In a surprise move, the Blackhawks have brought up right wing Dean McAmmond, one of their top-rated prospects from junior hockey, and will play him Thursday at the Stadium against New Jersey.
Coach and General Manager Mike Keenan announced the decision late Wednesday night. McAmmond, the team`s No. 1 draft choice last June, has been playing with the Prince Albert Raiders in the Western Hockey League, and NHL clubs can`t easily have access to these junior players.
”He is here on a five-game tryout basis,” Keenan said of the 18-year-old, who hasn`t even signed a contract with the Hawks. ”After that, he has to return to Prince Albert. Maybe.”
Keenan is one injury away from an emergency recall situation that could keep McAmmond with the Hawks longer than five games.
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Current injuries to Hawk wingers Brian Noonan, Stephane Matteau, Greg Gilbert and Dan Vincelette have led Keenan to go to McAmmond.