Let's be honest, these are initial practice lines. I'm sure the blender will be turned on a time or two.
- Chunk

Oh for sure. My comment was in regards to a line being a pain in the ass to play against. Slaggert fits that mold a bit better than Hayes.

Oh for sure. My comment was in regards to a line being a pain in the ass to play against. Slaggert fits that mold a bit better than Hayes.
- Elbows15

Very likely. I just liked the combination of a$$hole and scoring with Hayes on the second line. Should be fun to watch regardless. Hopefully Savoie doesn't have any PTSD.

Per Tab at Bleacher Nation, the initial lines for the Kurvers event:

Landon Slaggert — Frank Nazar — Colton Dach
Gavin Hayes — Paul Ludwinski — Sam Savoie
Nick Lardis — AJ Spellacy — Martin Misiak.
Marcel Marcel — Jalen Luypen — Ryder Rolston

Ethan Del Mastro — Nolan Allan
Lucas Brenton — Tnias Mathurin
Ty Henry — Wyatt Kennedy
DJ King

🥅 Drew Commesso
Ben Gaudreau

That second line looks like hell to play against.
- Chunk

I recently watched the A J Spellacy[ performances from the Gretzky Hlinka from TWO seasons back, and the kid was bad. Clearly a big kid and good athlette who was more than willing to make contact and took several bad penalties based on over attacking other kids.
His hockey decisons in the course of the game, with the wings he played with were really raw, and he was truly the biggest non-factor in the game.
For those who are unfamiliar with the Hlinka, it is a tourney where the USA doesn't send their established their USANDTeam, but it is a put together bunch of USA kids that haven't played much together as opposed to the Canada team in this tourney that allows a full contigent and strong club w/o the subtractions the three league playoffs and possibly the Memorial Cup.

This kid is suddenly going to get the call over Martin Misiak, who I figured they drafted as a big centre candidate and Misiak is relegated to the wing position due to some his lack of development as a pivot?

Maybe it is just a list, but that was really what peaked my notice...

I want to see if M & M developed his skills any further or if he is still stuck in the bathroom.

I recently watched the A J Spellacy
- wiz1901[ performances from the Gretzky Hlinka from TWO seasons back, and the kid was bad. Clearly a big kid and good athlette who was more than willing to make contact and took several bad penalties based on over attacking other kids.
His hockey decisons in the course of the game, with the wings he played with were really raw, and he was truly the biggest non-factor in the game.
For those who are unfamiliar with the Hlinka, it is a tourney where the USA doesn't send their established their USANDTeam, but it is a put together bunch of USA kids that haven't played much together as opposed to the Canada team in this tourney that allows a full contigent and strong club w/o the subtractions the three league playoffs and possibly the Memorial Cup.

This kid is suddenly going to get the call over Martin Misiak, who I figured they drafted as a big centre candidate and Misiak is relegated to the wing position due to some his lack of development as a pivot?

Maybe it is just a list, but that was really what peaked my notice...

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.

Anyone know how to watch the curves camp

Anyone know how to watch the curves camp
- Scott1977

The games are supposed to be streamed on the Blackhawks website.

https://www.bleachernatio...urvers-prospect-showcase/

The games are supposed to be streamed on the Blackhawks website.

https://www.bleachernatio...urvers-prospect-showcase/
- Chunk

Thanks Chunk.

More general question, does anyone know where the games will be on this season?

I understand that NBC Sports is done. I believe Reisdorf has a sports network now for the Hawks, Bulls and Sox. Will this be a channel on cable? Or will it need a streaming subscription? I hope the latter because I'm paying Xfinity 90 bucks a month for 7 months of TV as I don't watch cable other than for the Hawks.

Boris Katchook PTO Anaheim

Thanks Chunk.

More general question, does anyone know where the games will be on this season?

I understand that NBC Sports is done. I believe Reisdorf has a sports network now for the Hawks, Bulls and Sox. Will this be a channel on cable? Or will it need a streaming subscription? I hope the latter because I'm paying Xfinity 90 bucks a month for 7 months of TV as I don't watch cable other than for the Hawks.
- Popsghostly

From what I've read they are still working that out. If you have an Athletic subscription, I heard that Scott Powers went into some depth on this topic. Otherwise:

https://www.bleachernatio...9/chicago-sports-network/

Boris Katchook PTO Anaheim
- LAHawk

Is he going to be on a line with Adam Gaudette?

Is he going to be on a line with Adam Gaudette?
- Chunk

Boris on same line Natasha.

Is he going to be on a line with Adam Gaudette?
- Chunk

And Henrik Borgstrom.

Boris on same line Natasha.
- mohel

Sounds like work of Moose and Squirrel.

Boris on same line Natasha.
- mohel

Brilliant.

PP1: Frank Nazar, Nick Lardis, Gavin Hayes (bumper), Colton Dach (net front), Ethan Del Mastro
PP2: Martin Misiak, Ryder Rolston, AJ Spellacy (bumper), Landon Slaggert (net front), Nolan Allan

Hawks were all over 5/3rd today. After skating at 630am I stuck around. At 9am on the west rink the NHL players had a Captains skate. I did not see TT or Vlasic. The guy who runs the rink told me that TT skated yesterday and Vlasic has been there all summer. The first hour was mostly 2 on 1 and 3 on 2 drills that started with multiple passes, a regroup then attack. No battles They cut the ice after an hour and scrimmaged. During the scrimmage, Bedard was playing on the wing with Kurashev and Foligno at Center. Bedard kept taking the puck to the middle of the ice and you could see guys going out of their way to not touch him. Tinordi and Hinostoza were practicing in non Hawk sweaters. Maroon is huge. Bertuzzi is not as big as I thought he was. Interestingly to me, Murphy was directing the drills and essentially running things. He did not appear to get injured.

At 10am the prospects took the ice on the east rink. The difference between the two groups is clear. With the exception of Marcel and Spellacy at forward, they look small. On D Del Mastro, Allen, Henry, and Kennedy are big guys. Nazar has a quick release. Lypien looks very quick. Lev was not on the ice. Rink guys told me that he was there yesterday with a boot on. The practice started with more complicated drills than the NHL guys. Forwards coming out of the corner, one gets angled by a D at center ice, and then the forwards split into attacking with different groups. No battles. It progressed into 3 on 2s. Hard laps between drills. After 25 minutes they practiced the powerplay for 20 minutes with 6 on 5s at both ends and the play switching from end end when the PK cleared the puck. Nobody scored for a long time. Eventually Hayes scored on a one timer from the bumper spot and everyone erupted into cheers and hugging. They were having fun. After a break they had a controlled scrimmage with the D staying on the their blue line until a whistle released them. It forced the D to activate into the play fast. Looked unusual. Had to head to work and left.

On the way out I ran into one of the guys who runs the rink. I asked him what he thought about the changes. He said last fall was over the top with the excitement around Bedard. This fall seems more professional. He thinks the added vets will make the team much better. I hope he's right. I asked him when the expansion will be done. He said the current plan has the 2 new sheets opening Jan 1, 2026. Lets all hope the Hawks are hosting a rookie tournament in October of 26. The pipeline will be packed by then and hopefully things are turned around.

From what I've read they are still working that out. If you have an Athletic subscription, I heard that Scott Powers went into some depth on this topic. Otherwise:

https://www.bleachernatio...9/chicago-sports-network/
- Chunk

Thanks again, Chunk.

This uncertainty is killing me. We have less than a month until another Bedard/Cooley showdown. Even less for the preseason.

Thanks again, Chunk.

This uncertainty is killing me. We have less than a month until another Bedard/Cooley showdown. Even less for the preseason.
- Popsghostly

Why do now what you can put off until tomorrow?

Hawks were all over 5/3rd today. After skating at 630am I stuck around. At 9am on the west rink the NHL players had a Captains skate. I did not see TT or Vlasic. The guy who runs the rink told me that TT skated yesterday and Vlasic has been there all summer. The first hour was mostly 2 on 1 and 3 on 2 drills that started with multiple passes, a regroup then attack. No battles They cut the ice after an hour and scrimmaged. During the scrimmage, Bedard was playing on the wing with Kurashev and Foligno at Center. Bedard kept taking the puck to the middle of the ice and you could see guys going out of their way to not touch him. Tinordi and Hinostoza were practicing in non Hawk sweaters. Maroon is huge. Bertuzzi is not as big as I thought he was. Interestingly to me, Murphy was directing the drills and essentially running things. He did not appear to get injured.

At 10am the prospects took the ice on the east rink. The difference between the two groups is clear. With the exception of Marcel and Spellacy at forward, they look small. On D Del Mastro, Allen, Henry, and Kennedy are big guys. Nazar has a quick release. Lypien looks very quick. Lev was not on the ice. Rink guys told me that he was there yesterday with a boot on. The practice started with more complicated drills than the NHL guys. Forwards coming out of the corner, one gets angled by a D at center ice, and then the forwards split into attacking with different groups. No battles. It progressed into 3 on 2s. Hard laps between drills. After 25 minutes they practiced the powerplay for 20 minutes with 6 on 5s at both ends and the play switching from end end when the PK cleared the puck. Nobody scored for a long time. Eventually Hayes scored on a one timer from the bumper spot and everyone erupted into cheers and hugging. They were having fun. After a break they had a controlled scrimmage with the D staying on the their blue line until a whistle released them. It forced the D to activate into the play fast. Looked unusual. Had to head to work and left.

On the way out I ran into one of the guys who runs the rink. I asked him what he thought about the changes. He said last fall was over the top with the excitement around Bedard. This fall seems more professional. He thinks the added vets will make the team much better. I hope he's right. I asked him when the expansion will be done. He said the current plan has the 2 new sheets opening Jan 1, 2026. Lets all hope the Hawks are hosting a rookie tournament in October of 26. The pipeline will be packed by then and hopefully things are turned around.
- stevefrmglencoe

Thanks for the info Steve

I recently watched the A J Spellacy
- wiz1901[ performances from the Gretzky Hlinka from TWO seasons back, and the kid was bad. Clearly a big kid and good athlette who was more than willing to make contact and took several bad penalties based on over attacking other kids.
His hockey decisons in the course of the game, with the wings he played with were really raw, and he was truly the biggest non-factor in the game.
For those who are unfamiliar with the Hlinka, it is a tourney where the USA doesn't send their established their USANDTeam, but it is a put together bunch of USA kids that haven't played much together as opposed to the Canada team in this tourney that allows a full contigent and strong club w/o the subtractions the three league playoffs and possibly the Memorial Cup.

This kid is suddenly going to get the call over Martin Misiak, who I figured they drafted as a big centre candidate and Misiak is relegated to the wing position due to some his lack of development as a pivot?

Maybe it is just a list, but that was really what peaked my notice...

Was wondering the same thing, Wiz. I saw Misiak's ceiling as a good sized 3C, 35 pts, 2 way guy with some size, a PK guy too. His offense is nothing spectacular in jrs so you don't see him as a guy to put up NHL points but brings enough to be useful enough to use the 55th overall on the kid if he hits. A grinder.

I always thought he was over drafted but can see what the Hawks did. IMO he'll need to play center to make an NHL roster cuz he's not dynamic or fast enough to be a 4th line NHL wing.

But, very well could be they just wanna see Spellacy on a line with some better talent and he'll get more minutes on L3 so they can get a good look at him. ...... I'm not reading anymore into it. They had to figure Misiak would take 5 or so yrs to help in the Bigs and this will be yr 3. Guessing they want to see Spellacy.

And speaking of. Wiz. Chunk hit on it that yea man, Spellacy had 62 total games on his EP page when he played Hlinka in August. 47 games in 1 OHL season and 2 playing local in Cleveland. ..... So, he was raw. Wonder if you have a thought on his skating? Everywhere I read it pops up the kid is a + skater at 6ft 3in 200ish lbs.

Still is way crazy the kid made an OHL team at 17 with only 15 local Midget games as a 16 yr old in Cleveland! Yep, can't wait for a look see tomorrow. Any kid who speaks the name Tom Wilson I have time to look at, especially if he's Hawk property.

Hawks were all over 5/3rd today. After skating at 630am I stuck around. At 9am on the west rink the NHL players had a Captains skate. I did not see TT or Vlasic. The guy who runs the rink told me that TT skated yesterday and Vlasic has been there all summer. The first hour was mostly 2 on 1 and 3 on 2 drills that started with multiple passes, a regroup then attack. No battles They cut the ice after an hour and scrimmaged. During the scrimmage, Bedard was playing on the wing with Kurashev and Foligno at Center. Bedard kept taking the puck to the middle of the ice and you could see guys going out of their way to not touch him. Tinordi and Hinostoza were practicing in non Hawk sweaters. Maroon is huge. Bertuzzi is not as big as I thought he was. Interestingly to me, Murphy was directing the drills and essentially running things. He did not appear to get injured.

At 10am the prospects took the ice on the east rink. The difference between the two groups is clear. With the exception of Marcel and Spellacy at forward, they look small. On D Del Mastro, Allen, Henry, and Kennedy are big guys. Nazar has a quick release. Lypien looks very quick. Lev was not on the ice. Rink guys told me that he was there yesterday with a boot on. The practice started with more complicated drills than the NHL guys. Forwards coming out of the corner, one gets angled by a D at center ice, and then the forwards split into attacking with different groups. No battles. It progressed into 3 on 2s. Hard laps between drills. After 25 minutes they practiced the powerplay for 20 minutes with 6 on 5s at both ends and the play switching from end end when the PK cleared the puck. Nobody scored for a long time. Eventually Hayes scored on a one timer from the bumper spot and everyone erupted into cheers and hugging. They were having fun. After a break they had a controlled scrimmage with the D staying on the their blue line until a whistle released them. It forced the D to activate into the play fast. Looked unusual. Had to head to work and left.

On the way out I ran into one of the guys who runs the rink. I asked him what he thought about the changes. He said last fall was over the top with the excitement around Bedard. This fall seems more professional. He thinks the added vets will make the team much better. I hope he's right. I asked him when the expansion will be done. He said the current plan has the 2 new sheets opening Jan 1, 2026. Lets all hope the Hawks are hosting a rookie tournament in October of 26. The pipeline will be packed by then and hopefully things are turned around.
- stevefrmglencoe

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.

I always thought Martin Misiak was over drafted but can see what the Hawks did. IMO he'll need to play center to make an NHL roster cuz he's not dynamic or fast enough to be a 4th line NHL wing.

But, very well could be they just wanna see AJ Spellacy on a line with some better talent and he'll get more minutes on L3 so they can get a good look at him. ...... I'm not reading anymore into it. They had to figure Misiak would take 5 or so yrs to help in the Bigs and this will be yr 3. Guessing they want to see Spellacy.
- Mr Ricochet

Agree on Misiak timeline and the A J Spellacy position reversal really could mean nothing more than filling the jigsaw puzzle with a couple final line thoughts, as they will be adjusting everywhere if they see a lack of production, as you see in most games if a team is trailing.
I went back & read Chuck's assessment, and blender was the word my italicized comment above needed for clarity to what i was saying.
A J is a competitor and once he starts building hockey awareness & IQ, he will be better on his skates, and know how to make more passing receptions and handle the game situations with more success.


As I saying in the last blog, I was back two Hlinka's ...the Hlinka PRIOR to the latest, and, maybe just maybe in that series AJ simply was coached to stay back and commit to the defensive forward side, because he seemed like never on his line's top two forward attackers, not in the zone until eveyone else arrives. In Gretzky-Hlinka, he fell more than I liked, was off the ice more than I like (penalties) and off his feet more than I liked, and off running to find an area or to make contact, and did little to further his US teams chance of winning in general.

Not to side-track on A J, but I am going to miss Alex Pharand, because he has shown aptitude as a good two way right forward you can throw out there, and you know he won't hurt you in the dot, or lack physicality.
When guys are unsigned like Pharand / AJ Spellacy, why do I suddenly feel they don't want "us Blackhawks" until they are signed...they can minor pros, nHL busts, or integral gears in the Blackhawk rebirth? Do we mourn the nonsigning of draft pick Justin Holl, Ludvig Rensfeldt, or Kent Simpson in that early second round of the draft?

How can I think Bedard's presence will attract talent and they about losing the Justin Holl of it all

Wonder if you have a thought on his skating? Everywhere I read it pops up the kid is a + skater at 6ft 3in 200ish lbs.
Still is way crazy the kid made an OHL team at 17 with only 15 local Midget games as a 16 yr old in Cleveland! Yep, can't wait for a look see tomorrow. Any kid who speaks the name Tom Wilson I have time to look at, especially if he's Hawk property.
- Mr Ricochet

AJ Spellacy's balance and skating are not going to hinder him, nor is it objectionable that he likes what Washington's Wilson does, as long as Wilson's work means his being able to take and make plays with the puck.

He is a big coordinated kid who skates comfortably in his boots, but when he starts directing them more precisely during team plays, the chances of him having scoring results will be better, and see more chances to hold and handle pucks and use his puck-handlng to hold possession until he finds that teammate oppen with a shot.
With his size & anchor, he has a lot of possible Icehog playmakers he might get to play alongside, if he gets smarter, his stickhandle will get him open and he has a path to more attacking game.
Remember, he CAN turn the outside corner on junior defenders and successfully cut to the net. The are good wheels underfoot.

Tonight, I sleep well knowing Stephen was encouraging about the upcoming Hawk team/season.

Hawks were all over 5/3rd today. After skating at 630am I stuck around. At 9am on the west rink the NHL players had a Captains skate. I did not see TT or Vlasic. The guy who runs the rink told me that TT skated yesterday and Vlasic has been there all summer. The first hour was mostly 2 on 1 and 3 on 2 drills that started with multiple passes, a regroup then attack. No battles They cut the ice after an hour and scrimmaged. During the scrimmage, Bedard was playing on the wing with Kurashev and Foligno at Center. Bedard kept taking the puck to the middle of the ice and you could see guys going out of their way to not touch him. Tinordi and Hinostoza were practicing in non Hawk sweaters. Maroon is huge. Bertuzzi is not as big as I thought he was. Interestingly to me, Murphy was directing the drills and essentially running things. He did not appear to get injured.

At 10am the prospects took the ice on the east rink. The difference between the two groups is clear. With the exception of Marcel and Spellacy at forward, they look small. On D Del Mastro, Allen, Henry, and Kennedy are big guys. Nazar has a quick release. Lypien looks very quick. Lev was not on the ice. Rink guys told me that he was there yesterday with a boot on. The practice started with more complicated drills than the NHL guys. Forwards coming out of the corner, one gets angled by a D at center ice, and then the forwards split into attacking with different groups. No battles. It progressed into 3 on 2s. Hard laps between drills. After 25 minutes they practiced the powerplay for 20 minutes with 6 on 5s at both ends and the play switching from end end when the PK cleared the puck. Nobody scored for a long time. Eventually Hayes scored on a one timer from the bumper spot and everyone erupted into cheers and hugging. They were having fun. After a break they had a controlled scrimmage with the D staying on the their blue line until a whistle released them. It forced the D to activate into the play fast. Looked unusual. Had to head to work and left.

On the way out I ran into one of the guys who runs the rink. I asked him what he thought about the changes. He said last fall was over the top with the excitement around Bedard. This fall seems more professional. He thinks the added vets will make the team much better. I hope he's right. I asked him when the expansion will be done. He said the current plan has the 2 new sheets opening Jan 1, 2026. Lets all hope the Hawks are hosting a rookie tournament in October of 26. The pipeline will be packed by then and hopefully things are turned around.
- stevefrmglencoe

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

Anyone know how to watch the curves camp
- Scott1977

Hawk & the other two opponents websites should link to a youtube stream.