A.J. Spellacy Q&A: Development Camp Edition

A.J. Spellacy continues to be a prospect to watch for the Chicago Blackhawks. Considering he was the talk of the town during training camp in 2024 and getting his entry-level deal a couple of months after, he is someone looking to make noise.

The 20 year old had a good season with the Windsor Spitfires (OHL) last season, with 32 points in 51 games. He also played for Team USA at the World Juniors. He is projected to be with the Rockford IceHogs next season, but if anyone can make the Blackhawks take a longer look at training camp, it's him.

Furthermore, during the development camp in July, he mentioned the area of his game he can emphasize to help push for a spot, "I think just that power forward-type. I think really using my speed, being physical, throwing the body around out there, and obviously, be a good PK (penalty kill). I think that's what every team needs, and I think that's somewhere where I could help."

During that same development camp, I got to do a quick Q&A with Spellacy on July 2.

What Has Been Your Favorite Part of the Week?

Spellacy: "Probably just getting back on the ice here and seeing all the guys. I know it's been a while since I've seen a lot of them. So yeah, it's always good to get back in the facility, get on the ice, and just hang out with some of the guys."

Was There a Favorite Activity That You Guys Did?

Spellacy: "Yesterday was pretty fun. We went to the driving range. I know a lot of the guys love golf, so that was fun, and we played some mini putt after."

[Author's Note: He loves golf and mentioned his handicap is at a 6]

I Know You Did A lot of On-Ice Stuff This Week. What's The Biggest Thing You Learned or Took Away From It?

Spellacy: "I think a lot of just like slowing the game down, like going in the corners, really using your body to puck protect, and having good posture. Getting your head up to make plays from loose pucks, and we worked a lot on that. And then just getting the pucks in good areas to be able to make a play."

When You're Thinking Futuristically, What Excites You The Most About Your Blackhawks Future?

Spellacy: "I'd say... I put in the work every day just to one day wear the jersey and represent this organization, and do whatever I can to help the team. I think that's like a dream of mine to play a long time for this organization and help the team a lot."

Last question- Is There Anything Hawks Fans Should Know About You? Whether It's a Fun Fact or Just In General?

Spellacy: "One fun fact is I played football, but I think everyone pretty much knows that." [chuckles]

[Author's Note: Favorite team is the Cleveland Browns, and favorite NFL player is Nick Chubb]

Scott Wheeler of The Athletic did a story on Spellacy back in 2024 that touched on him being "A three-star free safety and wide receiver recruit." But he ultimately chose to go the hockey route.

He would be fighting for a Blackhawks' bottom-six spot out of camp, but even in the case he started the season with Rockford, he would bring the same attributes that have the Blackhawks are high on. Being a feisty, 6'3"; 204-pound forward, that, as Spellacy himself noted, can penalty kill and bring physicality.

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What Has Been Your Favorite Part of the Week?

Was There a Favorite Activity That You Guys Did?

I Know You Did A lot of On-Ice Stuff This Week. What's The Biggest Thing You Learned or Took Away From It?

When You're Thinking Futuristically, What Excites You The Most About Your Blackhawks Future?

Last question- Is There Anything Hawks Fans Should Know About You? Whether It's a Fun Fact or Just In General?

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