Where Blackhawks Prospects Play: Rockford and Indy

The Chicago Blackhawks have two professional affiliates below the NHL: the AHL's Rockford IceHogs and the ECHL's Indy Fuel.

Rockford is Chicago's primary developmental affiliate. The IceHogs play in the AHL's Central Division, in the Western Conference, and host games at BMO Center in Rockford, Illinois. The American Hockey League lists Rockford among its Central Division teams, and the IceHogs identify themselves as the Blackhawks' primary developmental affiliate.

Indy is Chicago's ECHL affiliate. The Blackhawks and IceHogs announced a three-year affiliation extension with the Fuel in May 2024, with an option for two additional years; Indy had been affiliated with Chicago since 2014. The Fuel moved their home games to Fishers Event Center in Fishers, Indiana, in late 2024. The ECHL's 2026-27 alignment places Indy in its Central Division within the Western Conference.

The two affiliates offer Blackhawks prospects routes through different levels of professional hockey, but there is no set progression for every player. In 2023-24, nine players appeared for both Indy and Rockford, according to the affiliation announcement. Following both rosters gives fans a broader view of the organization's developing players.