Rockford, Ill.- Chicago Blackhawks General Manager of Minor League Affiliations Mark Bernard announced Friday that defenseman Garnet Exelby has signed a Professional Try-Out Agreement with the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League.

Exelby appeared in 51 games with the Toronto Maple Leafs (National Hockey League) in 2009-10, notching four points (1g-3a) and racking up 73 penalty minutes.

The Ste. Anne, Manitoba native has played in 408 career games in the NHL with the Atlanta Thrashers and Maple Leafs. The tenth year pro has tallied 32 points in that span.

Exelby was selected by Atlanta in the eighth round (#217 overall) in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft. The 29-year-old skated in 128 with the Chicago Wolves, including the Calder Cup Championship team in 2001-02.

Next Home Game: Sunday, Oct. 10 vs. Grand Rapids Griffins. The game will start at 4:05 p.m. The Stanley Cup is coming back to Rockford. Fans can view and take pictures with the cup, along with the Campbell Bowl, Conn Smythe Trophy and the Norris Trophy.