The Chicago Blackhawks and their wholly owned AHL farm team, the Rockford IceHogs, have agreed on a three-year affiliate extension with the ECHL Indy Fuel. The deal includes an option for two additional years with the second-tier developmental league team.

“We are thrilled to renew our affiliation once again with the Indy Fuel," said Mark Bernard, the IceHogs president and general manager of hockey operations in a news release. "For the past 10 seasons the relationship between organizations has been productive and impactful."

The Fuel have been the Blackhawks ECHL affiliate since April 1, 2014 when they began as the league’s 23rd franchise. They play in Indianapolis at Indiana Farmers Coliseum on the Indiana State Fairgrounds. In late 2024, the Fuel will move to Fishers, Indiana and the new Fishers Event Center.

2014 marked the return of professional hockey to Indianapolis following the 16-year run of the Indianapolis Ice, which operated from 1988-99 in the International Hockey League and 1999-2004 as a member of the Central Hockey League. The Ice served as the primary affiliate for the Blackhawks from 1989-1998.

In 2023-24, nine players saw action in both Indy and Rockford. The Fuel have reached the ECHL's Kelly Cup Playoffs in three of the last four seasons. 

Hockey-wise, Indianapolis may be best known as the home of the WHA Indianapolis Racers, who played at the Market Square Arena from 1974- to 1978. Wayne Gretzky made his pro debut with the team in October 1978 at age 17, but played only eight games with the Racers.

Team owner Nelson Skalbania, who was in financial trouble, sent Gretzky, goalie Ed Mio and winger Peter Driscoll to the Edmonton Oilers for a reported $850,000.