Courtesy: IceHogs Media Relations

Chicago Blackhawks General Manager of Minor League Affiliates Mark Bernard announced on Tuesday that the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League has signed forward Mike Radja and defenseman Brennan Turner to AHL contracts for the 2008-09 season. Radja and Turner become the first players to officially join the IceHogs for the 2008-09 season.

Radja, 23, enters his first full professional season in ’08-09. The Yorkville, Ill. native is coming of an All-American campaign at the University of New Hampshire were he racked up 19g-24a-43pts in 36 games with the Wildcats. Following his senior season, Radja made his professional and AHL debut with the Syracuse Crunch playing in two games and chipping in three assists. Radja was also named First Team All-Hockey East in 2007-08.

“We’re thrilled to have Mike Radja under contract for the upcoming season,” said Bernard. “We’re excited to see him in training camp this fall and we’re expecting him to make a smooth transition into the professional game after a very successful collegiate career.”

After netting a combined 16 goals between his freshman and sophomore seasons at UNH, Radja developed into an offensive force in the college ranks. Radja potted 19 goals during both his junior and senior seasons and finished his collegiate career with 117 points in 149 games.

Like Radja, Turner got a taste of the professional game last season following his college campaign. Turner skated three seasons at Yale University before turning pro last spring. The Winnipeg, Manitoba native made his professional debut with Rockford on March 22 and appeared in four total regular season games with Rockford.

We were fortunate to see Brennan at the end of last season after he concluded his collegiate career at Yale,” said Bernard. “He showcased himself very well and we’re looking forward to having him back for his first full professional season.”

The 21-year old defenseman played in 58 overall games with the Bulldogs during his three seasons out east. Turner was the Blackhawks Fifth Round selection (#134 overall) in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft.

Season Tickets Now On Sale: The Rockford IceHogs have a variety of season ticket packages available for the 2008-09 season. To find a package that works for you, call (815) 986-6465 and speak with a season ticket sales executive.