Blackhawks sign Whalers forward Ryan Hartman

November 18, 2013January 16, 2014 MiHockey Staff

Hartman draft sized — Ryan Hartman talks to the media after being drafted by his hometown Chicago Blackhawks. (Photo courtesy of Aaron Bell/CHL Images)

By Michael Caples –

The Chicago Blackhawks officially inked one of their home-grown products today.

Plymouth Whalers forward Ryan Hartman, a West Dundee, Ill. native, signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Original Six club.

Hartman, also an NTDP alum, currently leads the Whalers in points, with 21 in 20 games. In 76 career OHL games, the 19-year-old forward has recorded 33 goals and 48 assists for81 points.

In his two years with the NTDP in Ann Arbor (2010-12), Hartman recorded 76 points in 115 games.

Hartman helped Team USA capture gold at the 2013 World Junior Championship, recording three points in seven games. He also won gold with Team USA at the 2012 Under-18 World Championship, recording six points in six games.

Check out MiHockeyNow.com’s article about Hartman being drafted by his hometown team right here. Below is one of his quotes from the big day.

“My palms were sweating a little bit and my mom was a little anxious to hear my name called, but I think it worked out good for me,” said Hartman to a throng of media at the draft. “I saw (Chicago’s) name on the lower end of the (draft) board and I kind of pictured my name being there and was kind of hoping they’d pick me.”