Hillman re-signs with Walleye

Toledo, Ohio – Defenseman Blake Hillman has agreed to terms with the Toledo Walleye for the 2020-21 season.Hillman returns to the Walleye after splitting his time between Toledo and the American Hockey League's Grand Rapids Griffins and Stockton Heat during the 2019-20 season.  He played 35 games for Toledo where he racked up 13 points (1g-12a) and eight penalty minutes. The 24-year-old was selected by the Chicago Blackhawks in the sixth round (173rd overall) of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft (#173 overall) out of the University of Denver. The Elk River, Minnesota native made his professional debut by skating in four games for the Blackhawks at the end of the 2017-18 season that saw him collect his first pro goal on April 4, 2018 at St. Louis. Hillman spent the 2018-19 with Rockford in the AHL appearing in 54 games with four points (1g-3a) and 20 penalty minutes for the IceHogs.In his three years at the University of Denver, he skated in 123 games with 31 points (7g-24a) and 84 penalty minutes. Hillman’s best college year came in the 2017-18 season when in 41 games he posted 12 points (3g-9a) with 52 penalty minutes. He helped lead the Pioneers to the 2017 National Championship as a sophomore when Denver defeated Minnesota-Duluth 3-2 in the championship contest. Hillman collected the Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA West Regional in 2016 when he picked up four points (2g-2a) in two games that included a game-winning goal over Ferris State.