Dent Promoted to Bench Boss in Rockford

ROCKFORD, Ill. – The Rockford IceHogs, in conjunction with the Chicago Blackhawks, announced Wednesday that former St. Lawrence standout Ted Dent has been named the ninth head coach in team history and third under the Blackhawks affiliation.

The Toronto, Ontario native moves to the head coach position after serving as an assistant coach for the Blackhawks AHL affiliate for the last five seasons, including four in Rockford. Dent replaces Bill Peters who was named an assistant coach with the Detroit Red Wings earlier this month.

“I am very honored and fortunate for the opportunity to coach the Rockford IceHogs,” said Dent. “I would like to thank Mr. John McDonough, Mr. Stan Bowman and the rest of the Chicago Blackhawks management team for believing in me. I am excited to continue the development and growth of the young prospects we have in Rockford and at the same time create a positive winning environment.”

In his five seasons in the AHL as an assistant, Dent’s teams had a regular season record of 216-145-17-22 and qualified for the Calder Cup playoffs in four of five seasons. Dent has been instrumental in the development of 31 players that have been promoted to the Blackhawks from Rockford over the last four years.

"We are proud to promote Ted to the head coaching position in Rockford, an extremely important role in our hockey operations department," Blackhawks Vice President/General Manager Stan Bowman said. "During his time with our organization, Ted has proven himself as a great leader and has developed a solid track record in helping players rise to the National Hockey League level. Our hockey operations department is full of talented individuals and we take pride when we are able to promote someone from within, like Ted."

Before joining the Blackhawks organization, Dent served as head coach for the Columbia Inferno in the ECHL for the 2005-06 season. The 41 year-old also helped guide the Trenton Titans (ECHL) to a Kelly Cup Championship as an assistant coach in 2004-05.

Following a collegiate career at St. Lawrence (NY), Dent played parts of four seasons professionally in the CHL and ECHL with the Wichita Thunder (1992-93), Johnstown Chiefs (1993-95), Charlotte Checkers (1994-95) and Toledo Storm (1996-97). The centerman compiled 198 points (69g-129a) in 194 career games.