VERSTEEG AND HJALMARSSON RECALLED

MacAulay released from PTO

Chicago, Ill.- Chicago Blackhawks General Manager Dale Tallon announced on Sunday morning that the National Hockey League club has recalled center Kris Versteeg and defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson from the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League.

Both skaters are expected to play in Chicago’s 2007-08 regular season finale on Sunday afternoon in Detroit against the Red Wings.

The recall is Versteeg’s third of the season. In 12 games with Chicago, Versteeg has two goals and two assists. With Rockford this season, the Lethbridge, Alberta native has 17 goals and 30 assists in 52 games. On Saturday night, Versteeg chipped in a goal and three assists to go along with an IceHogs team single-game high plus/minus rating of +5.

Hjalmarsson earned his second recall of the season to Chicago. In his previous stint with the Blackhawks, the d-man played in 12 games and accumulated an assist. Hjalmarsson has four goals and seven assists in 43 games during his first season in the AHL.

In other IceHogs news, Hogs General Manager of Hockey Operations Al MacIsaac announced on Sunday that defenseman Kenny MacAulay was released from his PTO and returned to the Fresno Falcons of the ECHL.

Originally loaned to Rockford on Feb. 6, the rookie blue-liner appeared in 18 games with Rockford during his first career AHL stint. During his time in Rockford, MacAulay had an assist and 17 penalty minutes.

Next Home Game: Wednesday, April 9 vs. Peoria Rivermen. Game time is slated for 7:05 p.m. Rockford begins the final week of the 2007-08 regular season with the final visit of the season from Peoria. Wednesday’s game is presented by Crown Royal.