Blackhawks' Nazar and Vlasic earn invites to US Olympic Orientation Camp

Young Blackhawks Frank Nazar and Alex Vlasic have parlayed strong IIHF World Championship performances into invites to the US Men’s Olympic Orientation Camp. 

Blackhawks young stars Frank Nazar and Alex Vlasic are both heading to USA's Olympic Orientation Camp.

Nazar, 21, and Vlasic, 24, were among the 44 players selected to participate in the two-day “team-building event” in Plymouth, Michigan, later this month. Though there will be no on-ice practices, the invite is encouraging for the emerging stars’ prospects of making the US roster for the Olympic Games in February. 

While both players are no strangers to USA Hockey – Nazar played for the National Team Development Program from 2020 to 2022 and Vlasic from 2017 to 2019 – neither was a lock to be considered for the Olympic squad going into last season, and neither made the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off roster. It is hard to imagine that their impressive showings at the World Championship this spring didn’t bolster their respective cases.

Vlasic played a shut-down role for the gold medal-winning US, notching two assists in 10 contests. Meanwhile, Nazar burst onto the senior international scene, leading the team in goals and tying for the team scoring lead with 12 points during the tournament. 

Even though Nazar and Vlasic will be playing for a Hawks squad that will likely struggle, this invite will provide them with some added motivation to start the season strong. With the face of the franchise, Connor Bedard, slated to attend Canada’s Orientation Camp, Hawks fans should be excited to watch their Olympic hopefuls this season.

Former Blackhawks star Patrick Kane was also invited to the camp. The roster includes all 23 players who were part of the 4 Nations Face-Off this past February outside of Matthew Tkachuk who is out with an injury.

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