Seven Mary Three to the MetroCentre.