BLOG: IceHogs GM Bernard Named a 2023 ECHL Hall of Fame Inductee

The ECHL announced on Thursday that longtime Blackhawks executive Mark Bernard will be inducted into the league's Hall of Fame. The current President and General Manager for the Rockford IceHogs will receive the honor as part of the ECHL's 15th anniversary class that includes Scott Bertoli, Victor Gervais, and Dana Heinze.

Bernard had a storied career as a netminder in the ECHL, where he ranks 15th amongst all ECHL goaltenders in appearances (239) and 23rd in wins (112). He led the Hampton Roads Admirals to back-to-back Riley Cup championships in 1991 and 1992, receiving Playoff MVP honors in that 1992 campaign off a 12-3 record and 2.62 GAA.

After retiring and spending two seasons as an assistant coach, Bernard began his executive career wih the Norfolk Admirals in the ECHL when they appointed him as their assistant general manager in 2006. The Chicago Blackhawks then hired Bernard in 2008 as the general manager for the Rockford IceHogs, where he contributed to Chicago's Stanley Cup teams in 2010, 2013, and 2015.
Located in Shrewsbury, NJ, the ECHL Hall of Fame honors the figures who have played pivotal roles in shaping the development of the league. The ECHL along with the AHL are the only minor leagues recognized by the NHL and NHLPA. Over 720+ former ECHL players have gone on to play in the NHL. The most recent ECHL alum to debut is netminder Dylan Wells, who made his debut for the Blackhawks in last week's game against the Winnipeg Jets.
The 2023 ECHL Hall of Fame ceremony will take place on January 16 in Norfolk, Virginia as part of the Warrior/ECHL All-Star Classic.