Photo courtesy of NCAA.com
The Chicago Blackhawks’ College Hockey prospects are off to a great start this season led by Northeastern University’s Dylan Sikura
The Chicago Blackhawks have seen a lot of their stars come from the college hockey system including Duncan Keith (Michigan State), Jonathan Toews (North Dakota) and Patrick Sharp (Vermont). But after the past two seasons of disappointing playoff losses, GM Stan Bowman has put a new focus on player development across the entire organization to help get their prospects ready for the pro level.
A fresh roster and new head coach Jeremy Colliton already has the Blackhawks AHL affiliate, The Rockford IceHogs, breathing new life. And with the ‘Hawks struggling to find successors for their aging defenseman, Bowman used his first two picks in the 2017 NHL draft on defenseman.
Leading the pack of NCAA Blackhawks prospects are Northeastern University’s Dylan Sikura, Boston Universtiy’s Chad Krys, and University of Denver’s Ian Mitchell all who contribute to successful NCAA hockey programs.
Updates on Blackhawks NCAA Prospects
The learning curve has been short for freshmen Alex Limoges and Evan Barratt. https://t.co/NCVGMU2Jgj pic.twitter.com/UDboV0fs5M
— Onward State (@OnwardState) October 31, 2017
Evan Barratt – Penn State University – 2017 3rd Round Pick
Current Stats: 3GP, 1A
Next Opponent: Mercyhurst
Barratt was held out of play for the first five games of the season with an upper-body injury. Although his numbers aren’t impressive yet, reports are that he has been strong in the face-off circle and has established a solid 3rd line with freshman Alex Limoges and sophomore Liam Folkes.
Evan Barratt isn’t on the scoresheet but he’s been all over the place tonight through two periods.
— David Eckert (@davideckert98) October 28, 2017
Photo Courtesy of Brian Jenkins
Liam Coughlin – University of Vermont – 2014 5th Round Pick (EDM)
Current Stats: 6GP, 1G
Next Opponent: @ University of Connecticut
Badgers men’s hockey: Cooperative development for defensemen Peter Tischke, Josh Ess https://t.co/akSiOyy2As pic.twitter.com/nvXMHy41mh
— Wis. State Journal (@WiStateJournal) October 17, 2017
Josh Ess – University of Wisconsin – 2017 7th Round Pick
Current Stats: 9GP, 1A
Next Opponent: University of North Dakota
Photo Courtesy of ECACHockey.com
Parker Foo – Union College – 2017 5th Round Pick
Current Stats: 9GP, 1G, 1A
Next Opponent: @ St. Lawrence 11/3, @ Clarkson 11/4
Foo is in his freshman year at Union College and is trying to pave his own way without comparisons to his older brother and Union College standout Spencer Foo. Parker showed a lot of speed and quickness over the summer at Blackhawks prospect camp and has high expectations at Union this year. He has already earned praise from The Athletic’s Corey Pronman and ESPN’s John Buccigross.
Parker Foo is a real Fighter. He’s no Pretender. Times Like These you wonder if he would have liked to play with his brother.
— Corey Pronman (@coreypronman) October 13, 2017
Photo Courtesy of InsideHockey.com
Dennis Gilbert – University of Notre Dame – 2015 3rd Round Pick
Current Stats: 7GP, 1G, 9 Blocked Shots
Next Opponent: @ Ohio State
Gilbert is in for an intense series when his Fighting Irish(#10) take on the Buckeyes(#16) this weekend. Gilbert is a former Chicago Steel product and played in the Frozen Four with Notre Dame last season. He plays on a highly skilled defense led by senior Jordan Gross.
Photo Courtesy of USCHO.com
Blake Hillman – University of Denver – 2016 6th Round Pick
Current Stats: 6GP, 2G, 19 SOG
Next Opponent: Western Michigan University
In an interview with Hillman from Blackhawk Up earlier this year, Hillman said he wanted to focus on defense this year and hopefully the offense will come. So far, the Denver Pioneers are unbeaten and Hillman is finding his stride. Hillman had the primary assist in an overtime goal against the Lake Superior State Lakers last month and had a nice goal against the Boston College Eagles last weekend.
Quick trigger from Denver’s Blake Hillman off the faceoff, all Woll can do is shrug. 3-0, 3:47 left in the second. pic.twitter.com/ujZ5VrQnz8
— Bradley Smart (@bradleysmart15) October 29, 2017
Photo Courtesy of ConcordMonitor.com
Chad Krys – Boston University – 2016 2nd Round Pick
Current Stats: 8GP, 5A, 30 SOG
Next Opponent: Providence 11/3, Northeastern 11/4
Krys was probably the most impressive defensive player at Blackhawks Prospect Camp this summer. His ability to skate and create space for his forwards is impressive for only being a sophomore at BU. He has been extremely aggressive with 30 shots on goal already. In an article from the Daily Free Press, Krys described his offseason preparation and physicality as goals for the 2017-18 season.
“It’s something that Coach Quinn’s really emphasized for me everyday, to take responsibility defensively, and try and be as physical as I can and be as hard to play against as I can.”
Defending 101: Protect Your Goalie – by @jakemassie3 of @UVMmhockey at @Friendship_Four pic.twitter.com/aCafyLXnU5
— Chris Ritchie (@DeeChris7) November 28, 2016
Jake Massie – University of Vermont – 2015 6th Round Pick (CAR)
Current Stats: 7GP, 1A
Next Opponent: @ University of Connecticut
Photo Courtesy of The Denver Post
Ian Mitchell – University of Denver – 2017 2nd Round Pick
Current Stats: 6GP, 4A
Next Opponent: Western Michigan University
There probably isn’t a better place for Blackhawks 2017 2nd round pick Ian Mitchell to develop than on the #1 ranked Denver Pioneers under Jim Montgomery. Although Michell has had his fair share of defensive lapses, he continues to get better in his own end. Montgomery has trusted Mitchell with being the quarterback of the power-play where he has excelled in taking over for former Pioneer Will Butcher.
Denver’s Ian Mitchell scored his first goal of the season from long range. Eagles trail, 2-0. pic.twitter.com/LvqQO6bzKu
— Bradley Smart (@bradleysmart15) October 28, 2017
Photo Courtesy of PucksAndRecreation.com
Fredrik Olofsson – University of Nebraska-Omaha – 2014 4th Round Pick
Current Stats: 6GP, 1G, 4A
Next Opponent: @ Colorado College 11/10-11/11
Entering his second season with the Mavericks, Olofsson is off to a great start with five points in six games. The Mavs are currently 3-2-1. Olofsson had a solid freshman year scoring 11 goals and 13 assists.
Photo Courtesy of The Star Tribune
Jack Ramsey – University of Minnesota – 2011 7th Round Pick
Current Stats: 8GP, 1G, 1A
Next Opponent: Michigan State
Ramsey is a big kid at 6’3 185 pounds. He played a scrappy game at prospect camp this summer and was rewarded for getting to the front of the net. Although his stats have never been great, he plays a big leadership role on the Gophers. Wish him a happy birthday on Twitter at @Ramsey_16
We find it hard to believe that @Ramsey_16 won’t have fun on his birthday! Have a great one, Jack! #Gophers pic.twitter.com/CMZw7332bF
— Minnesota M Hockey (@GopherHockey) November 2, 2017
Welcome to Friartown @jakeryczek1619 @FriarsHockey #gofriars #pcmih pic.twitter.com/gSJWBxhtBT
— Ken Jancef (@kenjancef) October 28, 2017
Jake Ryczek – Providence College – 2016 7th Round Pick
Current Stats: 2GP, 0P
Next Opponent: @ Boston University
Photo Courtesy of The Boston Globe
Ryan Shea – Northeastern University – 2015 4th Round Pick
Current Stats: 7GP, 5A
Next Opponent: @ Boston University
This weekend the Huskies go to Boston to take on the Terriers. Ryan Shea has had a strong start to the season with five assists. He’s also a plus six and has nine blocked shots. The Blackhawks should keep a close eye on Shea considering they need stay at home defenders like Shea who are reliable in their own zone.
Photo Courtesy of The Huntington News
Dylan Sikura – Northeastern University – 2014 6th Round Pick
Current Stats: 7GP, 6G, 8A, 41 SOG
Next Opponent: Boston University
Sikura was recently ranked the #1 forward in college hockey by College Hockey News. He and line-mate Adam Gaudette have been scoring machines for the Huskies. Sikura is also being considered by Team Canada as a potential player for their Olympic team. The Huskies will take on the Boston Terriers on Friday as fellow Blackhawks prospect Chad Krys will try to slow Sikura down.
A 14-point October has earned Dylan Sikura @hockey_east Player of the Month honors!
Read: https://t.co/ExOMUXz2zO#GoNU | #RedBlackOnePack pic.twitter.com/HUOqmWPzE3
— Northeastern MHKY (@GoNUmhockey) November 1, 2017
Photo Courtesy of NBCSports.com
Beau Starrett – Cornell University – 2014 3rd Round Pick
Current Stats: 2GP, 1A
Next Opponent: @ Quinnipiac 11/3, @ Princeton 11/4
Starrett is out this season to prove he can be the dominant force the Chicago Blackhawks saw when they drafted him in 2014. AT 6’5 212 pounds, Starrett towered over other Blackhawks centers at prospect camp. He can move pretty well up the ice for a big man too. The Big Red are 2-0 and hopefully Starrett can produce more than the 14 points he scored last season.
Got a good shot of you taking draws pic.twitter.com/wMb8xuWKfF
— Blackhawk Up (@Blackhawk_Up) July 24, 2017