Dylan Sikura, Dennis Gilbert, and Chad Krys are this week’s top Blackhawks Prospect performers
As the first half of the college hockey season comes to a close, Blackhawks prospects in the NCAA are finishing up strong. Northeastern University forward Dylan Sikura had a four-point performance last week and he continues to shine as one of the ‘Hawks top prospects. On the blue line, Notre Dame’s Dennis Gilbert got on the scoresheet with a couple goals, while Boston University’s Chad Krys continues to be a point machine for the Terriers.
There has been a lot of debate recently about the Blackhawks and what they will do at this year’s trade deadline. GM Stan Bowman will most likely stand pat and make it seem like Dylan Sikura is his big trade deadline acquisition, but that’s not guaranteed. It seems like Sikura has interest in signing with the Blackhawks, but should he be a finalist or win the Hobey Baker Award there might be a possibility he hits the free agency market.
But let’s assume he signs with Chicago. The question becomes where does he fit in? He’s a small winger at 165 pounds and probably can’t play a bottom six role effectively in the NHL. He has great vision and playmaking skill which has enabled him to finish well, but it’s debatable if that can translate to the NHL level.
From what I saw at prospect camp over the summer, Sikura’s hockey IQ is through the roof and he can simply make plays. Other players were raving about his skill level and enjoyed playing with him. Some players just have a knack for playing hockey despite any physical attributes that may discount their abilities, much like Alex DeBrincat’s situation.
It sure will be interesting to see where Sikura ends up and if he gets some NHL ice time. Whether the Blackhawks decide to keep the playoff window open or continue on with the youth movement, hopefully Dylan Sikura is a 100% a part of it going forward.
Updates on Blackhawks NCAA Prospects
Evan Barratt – C – Freshman at Penn State University – ‘17 3rd Rd Pick
Bristol, PA – 6’0″ – 187lbs – Shoots Left – U.S. National Development Team (USHL)
Current Stats: 14GP, 4G, 4A
Next Opponent: Wisconsin 1/5-1/6
Liam Coughlin – C – Junior at University of Vermont – ’14 5th Rd Pick (EDM)
South Boston, MA – 6’2″ – 201lbs – Shoots Left – Vernon Vipers (USHL)
Current Stats: 14GP, 1G, 1A
Next Opponent: St. Lawrence 12/29, Harvard 12/30
Josh Ess – RD – Freshman at the University of Wisconsin – ’17 7th Rd Pick
Lakeville, MN – 5’11” – 188lbs – Shoots Left – Cedar Rapids RoughRiders (USHL)
Current Stats: 21GP, 1G,1A
Next Opponent: @ Penn State 1/5-1/6
Parker Foo – LW – Freshman at Union College – ’17 5th Rd Pick
Edmonton, Alberta – 6’1″ – 190lbs – Shoots Left – Brooks Bandits (AJHL)
Current Stats: 18GP, 1G, 1A
Next Opponent: @ University of Nebraska-Omaha 12/29-12/30
Dennis Gilbert w/ the shorty!
Irish take a 2-1 lead after Gilbert goes high blocker on Hayton for his 2nd of the year pic.twitter.com/jF4vEnpEPp
— Notre Dame Hockey (@NDHockey) December 10, 2017
Dennis Gilbert – LD – Junior at the University of Notre Dame – ’15 3rd Rd Pick
Williamsville, NY – 6’2″ – 200lbs – Shoots Left – Chicago Steel (USHL)
Current Stats: 19GP, 3G, 4A
Next Opponent: @ Michigan 1/5, Michigan 1/7
Gilbert scored two goals and an assist last weekend contributing to Notre Dame’s 13th win in a row. They are the hottest team in college hockey and don’t show any signs of slowing down.
Blake Hillman – LD – Junior at the University of Denver – ’16 6th Rd Pick
Elk River, MN – 6’1″ – 182lbs – Shoots Left – Dubuque Fighting Saints (USHL)
Current Stats: 16GP, 2G, 1A
Next Opponent: Dartmouth
Chad Krys – LD – Sophomore at Boston University – ’16 2nd Rd Pick
Ridgefield, CT – 6’0″ – 185lbs – Shoots Left – US National Development Team (USHL)
Current Stats: 19GP, 5G, 13A
Next Opponent: US U18 Development Team 1/5, Maine 1/6
Krys had another good weekend scoring a goal and three assists. He did block a shot during the UMass-Lowell series which sounded like it was painful but returned to finish the game.
Chad Krys has to be helped off the ice on one leg… and returns to the game and SCORES two minute later.
— 86to97to13 (@86to97to13) December 10, 2017
Jake Massie – LD – Freshman at the University of Vermont – ’15 6th Rd Pick (CAR)
Saint-Lazare, Quebec – 6’2″ – 177lbs – Shoots Left – Omaha Lancers
Current Stats: 17GP, 3A
Next Opponent: St. Lawrence 12/29, Harvard 12/30
Blackhawks prospect Ian Mitchell is tied for 25th among college defensemen with 12 points. He scored his first college goal last night. He has one goal and 11 assists in 15 games as a freshman at Denver.
— Scott Powers (@ByScottPowers) December 9, 2017
Ian Mitchell – RD – Freshman at the University of Denver – ’17 2nd Rd Pick
Calahoo, Alberta – 5’11” – 173lbs – Shoots Right – Spruce Grove Saints (AJHL)
Current Stats: 16GP, 1G, 11A
Next Opponent: Dartmouth
Mitchell scored his first NCAA goal last weekend against Colorado College on a nice wrap-around. Denver faces a 2-7-1 Dartmouth team that hasn’t won a game on the road yet this season. Mitchell will have plenty more offensive zone opportunities to continue producing from the point.
Fredrik Olofsson – C – Junior at University of Nebraska-Omaha – ’14 4th Rd Pick
Broomfield, CO – 6’2″ – 204lbs – Shoots R – Chicago Steel (USHL)
Current Stats: 16GP, 2G, 10A
Next Opponent: Union 12/29-12/30
Jack Ramsey – RW – Junior at the University of Minnesota – ’11 7th Rd Pick
Chanhassen, MN – 6’3″ – 201lbs – Shoots Right – Penticton Vees (BCHL)
Current Stats: 20GP, 1G, 2A
Next Opponent: @ Army 12/29-12/30
WATCH: Jake Ryczek blasts home his first career goal. Freshman Bailey Conger also tallies his first career point on the play. pic.twitter.com/uKpOPIrnl0
— PC Men’s Hockey (@FriarsHockey) December 9, 2017
Jake Ryczek – LD – Freshman at Providence College – ’16 7th Rd Pick
Ludlow, MA – 5’10 – 179lbs – Shoots Right – Waterloo Black Hawks (USHL)
Current Stats: 5GP, 1G
Next Opponent: Arizona State 12/29
After being out several games battling mono, Ryczek finally scored his first NCAA goal with Providence last Friday. Hopefully he’s back to 100% and will have a strong 2nd half of the season.
Ryan Shea – LD – Sophomore at Northeastern University – ’15 4th Rd Pick
Milton, MA – 6’1″ – 180lbs – Shoots Left – Youngstown Phantoms (USHL)
Current Stats: 16GP, 1G, 9A
Next Opponent: @ Merrimack 12/16
Also a 4 point game for Dylan Sikura (CHI) vs. BC. Sikura now has 22 points in 14 NCAA games this season. @ByScottPowers
— Corey Pronman (@coreypronman) December 10, 2017
Dylan Sikura – LW – Senior at Northeastern University – ’14 6th Rd Pick
Aurora, Ontario – 6’0″ – 166lbs – Shoots Left – Aurora Tigers (OJHL)
Current Stats: 14GP, 9G, 13A
Next Opponent: Merrimack, @ Merrimack 12/16
Sikura had a four point night last week against Boston College scoring two goals and two assists. The line of Sikura, Gaudette, and Stevens has been one of the best in college hockey. With a weak Hockey East this year, Northeastern could end up at the top of the Conference by season’s end.
Beau Starrett – C – Junior at Cornell University – 2014 3rd Rd Pick
Bellingham, MA – 6’5′ – 222lbs – Shoots Left – South Shore Kings (USPHL)
Current Stats: 11GP, 1G, 5A
Next Opponent: Canisus 12/30