Chicago Blackhawks Prospect: Charged In Revenge Porn Case

A hockey player drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks is being prosecuted over revenge porn -- after officials say he shared a sex photo of a woman he should have known was not meant for other eyes.

The man at the center of the case is 23-year-old Garret Ross -- who was drafted by the Hawks in 2012 and currently plays for their minor league affiliate, the Rockford IceHogs.

According to official records obtained by TMZ Sports, Ross has been charged with one felony count of "non-consensual dissemination of private sexual images" ... more commonly known as revenge porn.

Officials say back in August, the player shared a photo of a woman "engaged in a sexual act, which was obtained under circumstances which Ross should have known the image was to remain private."

Officials say Ross also should have known the woman "had not consented to the dissemination."

It's a big deal, especially in Illinois ... one of 28 states with harsh anti-revenge porn laws. If convicted, he faces up to 3 years in prison.

Meantime, the judge in the case agreed to modify his bond -- allowing him to travel out of the state for work ... a must for a pro athlete.