Blackhawks recall G Raanta

The Sports Xchange

The Chicago Blackhawks announced Saturday that they recalled goaltender Antti Raanta from the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League.

Raanta, 24, played one preseason game with the Blackhawks, getting a 5-4 shootout win over the Washington Capitals on Sept. 20. He made 26 saves and stopped all three shootout attempts in the victory.

The Rauma, Finland, native went 21-10-11 with five shutouts, a 1.85 goals-against average and a .943 save percentage in 45 games last season with Assat Pori of SM-liiga (Finland). Raanta led the league in goals-against average and save percentage, and ranked fifth in shutouts, while leading his team to the 2013 SM-liiga championship. He was named to the league's All-Star team, and was honored as the best goaltender and Most Valuable Player of the regular season and playoffs.

Raanta was 4-3 with a 2.09 goals-against average and a .928 save percentage for his native Finland in the 2013 IIHF World Championship. He was named as one of the country's top three players by the tournament coaches.

Raanta went 48-27-16 over five seasons with Lukko Rauma and Assat Pori of SM-liiga from 2007-12.