STEPHENSON ASSIGNED TO ROCKFORD

D-man was acquired at deadline by the Hawks

Chicago, Ill.- Chicago Blackhawks General Manager Dale Tallon announced on Wednesday that the National Hockey League club has loaned defenseman Logan Stephenson to the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League.

Stephenson, 23, was acquired earlier in the day in a trade deadline deal in which Chicago also acquired center Samuel Pahlsson and a conditional draft pick from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for James Wisniewski and Petri Kontiola.

The Saskatoon, Sask. native has appeared in 44 games this season with the Iowa Chops and San Antonio Rampage. Originally a second round (#35 overall) draft pick in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft by the Phoenix Coyotes, Stephenson is skating in this third season in the pro ranks.

The blue liner spent his first two professional campaigns with the Rampage chipping eight points in each season. This season, Stephenson has accumulated a goal and two assists between the Rampage and Chops.

Stephenson is expected to be in Rockford on Friday when the IceHogs take on the Quad City Flames at the MetroCentre.

Next Home Game: Friday, March 6 vs. Quad City Flames. The puck drops at 7:30 p.m. The IceHogs and Flames meet up in Rockford for the final time in 2008-09. The first 2,500 kids 14-and under will receive an IceHogs Lunch Tin courtesy of Rock Valley Culligan, Rockford Health Systems and 13 WREX.