FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Chicago, June 11th 2005
Center Mark Bell signed on the dotted line today, extending his stay in Chicago for 3 more years. Mark Bell touted as a future captain for the Blackhawks, finished third in the teams scoring race last season with 26 goals and 26 assists for 52 points. Bell also had 129 penalty minutes and 157 hits in the 82 games he played. Along with fellow center Scott Nichol, Bell was the only player to play all 82 games for Chicago last season.
"Mark Bell is a old time hockey player, he likes to bang and create chaos infront of the goaltender. He is also willing to defend his teammates by dropping his gloves. You could say that Mark Bell is the prototype for a 'Blackhawk player'. And of course we are deligted to have him signed for 3 more years. If it was just up to me, then Mark Bell would play his entire career here in Chicago." - GM Mathias Vaigur.