Men's Ice Hockey | March 28, 2017

CHICAGO – After a career-best season, the Chicago Blackhawks have signed Western Michigan forward Matheson Iacopelli to a two-year deal on Tuesday.

Iacopelli was drafted 83rd overall in the third round of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft by the Blackhawks. The Brownstown, Mich., native is coming off a season in which he led the Broncos in scoring with 36 points on 20 goals and 16 assists, all career highs.

"I'd like to thank the coaching staff and my teammates at Western Michigan," said Iacopelli. "In particular, Todd Krygier. He has helped guide me through juniors and now in college. Without my teammates I wouldn't be where I am today. I'd also like to thank the Chicago Blackhawks organization and finally my family. To my mom, sister and brother for all their support, coming to my games and keeping me on the right path. This is only a part of my dream and I know there is a lot of hard work ahead of me."

Iacopelli's success helped Western Michigan orchestrate the biggest turnaround in the NCAA this season, going from eight wins in 2015-16 to 22 in 2016-17. WMU finished in third place in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference and earned home ice for the first time in program history. Iacopelli's was the Broncos' top scorer in conference play, with 13 goals and 11 assists coming against the NCHC.

He becomes the seventh Western Michigan player to sign with a NHL franchise under Murray.