Rockford IceHogs Sign Forward Chase Dafoe to Two-Year AHL Deal

The Rockford IceHogs added depth to their forward group with the signing of Chase Dafoe to a two-year AHL contract running through the 2026-27 season, with the club describing the deal as one that "adds size and skill to Rockford's forward corps."

The 24-year-old left-shot forward comes directly from the University of Alaska-Fairbanks, where he wrapped up his collegiate career as team captain. Over 96 games with the Nanooks, Dafoe recorded 31 goals and 52 points, according to Blackhawkup. In his most recent 33 collegiate games, he tallied 13 goals and eight assists.

General manager Mark Bernard announced the signing, which came on a particularly active Friday morning for the Chicago Blackhawks' AHL affiliate. The Dafoe deal arrived the same day Rockford also acquired forward Ryland Mosley from the Cleveland Monsters for future considerations. Mosley has one goal in eight AHL games this season.

The timing reflects Rockford's urgency as the playoff push intensifies. With forwards such as Nick Lardis having been called up for the Blackhawks' stretch run, roster spots have opened at the AHL level and Dafoe steps into an environment where playing time figures to be available.

The IceHogs announced the signing across their official social channels, welcoming Dafoe to Rockford and confirming the two-year commitment. For a player coming straight off a college captaincy in Fairbanks, the transition to professional hockey in Rockford represents an immediate test of whether his production at UAF translates to the AHL game.