Wyatt Kalynuk Becomes the 126th IceHogs Alum to Make NHL Debut

ROCKFORD, Ill. – Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Wyatt Kalynuk becomes the 126th Rockford IceHogs alumni to make his National Hockey League debut and the 96th IceHogs player to go from Rockford to the Blackhawks as the NHL club takes on the Tampa Bay Lightning this afternoon at United Center in Chicago.

Kalynuk, 23, was recalled from the IceHogs yesterday evening and at the time of his departure, he led the team, was tied for 16th among AHL rookies, and was tied for ninth among league defensemen with six points in his first four professional games. In his last two contests (Feb. 27 at Cleveland and Wednesday vs. Grand Rapids) with the IceHogs, the Brandon, Manitoba, native racked up four assists.

With his appearance today, Kalynuk joins forwards Phillip Kurashev and Reese Johnson, and goaltender Kevin Lankinen in IceHogs alums to make their debut this season.

Before turning pro this season, the 6-foot-1, 181-pound defenseman served as team captain of the Wisconsin Badgers last year and recorded a career-high 28 points (7 goals, 21 assists) in 36 contests during his junior season. He received All-Big Ten Conference honors for the first time in his collegiate career last season, finishing second among all Big Ten blueliners in points (28) and tied for second in goals (7). He was originally selected by the Philadelphia Flyers in the seventh round (196th overall) of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft.

The IceHogs and Iowa collide today, Sunday, March 7 at 4:00 p.m. at BMO Harris Bank Center. Fans can watch all of this season’s action LIVE on AHLTV and 23.2 Antenna TV WIFR (home games)! Tune in to every broadcast for free on SportsFanRadio 1330 AM, Sportsfanradio1330.com, IceHogs.com, and the IceHogs app!

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