ROCKFORD, Ill. – After many weeks of rumors and rumblings, the Chicago Blackhawks have finally purchased their long-time AHL affiliate, the Rockford IceHogs.
The Blackhawks have officially purchased the Rockford IceHogs. The agreement keeps the IceHogs in Rockford until at least 2036.
— Scott Powers (@ByScottPowers) April 7, 2021
The IceHogs were the only AHL team owned by a local municipality before news broke on Wednesday morning of the purchase. The City of Rockford, guided by Rockford Area Venue and Entertainment (RAVE), unanimously approved the sale to the Blackhawks.
With the Chicago Blackhawks' purchase of the Rockford IceHogs, 21 of the 32 NHL teams (Seattle included) now own their AHL affiliate.
— Sean Shapiro (@seanshapiro) April 7, 2021
The final cost for buying the team ran at $11.8 million. This includes a new 15-year lease at the BMO Harris Bank Center.
