The rookie squad faced off against the St Louis Blues rookie camp roster to open the Kurvers Showcase
By Anthony Pellegrino @apelle50 IceInsider.com Founder/Owner
BOSTON--The anthem was on, rookies lined up at their respective blue lines, which only meant one thing for Chicago Blackhawks fans. Hockey is unofficially, back. The 2024 Tom Kurvers Showcase opened last night in the first two rookie scrimmage affairs for Chicago, in St Louis. The rookie squad, led by IceHogs Head Coach Anders Sorensen, and Captain Nolan Allan, alternates in Landon Slaggert and Ethan Del Mastro, showed grit, talent, and speed from the beginning of puck drop.
IceHogs Head Coach Anders Sorensen wasn't the only IceHogs face seen at the showcase, as Rockford's own Mike Folta was behind the mic for the evening's broadcast. Anticipation was high amongst the rookies sporting the iconic original-six, Indian head logo.
Chicago's top line consisting of Landon Slaggert-Frank Nazar-Colton Dach came out with an urgency to make the final roster as just 70 seconds into the game on the power-play chemistry sparked between Nick Lardis and Frank Nazar.
Keys from Last Night:
If Frank Nazar can spend time developing chemistry with Nick Lardis, the duo could work out nicely on a future Hawks long-term line. Nazar's speed couldn't be missed by fans throughout the game as his hockey sense combined with the speed made him so successful as a feeder to Lardis.
AJ Spellacy was drafted in the third round, 72nd overall by the Blackhawks in the 2024 NHL Entry Level Draft. It became more and more evident as the night went on what his potential and clear ceiling could be. He can drive through the net with speed and nifty edgework, while not showing concerns of immobility standing at 6'3.
"Obviously, my first game. Felt pretty good, the practices prepared me. Lardis and Misiak on my line definitely helped me, and I felt pretty good." (Did you feel ready from the start) "Yeah I think it starts with my preparation; before the game, I felt pretty locked in. On the ice just trying to use my speed, and be physical. That's my game, sometimes it goes that way."(physicality at the end.)
Colton Dach has made it evident he wants to be on the starting Chicago lineup at the beginning of the season. While it's not impossible, Dach knows he will have to fight for a spot; literally. The forward out of Fort Saskatchewan, AB, found his identity quickly in the game as his physicality was displayed throughout the outing. If Dach can find his identity and role deeper in either Rockford or Chicago next season whilst staying healthy, he'll develop into a future mutt, like Andrew Shaw.
Drew Commesso made 31 saves throughout the night. He is slated to spend this season with Rockford in a starting role with the team. He looked sluggish, last night. Perceived as though he was struggling to see through screens, how three out of the four goals went by the goaltender.
Ice buildup was an issue, as players missed chances on equal sides of the centerline, due to there being no ice crew present, besides Zamboni cuts at the end of periods.
The Blackhawks face off against Minnesota Tonight at 7 PM CDT. For more Blackhawks news, visit IceInsider.com today
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