Thank you!!......... Cmon Steve, no thoughts? Lardis is a waterbug, Hayes looks the part, the Spellacy kid is a big kid, Commesso moved like a dancer/1 legged man, Dach moved free and easy, Nolan Allen?

Lemme ask a favor. Next time you see Del Mastro practice take a good look at his skating, preferably during drills. Would very much appreciate if you could. Even if it's 6 months from now.
- Mr Ricochet

I would not invest in a Hawks Del Mastro jersey just yet. He's got an upright skating style and he's not quick like the guys on the west rink. He better make himself a crushing defensive defenseman quickly or he will be passed by. With the exception of Nazar, most likely none of the group this group is going to impact the NHL roster. Korchinski, Moore, Rinzel, and Lev look like potential contributors the NHL level. With Bedard, that would be an amazing early result from KD's rebuild. All of us have followed the Hawks and the league for years and as much as we want mid and late round guys to turn into the next Marchand, those odds are similar to Powerball. This season will be another 30-32 finish and a high pick. In 3 or 4 years, the team will start competing for a playoff spot again and become a destination for free agents. Hopefully we all live long enough to see them challenge for the Cup.

Two years ago, he was in his second year playing organized hockey. I’m sure his play was VERY raw. As Elbows and I have noted in our back and forth, I wouldn’t put too much thought into these lines, as they are probably seeing who looks decent playing together and they will very likely change.
- Chunk

I have a really hard time seeing someone pan out who started seriously playing the game at a late age. In my opinion, hockey is such a cerebral game that happens at such a high speed, I think your understanding of what is happening on the ice has to be developed from a young age. You can’t excel on athleticism alone, I think this is much easier to do in a sport like football where your role can be so compartmentalized.

Does anyone know if there are any current nhl players who didn’t focus on hockey from a young age ala Spellacy? A hockey players mind for the game is essential and difficult to develop imo. It will be interesting to see how he pans out.

Again I will ask, has anyone else heard anything about Murphy being done as a hockey player??
- dahawks8819

Again, we will ask where did you hear this in the first place? Since no one else seems to have heard anything about this.

I have a really hard time seeing someone pan out who started seriously playing the game at a late age. In my opinion, hockey is such a cerebral game that happens at such a high speed, I think your understanding of what is happening on the ice has to be developed from a young age. You can’t excel on athleticism alone, I think this is much easier to do in a sport like football where your role can be so compartmentalized.

Does anyone know if there are any current nhl players who didn’t focus on hockey from a young age ala Spellacy? A hockey players mind for the game is essential and difficult to develop imo. It will be interesting to see how he pans out.
- LaheysBRandy

In the modern area, I can't think of any. I think Nick Fotiu (if you can call him a hockey player) I think started as a teenager. Joey Mullen I think started in roller hockey, then in his early teens switched to ice?

I have a really hard time seeing someone pan out who started seriously playing the game at a late age. In my opinion, hockey is such a cerebral game that happens at such a high speed, I think your understanding of what is happening on the ice has to be developed from a young age. You can’t excel on athleticism alone, I think this is much easier to do in a sport like football where your role can be so compartmentalized.

Does anyone know if there are any current nhl players who didn’t focus on hockey from a young age ala Spellacy? A hockey players mind for the game is essential and difficult to develop imo. It will be interesting to see how he pans out.
- LaheysBRandy

I really don't feel that way, you have players who've played their entire lives and don't get it. I think you do or you don't. In time we'll see.

I am hoping the tourney has Paul Ludzinski potting three goals (in the two games).
If there is any centre i would want an improvement in shooting success, it would have to be him.

They have focused on drafting forwards with great get up, and knowing they weren't giants, but smart positional kids at their positions for their ages.

I would not invest in a Hawks Del Mastro jersey just yet. He's got an upright skating style and he's not quick like the guys on the west rink. He better make himself a crushing defensive defenseman quickly or he will be passed by. With the exception of Nazar, most likely none of the group this group is going to impact the NHL roster. Korchinski, Moore, Rinzel, and Lev look like potential contributors the NHL level. With Bedard, that would be an amazing early result from KD's rebuild. All of us have followed the Hawks and the league for years and as much as we want mid and late round guys to turn into the next Marchand, those odds are similar to Powerball. This season will be another 30-32 finish and a high pick. In 3 or 4 years, the team will start competing for a playoff spot again and become a destination for free agents. Hopefully we all live long enough to see them challenge for the Cup.
- stevefrmglencoe

Well, I have to say the Brian Campbell / Kyle / Mike Doneghey truly saw the way the alter Tampa draft selections and 2nd and 3rd round successes with other NHL staffs had drafting, and really figured that the quanity of those picks in the later top 90 was going to gift them with the same kind of successful results.

Kyle admitted that if Columbus hadn't fallen in love with Cayden Lindstrom, which closed off a possible trade of two Hawk future first rounders (with NO top ten restriction) for that 2024 #4 they would HAVE taken a chance on Demidov, thereby taking some pressure off having a late drafted gold nugget star "pan out" in the Point-Kucherov finds.

Maybe we will get glimpses of upside of MANY of the Tom Kurvers baby hawks-hogs and there is more chance they see a another Shawzie or the next Tom Wilson, and not an emerging top six guy in this group.

With the exception of Nazar, most likely none of the group this group is going to impact the NHL roster..
- stevefrmglencoe

I gotta, at this point, agree that it is too early to think the future forward personnel to the future playoff contender is what we see in this Kurvers two game exhibition, just a strong stable of guys who will have to build their games and a few may actually BE good players long term...

Is Danny turning into his grandfather? Looks like it will be difficult to watch the Hawks home games thru at least the preseason.

https://www.bleachernatio...n-blackhawks-new-tv-home/

Good news though for those that want to watch the Hogs

While we don’t know how or if we’ll be able to watch the NHL team on television this year, we know how to stream the Blackhawks’ AHL affiliate. In a subtle twist of fate on Thursday, the IceHogs shared that FloHockey.tv will stream every AHL game this season. It’s $150 for a full year or you can opt to pay $29.99 per month.

Is Danny turning into his grandfather? Looks like it will be difficult to watch the Hawks home games thru at least the preseason.

https://www.bleachernatio...n-blackhawks-new-tv-home/

Good news though for those that want to watch the Hogs

While we don’t know how or if we’ll be able to watch the NHL team on television this year, we know how to stream the Blackhawks’ AHL affiliate. In a subtle twist of fate on Thursday, the IceHogs shared that FloHockey.tv will stream every AHL game this season. It’s $150 for a full year or you can opt to pay $29.99 per month.
- LAHawk

Not necessarily accurate when the platform won't be launched until Oct 1. You can call them unorganized, but I think stingy is a bit premature. We'll have to wait and see about the reg season.

Is Danny turning into his grandfather? Looks like it will be difficult to watch the Hawks home games thru at least the preseason.

https://www.bleachernatio...n-blackhawks-new-tv-home/

Good news though for those that want to watch the Hogs

While we don’t know how or if we’ll be able to watch the NHL team on television this year, we know how to stream the Blackhawks’ AHL affiliate. In a subtle twist of fate on Thursday, the IceHogs shared that FloHockey.tv will stream every AHL game this season. It’s $150 for a full year or you can opt to pay $29.99 per month.
- LAHawk

I've not seen any specifics about this recently, but here is an article from about 3 months ago that stated:

The network says it will have agreements in place with traditional cable providers and streaming services when it launches and that it will be available via free, over-the-air broadcast.

https://www.msn.com/en-us...B1nyZFc?ocid=BingNewsVerp

I've not seen any specifics about this recently, but here is an article from about 3 months ago that stated:

The network says it will have agreements in place with traditional cable providers and streaming services when it launches and that it will be available via free, over-the-air broadcast.

https://www.msn.com/en-us...B1nyZFc?ocid=BingNewsVerp
- Chunk

Hopefully!! Being out of state, i can always pick up the away feed.

Is Danny turning into his grandfather? Looks like it will be difficult to watch the Hawks home games thru at least the preseason.

https://www.bleachernatio...n-blackhawks-new-tv-home/

Good news though for those that want to watch the Hogs

While we don’t know how or if we’ll be able to watch the NHL team on television this year, we know how to stream the Blackhawks’ AHL affiliate. In a subtle twist of fate on Thursday, the IceHogs shared that FloHockey.tv will stream every AHL game this season. It’s $150 for a full year or you can opt to pay $29.99 per month.
- LAHawk

Last year AHLTV had the option of watching one team's games, home and away for only $65. I was thinking of subscribing to it to watch IceHogs games. But as you said the AHL contracted with FloHockey to stream games at the prices you mention. You get the whole league but the option to choose only one team at a lesser payment no longer exists.

Some broadcast news. Pat Boyle, Caley Chelios, and Tony Granato will be handling the studio portion of the Hawks' telecasts this season. Caley will also be the color anlayst on games when Pang is assigned national broadcast duty. (Will she be a blonde or redhead this year? Wiz wants to know.)

Some broadcast news. Pat Boyle, Caley Chelios, and Tony Granato will be handling the studio portion of the Hawks' telecasts this season. Caley will also be the color anlayst on games when Pang is assigned national broadcast duty. (Will she be a blonde or redhead this year? Wiz wants to know.)
- boilermaker100

Not sure if he was tied to a specific geographic location, but I really liked Stu Grimson when he was on. Granato is good enough, and I think Caley at least is knowledgeable. Not great, but not horrible.

I would not invest in a Hawks Del Mastro jersey just yet. He's got an upright skating style and he's not quick like the guys on the west rink. He better make himself a crushing defensive defenseman quickly or he will be passed by. With the exception of Nazar, most likely none of the group this group is going to impact the NHL roster. Korchinski, Moore, Rinzel, and Lev look like potential contributors the NHL level. With Bedard, that would be an amazing early result from KD's rebuild. All of us have followed the Hawks and the league for years and as much as we want mid and late round guys to turn into the next Marchand, those odds are similar to Powerball. This season will be another 30-32 finish and a high pick. In 3 or 4 years, the team will start competing for a playoff spot again and become a destination for free agents. Hopefully we all live long enough to see them challenge for the Cup.
- stevefrmglencoe

I think your timeline and the number of guys making it as regular NHL players is the most realistic I have seen.

Sounds like AL is going to miss all of training camp and most of October due to his foot injury.

Last year AHLTV had the option of watching one team's games, home and away for only $65. I was thinking of subscribing to it to watch IceHogs games. But as you said the AHL contracted with FloHockey to stream games at the prices you mention. You get the whole league but the option to choose only one team at a lesser payment no longer exists.
- boilermaker100

I know I am!
I knew it would be under the $100 bucks I mentioned a blog or so back...
My official retirement from my full time junior viewing is ending this will help my having a slow transition to Hawk hogs as my hockey diet.

(I will still do the board on Lines. but not kill myself trying to say nice things with late drafted prospects. )

Which brings up the sticking to what you think is a terriific evaluation departmnet:

Toronto Maple Leafs first-round pick Ben Danford departed today's rookie camp scrimmage after taking a big hit.
This kid should NEVER have been anything but a 4th rounder.
He probably had his head down, b/c it seemed like despite defensive abilities defending, he has to look down at the puck so much when he has it.

How he got drafted in the top three rounds is in credible and I will stand by his flop until I drop....

Sounds like AL is going to miss all of training camp and most of October due to his foot injury.
- ChicagoHope

I just read the same. I actually don't mind it, as I was hoping he would just get a ton of run in the AHL this year.

I know I am!
I knew it would be under the $100 bucks I mentioned a blog or so back...
My official retirement from my full time junior viewing is ending this will help my having a slow transition to Hawk hogs as my hockey diet.

(I will still do the board on Lines. but not kill myself trying to say nice things with late drafted prospects. )

Which brings up the sticking to what you think is a terriific evaluation departmnet:

Toronto Maple Leafs first-round pick Ben Danford departed today's rookie camp scrimmage after taking a big hit.
This kid should NEVER have been anything but a 4th rounder.
He probably had his head down, b/c it seemed like despite defensive abilities defending, he has to look down at the puck so much when he has it.

How he got drafted in the top three rounds is in credible and I will stand by his flop until I drop....
- wiz1901

Danford is a very strong defensive defenseman with very little offensive upside. I was surprised he was drafted where he was. I think Henry Mews was a better all around defender and has more upside. But I think the attraction is Danford plays defence similar to how Kieth played defence, he’s really quick and gets to loose pucks, he’s very strong on his skates and wins most puck battles, he moves the puck out of his zone efficiently and accurately. But beyond his blueline he doesn’t show much. I’ll be seeing plenty of him this coming season. I also headed sure I have tickets to see Brantford (Lardis, Vanacker), Windsor (Spellacy), Erie (Henry) plus 14 other games with no Hawk prospects.

Sounds like AL is going to miss all of training camp and most of October due to his foot injury.
- ChicagoHope

I read he took a shot off his foot in a recent practice. My guess would be a foot/ankle fracture.

In the modern area, I can't think of any. I think Nick Fotiu (if you can call him a hockey player) I think started as a teenager. Joey Mullen I think started in roller hockey, then in his early teens switched to ice?
- LAHawk

Ed Jovanovski didn't start playing hockey until age 11.

Ed Jovanovski didn't start playing hockey until age 11.
- stevefrmglencoe

And didn’t play rep or travel hockey until he was 14. Paul Ludwinski also got a late start. I don’t think he played organized hockey until he was 10 or 11 and didn’t play rep until he was 13 or 14.

Last year AHLTV had the option of watching one team's games, home and away for only $65. I was thinking of subscribing to it to watch IceHogs games. But as you said the AHL contracted with FloHockey to stream games at the prices you mention. You get the whole league but the option to choose only one team at a lesser payment no longer exists.
- boilermaker100

A heads up, FloHockey has the USHL, ECHL, a lotta NCAA games and now the AHL. If you follow those leagues, or a couple of them not so bad a deal for 150 bucks.

Guess I've had Flo for 3 yrs now to watch the USHL and it was 150 bucks then. They've added the ECHL and now AHL since. I keep waiting for them to raise the price but they haven't yet.

Again, we will ask where did you hear this in the first place? Since no one else seems to have heard anything about this.
- Chunk

That groin injury is more serious than anyone is letting on.

It's a degenerative issue in the joint - skating at a high level is not recommended.

From what I have heard, he most likely will not be playing again. LTIR until the contract is done.

That groin injury is more serious than anyone is letting on.

It's a degenerative issue in the joint - skating at a high level is not recommended.

From what I have heard, he most likely will not be playing again. LTIR until the contract is done.
- dahawks8819

DelMastro appears to be a replacement and would play similar style Murphy did