Blackhawks Assign Mark McNeill To Rockford

The Blackhawks have assigned forward Mark McNeill, their first selection (18th overall) in the 2011 Draft, to Rockford.

McNeill, 19, signed his three-year, entry-level contract with the Hawks on Jan. 2, 2012. In 67 games with Prince Albert in the WHL, McNeill had 17 multi-point games, including two career-high five point games. He was among the WHL leaders in short-handed goals (six, tied for third) and shootout goals (four, tied for third). His junior season ended over the weekend.