CHICAGO, IL - Chicago Blackhawks General Manager
Dale Tallon announced today that the Blackhawks have signed former Alaska Nanooks defenseman
Jordan Hendry, a three-time letterwinner with the Nanooks (2002-2006), to a two-year two-way contract.
"The biggest thing about Chicago was the way they bring their players up through the minors," said Henry's agent
Jeff Helperl. "They will give him a chance to move up in their system."
"From what they tell me he's around third or fourth amongst their AHL (American Hockey League) defenseman. Last year their top three guys all got pulled up so he could get his opportunity to play in the NHL this season."
Hendry departed Fairbanks on the fourth of July to fly south to Chicago, where he participated in the organizations prospects camp (July 5-11).
He had a stong showing, playing in all five games and registering one goal.
Stan Bowman, Blackhawks Director of Hockey Operations, said he thought Hendry played well in a release about the prospects camp that was posted on the franchise's website (chicagoblackhawks.com) on July 13.
The 22-year-old signed an amateur tryout (ATO) on March 18, 2006 with the Norfolk Admirals of the American Hockey League (AHL), Chicago's top farm team, after enjoying a successful four-year career with the Nanooks.
Prior to joining the Admirals at the end of the season, Hendry appeared in 112 games during his career at Alaska, scoring 36 points on 11 goals and 25 assists.
"Chicago worked out the best for what I was looking for to continue my pro career," said Hendry. "Playing in Norfolk, I already had a chance to play in their system and get to know some of the players."
"There's a lot of history with Chicago's program; I'm excited to play for one of the original six teams in the NHL."
Hendry, a 6'0", 205-pound native of Nokomis, Saskatchewan appeared in 13 games with the Admirals, scoring five points (1G, 4A).
He relinquished his senior season with the Nanooks to tryout and play in Norfolk, but returned to the University of Alaska Fairbanks after his stint with the Admirals and completed his bachelor's degree in Business Administration in May.
"He has worked hard for everything he has gotten up until this point," said head coach
Tavis MacMillan, "and he has a bright professional career ahead of him."
Since the prospects camp, Hendry has returned to Fairbanks to continue his off season training regime. He will go back to Chicago at the end of August for the Blackhawks' preseason camp.
"When I came to Fairbanks, I knew it was going to be a stepping stone," said Hendry. "The best of the best play in the NHL. I have to go in and prove I can play at that level and earn a spot in the lineup."
Hendry rejoined to the Nanooks lineup last fall after sitting out what would have been his junior season (2004-05), when he was sidelined with a knee injury he sustained during the third game of the year.
After undergoing reconstructive surgery on his anterior cruciate ligament just weeks after sustaining the injury, he spent the remainder of the season working with the Nanooks athletic training staff and its head trainer,
Mike Curtin, to rehabilitate his knee.
"His drive and dedication throughout the process made it by far the easiest rehab I've ever been a part of," said Curtin.
Hendry cast all doubts aside as he made his return to the ice for the 2005-06 campaign by coming back just as strong and fast as he had been prior to the injury. He defended his fastest skater title for the third consecutive year.
"To see him come back and regain his title as the fastest skater at the beginning of the season affirms his work ethic," added Curtin.
Hendry quickly emerged as a versatile weapon for the Nanooks offensively and defensively, regaining and flourishing in the role he had been developing prior to his injury as well as adapting to a new role with greater expectations and responsibility.
"His strength as a player for us this year was his ability to play a lot of different roles," said assistant coach
Dallas Ferguson, who worked with the Nanooks defensive core this season. "When he got to the AHL, his role was simplified and that made for an easy transition to the pro game."
"His greatest asset is his mental toughness. He fought through adversity and returned from a difficult injury to continue to pursue his goal of playing in the NHL."
Hendry accredited Ferguson with helping him develop defensively in the one season they spent together as player and coach.
"He's the best defense coach I've ever had and he really helped me develop as a complete defensive player this season."
Ferguson gave strong praises to Hendry and wasn't surprised at him signing with an NHL team.
"He is a focused and goal-oriented young man, who recognized what it took to attain his ultimate goal and had the dedication and follow-through to take the appropriate action to realize it."
- ALASKA HOCKEY -
