Collin Delia is heading back to the AHL after being called up on an emergency basis for the Chicago Blackhawks’ season opener Thursday, the team announced Friday afternoon.
Delia was recalled from the IceHogs after backup goaltender Anton Forsberg was hit by a puck in Thursday’s morning skate. Forsberg is likely to start Chicago’s home opener Sunday against the Maple Leafs on the second half of a back-to-back. Cam Ward will start Saturday in St. Louis.
The IceHogs play their season opener Friday against the Monsters in Cleveland. Kevin Lankinen will start in net for Rockford, while Delia is likely to get the nod Saturday against the Monsters.
Delia went 17-7-2 with a .900 save percentage and a 2.72 goals-against average in the regular season for the IceHogs. His play continued as he was the backstop for the IceHogs as they won seven consecutive Calder Cup playoff games on their way to the Western Conference Final. He finished the playoffs with a 7-3 record with a 2.34 GAA and .924 save percentage.
The 24-year-old Delia was 1-1 with the Hawks last season, earning a win with a 27-save performance against the Jets in March.