IceHogs sign blueliner Boyle for upcoming campaign

Chicago Blackhawks General Manager of Minor League Affiliations Mark Bernard announced Thursday that the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League have signed defenseman Daryl Boyle to a one-year AHL contract.

The Sparwood, British Columbia native played the entire 2008-09 season with the Norfolk Admirals, posting 15 points (2g-13a) in 70 games and leading all Admirals rookies in scoring.

Boyle scored his first professional goal against the IceHogs on November 7, 2008 in Norfolk. He made his professional debut with the Admirals on April 4, 2008 at Philadelphia, appearing in six games during the 2007-08 season.

Daryl Boyle is a big, strong and mobile defenseman that skates very well,” said Bernard. “In juniors he displayed a lot of offensive capabilities. Bill Peters and myself were impressed with what we saw during his first-year pro at Norfolk and we feel that he will be a great addition to our back end.”

Before turning pro, Boyle played four seasons in the Western Hockey League for the Brandon Wheat Kings. He ranked in the top 20 in scoring with 49 points (11g-38a) in 2006-07 and 41 points (10g-31a) in 2007-08.