YOUDS AND FROESE SWAP SPOTS

Rockford, Ill. – The Rockford IceHogs, proud American Hockey League affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks, announced today that the Blackhawks have reassigned forward Byron Froese from the Toledo Walleye to Rockford. Additionally, the IceHogs have returned defenseman Ben Youds on loan to Toledo.

Froese, 22, ranks fifth on the Walleye in scoring with 33 points (12g-21a) in 38 games.

Chicago’s fourth round draft pick (#119 overall) in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft skated in 57 contests with the IceHogs a season ago, tallying four goals and six assists. Froese also registered a goal and assist in three tilts with the Walleye in 2011-12.

Youds, 24, has appeared in 22 games with the IceHogs this season, notching one goal, eight assists and 22 penalty minutes. The second year pro has also skated in 33 contests with the Walleye, racking up 27 points (4g-23a) and a plus-10 efficiency rating. The Maple Grove, Minn. represented the Walleye at the 2013 ECHL All-Star game.

In 2011-12, Youds competed in his first professional campaign, notching 17 points (4g-13a) in 57 games for Rockford. The defenseman also appeared in one contest with the Walleye, tallying the game-winning goal in overtime on Dec. 27, 2011. The Maple Grove, Minn. native was named Rockford’s Most Improved Player in 2011-12.

Next Home Game: Friday, March 15 vs. Chicago Wolves. The puck hits the ice at 7:05 p.m. as the IceHogs and Wolves go at it at the BMO Harris Bank Center in an Illinois Lottery Cup matchup. It's Country Night at the BMO sponsored by Frito Lay and Q98.5, where fans will be treated to live music from Back Country Roads. There will also be a mechanical bull on site for fans to ride and a contest for best-dressed cowboy/cowgirl.