Third Overall Pick Dach Assigned to Rockford on Conditioning Stint

ROCKFORD, Ill. – The Chicago Blackhawks today announced they have activated forward Kirby Dach from his injured/non-roster designation and assigned him to the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League for conditioning purposes.

Dach, 18, was selected third overall by the Blackhawks in the 2019 NHL Draft. He skated in the Western Hockey League last season, tallying 73 points (25g, 48a) in 62 games during the regular season. He finished second among Saskatoon skaters in assists, and both his 73 points and 25 goals were good for third on the team. Dach then added five goals and three assists in the postseason while leading the Blades to the WHL conference semifinals.

The 6-4, 198-lbs center will take the ice tied for the highest overall draft pick to play for the IceHogs in Rockford team history. He is the highest-drafted forward to play for the IceHogs and joins defenseman Cam Barker as the highest-drafted skater to appear with the team. Barker was selected third overall by Chicago in 2004 and made his IceHogs debut during Rockford’s inaugural season in the AHL in 2007-08.

The IceHogs currently boast four first-round picks on their roster:

Kirby Dach (3rd overall, CHI, 2019)
Adam Boqvist (8th overall, CHI, 2018)
Nicolas Beaudin (27th overall, CHI, 2018)
John Quenneville (30th overall, NJD, 2014)

Dach is expected to make his pro debut during the IceHogs’ home opener against Grand Rapids tonight at 6 p.m. at the BMO Harris Bank Center. Tickets can be purchased HERE.