The Chicago Blackhawks have been affiliated with the AHL’s Rockford IceHogs since the team was most recently relocated to Rockford in 2007 – and after yet another successful year serving as an affiliate for the Central Division club, it has been confirmed that Chicago has locked up their partnership with the IceHogs long term.
Per Scott Powers of the Atlantic, the Blackhawks and Rockford have extended their affiliation through the end of the 2021-22 season, ensuring that the two clubs remain in an affiliation for the next six years, at the very least.
Initially created in 1995 as the Baltimore Bandits of the AHL, the current IceHogs were moved to Rockford after being purchased and revived following a tough stretch of seasons in the mid-2000’s. Initially the affiliate of the Anaheim Ducks, the minor league club has spent its entire existence since being purchased and relocated in 2007 playing as the affiliate for Chicago.
This past year, the Central Division club lost in the first round of the playoffs, but the IceHogs are recent returnees to postseason action. The club, who play under head coach Ted Dent, spent 2010-2014 on the outside of the playoff picture looking in.
With a close proximity to the Blackhawks, though, the minor league club is a perfect affiliate for the NHL franchise; the distance from Chicago to Rockford is just over two hours by car, so the affiliation is a perfect match. Locking up the next six years is smart for both clubs involved.
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