Jun 28, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Marek Vanacker is selected by the Chicago Blackhawks with the 27th overall pick in the first round of the 2024 NHL Draft at The Sphere. Photo: Stephen R. Sylvanie/USA TODAY Sports

Blackhawks Prospect Marek Vanacker Assigned to Rockford IceHogs

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net
By Steve Kwiatkowski | Last updated Apr 21, 2025 4:04 PM ET

Marek Vanacker was assigned to the Rockford IceHogs on April 21, as announced by the team. He was selected 27th overall in the 2024 NHL Draft, making him the third of three first-round picks for the Blackhawks that year. Vanacker signed his entry-level contract in 2024, which runs through 2027.

NEWS : Marek Vanacker Assigned to IceHogs https://t.co/5vJ1B5zTYT
— x - Rockford IceHogs (@goicehogs) April 21, 2025

Vanacker played three seasons in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and had an impressive 82-point season in 68 games leading up to his draft. This past season, he only played in 45 games due to an injury but still managed to score 42 points for the Brantford Bulldogs. In the Bulldogs' postseason, Vanacker recorded 11 points in 11 playoff games. Teammate Nick Lardis contributed 15 points in seven playoff games before suffering an injury. The Bulldogs were eliminated in the sixth round of the OHL playoffs against the Oshawa Generals on April 20.

Vanacker joins the Rockford IceHogs as they kick off their postseason. Rockford faces the Chicago Wolves on Wednesday, April 23, at 7 pm CT. The Wolves defeated the IceHogs 5-0 in Rockford's final regular season game on April 19.

Merek Vanacker is eligible for the AHL playoffs.

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.

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