TANNER KERO SIGNS ATO WITH ICEHOGS

Rockford, Ill. - Chicago Blackhawks General Manager of Minor League Affiliations Mark Bernard announced on Monday that forward Tanner Kero (CARE-oh) signed an amateur tryout contract (ATO) with the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League.

Kero, 22, paced the Western Collegiate Hockey Association’s Michigan Tech Huskies with a collegiate career-high 46 points, 20 goals and 26 assists in 41 games during his senior year; he also led the WCHA in points. The Huskies’ co-captain ranked fourth on the club with a +22 plus/minus rating and led the team with 150 shots on goal. A 2015 Hobey Baker nominee, Kero shared the Huskies lead with seven game-winning goals. The Hancock, Mich., native was named the 2014-15 WCHA Player of the Year, WCHA Outstanding Student-Athlete of the Year and to the All-WCHA First Team. In his four years at Michigan Tech, Kero totaled 111 points (55G, 56A) in 153 games.

Prior to his collegiate career, Kero tallied 37 points (13G, 24A) in 55 games during the 2010-11 season with the United States Hockey League’s Fargo Force; he was also named to the USHL Western Conference All-Star Team.

The 22 year-old agreed to a two-year contract with the Blackhawks on Thursday, April 2.

Next Home Game: Tuesday, April 7 vs. Milwaukee Admirals. Puck drops at 7 p.m. The IceHogs play the last of 12 games this season against their bordering rivals as the Admirals visit the BMO. It is another WXRX Dollar Day, and fans can enjoy hot dogs, sodas, beers and companion tickets for all $1.