On Friday morning, the Chicago Blackhawks recalled defenseman Henri Jokiharju from the Rockford IceHogs. In nine games with the IceHogs in the AHL, Jokiharju tallied nine points.
Blackhawks Recall Jokiharju
A 2017 first-round draft pick, Jokiharju made his NHL debut this season with the Blackhawks. He played in 37 games with the Blackhawks this season, tallying 12 points (all assists), before being sent down to the IceHogs in early February. Jokiharju scored a goal in his first AHL game with Rockford, his first professional goal, and tallied eight assists in his nine game stint with the IceHogs.
CALGARY, AB – NOVEMBER 3: Henri Jokiharju #28 of the Chicago Blackhawks in action against the Calgary Flames during an NHL game at Scotiabank Saddledome on November 3, 2018 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Derek Leung/Getty Images)
Following an abdominal injury to Brent Seabrook and an illness to Carl Dahlstrom on Friday, the Blackhawks were short-handed on defense, triggering the Jokiharju recall. When asked at morning skate on Friday if the recall of Jokiharju would be short or long-term, Blackhawks head coach Jeremy Colliton responded with, “We’ll see.”
What’s Next?
For the Chicago Blackhawks, they return to action on Friday night against the Colorado Avalanche. Both teams are tied with 61 points in the Western Conference standings, one point out of the second wild card spot in the Conference, held by the Minnesota Wild. Puck drop on Friday night is set for 6:30pm CT at the United Center.
For the Rockford IceHogs, they return to action on Saturday night as they travel to take on the Hershey Bears. Puck drop on Saturday is set for 6pm CT in Hershey. Rockford beat Hershey earlier this season in their only other meeting this season.