The Chicago Blackhawks have announced the recall of defenseman Ethan Del Mastro from the Rockford IceHogs, their affiliate in the American Hockey League. In a corresponding move, forward Craig Smith has been placed on injured reserve due to a back injury, effective retroactively from January 8.
Del Mastro, aged 22, has contributed eight assists over 38 games with the IceHogs this season. His performance places him third among team defensemen in both assists and points. He made his NHL debut last season with the Blackhawks on April 12 against Nashville.
The Blackhawks are scheduled to face the Tampa Bay Lightning at the United Center tomorrow at 7:00 p.m. CT. The game will be broadcast on CHSN and available on WGN Radio, with Spanish commentary provided by Latino Media Network radio on 1200 WRTO-AM.