Gustafsson, Sikura Inked to Deals
March 6, 2018 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Rockford IceHogs News Release
ROCKFORD, Ill. - The Chicago Blackhawks today announced that they have agreed to terms on a two-year contract extension with defenseman Erik Gustafsson that runs through the 2019-20 season. In addition, the Blackhawks have agreed to terms on a one-year contract with forward Tyler Sikura for the 2018-19 season.
Gustafsson, 25, began the season with the IceHogs and registered 17 points (3g, 14a) in 25 games with the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League and was selected to the 2018 AHL All-Star Classic. He was recalled by Chicago on Jan. 9 and has recorded five points (1g, 4a) in 19 games with the Blackhawks this year, including tallying his first career National Hockey League goal in his season debut on Jan. 20 against the New York Islanders.
A native of Nynashamn, Sweden, Gustafsson was originally signed by Chicago on April 30, 2015. He was named Rockford's Defenseman of the Year after the 2016-17 season, tallying 30 points and pacing the club in assists (25). He then made his NHL debut during the 2015-16 season and picked up 14 helpers in 41 regular-season games with the Blackhawks. He also notched an assist in five playoff contests.
Overall, Gustafsson has combined for 19 points (1g, 18a) in 60 NHL games with the Blackhawks from 2015-16 and 2017-18, and 58 points (11g, 47a) in 120 career AHL games with the IceHogs over the last three seasons.
Prior to coming to North America, he had 56 points (9g, 47a) in 146 career regular-season games in the Swedish Hockey League, spanning three seasons with Frolunda (2013-15) and Djurgarden (2011-12). The 25-year-old was originally drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in the fourth round (93rd overall) of the 2012 NHL Draft.
Sikura, 25, currently leads the IceHogs with 16 goals and ranks second on the team with 25 total points in 57 contests. The forward tied the IceHogs all-time goal streak with markers in a career-high five straight games from Jan. 6-13, and dating to Dec. 28, is currently tied for third in the league with 13 goals over his last 29 games.
The native of Ontario, Canada made his AHL debut with the Springfield Falcons during the 2014-15 season and has since combined for 25 points (16g, 9a) in 79 career AHL games with the Falcons (2014-15), Portland Pirates (2015-16), Iowa Wild (2016-17) and IceHogs (2017-18). In addition, Sikura has skated in 115 ECHL games with the Toledo Walleye (2015-17) and Manchester Monarchs (2017), finishing second on the Walleye with 48 points (16g, 32a) during the 2015-16 regular season.
Prior to making his pro debut, Sikura attended Dartmouth College (NCAA) from 2011-15, serving as the team captain in each of his final two seasons. He was selected to the All-Ivy League First Team in 2012-13 after leading the club in goals (12), assists (20) and points (32).
Next Home Game: Tuesday, March 13 | Rockford vs. Iowa (7 p.m.)
The IceHogs host the Iowa Wild at 7 p.m. at the BMO Harris Bank Center. Fans who attended Rockford's victory against the Texas Stars on Feb. 28 can redeem their ticket stub from that game for a free ticket of equal or lesser value to the game against the Wild on March 13. Fans can also enjoy $2 tacos, select beer, and companion tickets as part of Taco Tuesday. Tickets can be purchased at IceHogs.com, by calling (815) 968-5222 or in-person at the BMO Harris Bank Center Box Office.
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