Chicago Blackhawks: Notes From Day Three of Prospect Camp

Day three of prospect camp continued to display talent from underdogs but this time from a different cast of characters

Prospect camp today was noticeably more populated in the bleachers upstairs and it will continue to be that way until Friday when Johnny’s Ice House will be packed for scrimmages.  Today had similar drills as Tuesday’s, but players looked much more comfortable communicating with each other.  Passes were crisp, breakouts were smooth, and guys really began to start finishing plays.

Before I go on to player notes, I’d like to clarify a few things.  I’m a hockey fan that loves the Blackhawks, so much that I flew in from Denver on my time off to help cover prospect camp.  I’m not an expert on the game, I’m no scout, and I sure as heck am not making assumptions on players  because it’s not my place.  To be clear, my colleagues and I do this for fun and share our thoughts with you because we enjoy doing it.

That being said, here are some notes I had on day three.

Collin Delia

Before camp started, I spoke to Gatekeeper from @PuckinHostile about Collin Delia, the former goalie from Merrimack College.  He really liked Delia’s poise, his ability to move from side to side in the crease, and his overall athleticism.  It was clear to us he had the most experience on the ice out of all the other goalies.  At the end of group B’s session, we saw Delia speaking with Stan Bowman hopefully about his status as a free agent.  It would be nice to add him to the system that right now lacks a lot of depth.

Chad Krys

The Boston University defenseman may have been the best player on the ice today.  I was unaware that Krys had so much offensive ability but he really showed it today.  During 3on3 rushes, he was making nice drop passes to his teammates and finding open guys for the easy goal.  He also had his own five-hole goal.  I’m very curious to see him in scrimmages Friday to see how he plays under pressure.  Regardless, his skating ability and hockey IQ were on fully display today.

Dylan Sikura

Sikura may be one of the best all around players in camp so I wouldn’t actually call him an underdog.  On day two I really didn’t see it, but today I took a closer look.  Sikura does something that is probably blaring to the Blackhawks staff–he makes the smart play.  Sikura isn’t overly flashy, he hits teammates with passes in stride, and boy can he finish.  Whether he makes a great pass or buries a goal, he is always producing.  At 160lbs, I’m not sure he’s ready on paper but this kid will push for a roster spot in training camp.  He plans to return to Northeastern University for his senior year, but hopefully we’ll see him in March to get a look similar to what John Hayden did last year.

Anthony Louis

I will admit I had preconceived notions on Louis going into camp.  I knew he was yet another small guy so I refused to give him a chance.  Today I had to eat my words.  Louis looked experienced, comfortable, and was making plays.  What I noticed most about him was his ability to find others in the right spot and his saucer passing.  Louis thrived in the 3on3 drill because of his shiftiness and puck possession skills.  I have a feeling he will do well in Rockford, especially on the powerplay.

Next: Blackhawks Mid-Season State of the Union Address

Other Notes

• • Alex DeBrincat struggled in 1v1 puck battles today against Luc Snuggerud
  • Beau Starrett showed a lot of patience today making great passes and finishing nicely
  • Randovan Bondra back-checked on a breakaway and broke it up with great hustle
  • Matt Highmore scored multiple times and was very noticeable working in the corners
  • Mathias From continues to make really nice plays.  He’s a definite dark horse
  • The Rockford Ice Hogs twitter person is hilarious

  Next to tee off, Rafferty, Daniel, and Gilmore...Happy? pic.twitter.com/TEJZLHhAMl

  — Rockford IceHogs (@goicehogs) July 19, 2017