Latest news with #ChicagoBlackhawks'
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Extremely Successful Young Head Coach Reportedly Frontrunner for Blackhawks Job
David Carle (David Reginek-Imagn Images) The Chicago Blackhawks' head coaching job has not been set in stone yet. After Luke Richardson was fired and Anders Sorensen took over for the remainder of the season, his interim tag was never removed. This left the door open and gave Sorensen a big portion of the season to prove what he could do for the team. Advertisement The Blackhawks could go back with him as he's good with the young players and the team did improve from the beginning of the season, or they could look externally for an experienced head coach or a proven winner. Frank Seravalli seems to believe that David Carle is the frontrunner for the head coaching position in Chicago. Carle is currently the head coach for the University of Denver. On his resume are two NCAA National Championships, three NCHC Championships, and two IIHF World Junior Championships. Even while he may be at the top of the list for the Blackhawks, that doesn't mean it won't be very difficult to pull him from his secure job in Denver where he's been constantly winning. A deal may be more money, but NHL coaches get fired so often. The same can't be said for coaches in the NCAA, especially not with all he has done at that level. If Carle is considering coming to the NHL, the Blackhawks have the means to convince him to come to Chicago over another team. If not, I'm betting they have a great deal of other options on the table like Jay Woodcroft or someone else better with younger players. This may have to be a decision made sooner than later. Visit The Hockey News Chicago Blackhawks team site to stay updated on the latest news, game day coverage, player features, and more.
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Chukwuemeka: "My body is still adapting"
Pat Maroon And Alec Martinez Finish Their Careers Together CHICAGO - Patrick Maroon announced his retirement in March. He did so to Darren Pang during a warmup interview ahead of the Chicago Blackhawks' game against the St. Louis Blues. Maroon is a St. Louis native, and he won the Stanley Cup there, so it was a fitting ending. 1:53 Now Playing Paused Ad Playing
New York Times
31-03-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Blackhawks' rebuild reaches promising point as 6 first-rounders take the ice together
CHICAGO — The exact date when the Chicago Blackhawks' rebuild began is debatable. For some fans, it dates back to whatever Stan Bowman was doing in his final years as general manager. The 2017-18 season is the starting point for some others. It might be when Kyle Davidson was named the full-time general manager in March 2022 or when he traded Brandon Hagel shortly after that. Advertisement However, lot of what Davidson did in those first years, from the Hagel trade to the Alex DeBrincat trade and so on, could be labeled as demolition more than anything. Other than Connor Murphy and some prospects who have turned into NHLers, there isn't much of an imprint left from Bowman's GM tenure. Davidson's actual reconstruction commenced on July 7, 2022 at the NHL Draft when he selected Kevin Korchinski with the No. 7 pick, Frank Nazar with the No. 13 pick and Sam Rinzel with the No. 25 pick. It was with those three players that Davidson's plan began to transform from ideas to realities. They represented hope of what could be. Over the last three seasons, Davidson's rebuild plan has materialized more and more from ideas to draft picks to prospects to NHL players. On Sunday, 997 days since Davidson's first draft selections, the Blackhawks put an NHL team on ice that was closer to ever to resembling Davidson's vision for the future. With Rinzel and Oliver Moore, a 2023 first-round pick, making their NHL debuts and joining Korchinski, Nazar, Connor Bedard and Artyom Levshunov, the Blackhawks had six of the Davidson era's eight first-round picks in their lineup against the Utah Hockey Club. 'The bigger picture of it, right?' said Blackhawks interim coach Anders Sörensen before the game. 'You said six guys that we picked in the first round that get an opportunity to play tonight. Obviously, this is the foundation of what we have going forward that we believe in here. So to see them and get a taste for them, to get a taste of what it is to play playoff-bound teams or teams that are fighting for the playoff spot, it's a good learning lesson and obviously a good evaluation tool for the organization as well.' For the fans, the organization and even the players who have been around long enough to hear plenty about the rebuild, there was a significance to seeing the collection of young players and top draft picks together on the ice. It was no longer just something that could be created in NHL 25. Advertisement 'It's pretty crazy,'said Blackhawks defenseman Alex Vlasic, who has quickly become a veteran at 23 years old on a team full of youth. 'I think (Saturday at practice) it kind of hit me at least kind of seeing the lineup, the D corps and how young we are. It's nuts. It's exciting to have all those guys here. They've been talked about for so long and have been drafted. It's finally coming to be of what everyone thought the rebuild was going to look like.' Patience was required to get to Sunday. And as Sunday's 5-2 loss and most of this season has shown, more patience will be needed if the Blackhawks are going to fully execute Davidson's plan and become a Stanley Cup contender again. With two 19-year-olds, three 20-year-olds, one 21-year-old, three 22-year-olds and a 23-year-old — plus four more players at 23 or younger who were either the backup goalie, injured or a healthy scratch Sunday — expected to comprise the Blackhawks' lineup through the season's final weeks, it's not so much about the final results of each game right now. With so many young players now signed and under the Blackhawks' direct supervision, development is more important than ever for the organization. Who Davidson hires as his next full-time NHL and AHL head coaches could have more influence on where the Blackhawks go in the coming years than anything else. It'll be on those coaches to encourage and bring out what those Blackhawks young players do best, filter out their bad habits and teach them how to play in the NHL. Nearly all of those players Sunday showed why the Blackhawks drafted them in the first round and why Davidson believes they can lead the organization back to success. There was Rinzel's combination of size, speed and offensive instinct. He had a handful of chances to score his first NHL goal. Advertisement 'A good example today is if you watch Rinzel, for example,' Sörensen said. 'His mentality of attack off the blue line or just advancing pucks with his feet, those are attributes that at this level are really positive. To see that for a first game, that was pretty impressive to watch. So just keep building off that, but those attributes, both of them that came in today have them, for sure.' The Blackhawks drafted Moore because they believed his speed would be a difference-maker at any level. There were already signs of that Sunday as he burst through the neutral zone and created clean offensive zone entries. 'I think I'm still comfortable with my skating out there,' Moore said after playing 15:03 in his debut. 'I think as I continue to get more games, the game will continue to slow down and things will keep building on themselves.' Sörensen mentioned how impressed he was by Moore making plays under pressure. It was Moore's cross-ice pass in the defensive zone to Nick Foligno that triggered Joe Veleno's goal in the second period on Sunday. Veleno's breakaway chance was something Sörensen referred to when discussing Nazar, who has been getting a ton of breakaways but has lacked the finish and has seven goals on the season. 'I think positive, yes, getting breakaways,' Sörensen said. 'I think it's just learning at this level. Goalies are good. You saw Joey's breakaway, right, couple of moves or whatnot. I think he'll get better at it soon.' Nazar tapped into his speed on one especially impressive drive shortly after getting denied on a breakaway. He didn't convert on the following play either, but you see the potential. Levshunov may be the most encouraging of the Blackhawks prospects to make their debut this season. The Blackhawks weren't exactly sure how he'd perform once exposed to the NHL and he's far exceeded their expectations. He's still raw in some ways and has some things to learn, but he just played in his 10th consecutive NHL game and logged more than 20 minutes for the seventh time. He recorded the primary assist on Veleno's goal. Advertisement Sunday was Korchinski's second game back up with the Blackhawks after a long stint with the Rockford IceHogs. He still seems to be acclimating back to the NHL level. He might ultimately take the longest to develop among the first-round picks, but the Blackhawks do think he's improving. 'There've been some good things and there's some things that we have to improve on,' Sörensen said. 'I think overall he's had a really good year of development and then coming up here now, it's not an easy environment. Obviously we're not doing as well as a team that we'd like to, then you come in as a young player, it's tough. Like I said, some really good things and some things to improve on.' Finally, there is Bedard. He had a primary assist on Ryan Donato's goal on Sunday to give him 58 points in 74 games this season. He has 20 goals and 38 assists. While that would be plenty of production for most 19-year-olds, expectations are higher for Bedard. He'd be the first to say he hasn't been pleased with his season. Sunday's game had its share of positives and negatives for Bedard. He's often putting himself in advantageous places on the ice, but just doesn't seem to be making the perfect decision on whether to shoot or pass and where to put the puck. The Blackhawks' faulty power play is one area he needs to take ownership of and bend to his game. His play does appear to elevate when his confidence is soaring. That's been shaken a lot this season. As Nathan MacKinnon said, he would have killed for Bedard's production at 19, so for the Blackhawks, there is still a lot to like and be hopeful of Bedard. There are certainly promising signs among the Blackhawks' young players, and they have more coming. Ryan Greene, a 2022 second-round pick, could be another player who makes his NHL debut in a few weeks after playing for Boston University in the Frozen Four. There are even more high draft picks in the system and more to be made at this year's draft. Davidson may aid the NHL team's progress for next season by adding more proven talent in the offseason. He has the cap space and draft capital to do so. But if the rebuild is to turn the corner and come to fruition, it'll likely be because of the players who were on the ice on Sunday. (Photo of Oliver Moore: Matt Marton / Imagn Images)
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
The Wraparound: How Much Did The Seth Jones Trade Help The Blackhawks' Rebuild?
Kick off NHL trade deadline week with rapid-fire hockey topics on The Wraparound. How Much Did The Seth Jones Trade Help The Blackhawks' Rebuild? by The Wraparound undefined Here's what Emma Lingan and Michael Augello discussed in this episode: 0:00: Does the trade return for Seth Jones fit well with the Chicago Blackhawks' organizational timeline? (embed video clip of this) 4:06: Could the Colorado Avalanche have the best defensive core in the Western Conference after acquiring Ryan Lindgren? 6:00: Was Gustav Nyquist a smart addition for the Minnesota Wild? 8:45: With Charlie Lindgren and Logan Thompson re-signed, how long is the Washington Capitals' competitive window open? 11:04: Does it make sense for Don Waddell to buy in on the Columbus Blue Jackets? 13:35: What should the San Jose Sharks look for in a return for Luke Kunin? 15:52: How should the St. Louis Blues approach the trade deadline? 18:30: Could Cole Caufield become one of the NHL's top goal-scorers next season? 21:00: Will Team Czechia be a contender for gold at next year's Olympics? 24:07: Can Zayne Parekh crack the Calgary Flames' roster next season? See below for where to subscribe to the show for future episodes. Apple Podcasts Spotify Podbean iHeartRadio Amazon
Chicago Tribune
24-02-2025
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
Frank Pellico looks back on 33 years as the Chicago Blackhawks organist — and closes out with ‘My Way'
Frank Pellico showed no signs that his final night tickling the keyboards as the Chicago Blackhawks' organist was plucking at his heartstrings. 'I'm more antsy,' he told the Tribune moments before Sunday's home game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Shortly afterward, colleagues and fans streamed into the organ room to extend congratulations on his decision to retire after 33 years. It was all about Pellico: During an intermission, he played Robert Johnson's 'Sweet Home Chicago' and The Champs' 'Tequila.' But during an ovation from fans and a stick-tap tribute from players during a first-period break at the United Center, Pellico could be seen wiping away tears on the big video board, with balloons spelling out '33' behind him. Pellico was finally hanging up his No. 61 Hawks jersey — 61, for the number of keys on a standard organ. Carrie Marcotte, Pellico's understudy and partner since the 2018-19 season, will take over. 'Next month, I'm going to be 84,' said Pellico, a resident of Palos Hills. 'And my whole life has been devoted to the hockey game here, and sports, and I just keep thinking to myself: When do you say you want to relax and not have to drive and get out in a cold wind? So, we've been talking about it for a while, and the decision has been made. 'It's time to pass the baton. So we did.' Even stationed far above the ice, current and former Hawks will remember his impact. 'What a career,' said Hawks interim coach Anders Sorensen, who wanted to talk about Pellico before taking any questions about the game. 'Give him a lot of credit, that's a lot of games, and that's just awesome.' Former Hawk and current Hawks analyst Troy Murray said, 'Thirty-three years is quite an accomplishment, and I think that the Hawks have been very lucky to have Nancy Faust before, and then Frank. The old Chicago Stadium, the old organ loft, it was pretty incredible. It was special.' Murray praised Pellico's dedication. 'Even when he was having some health problems, (he'd) always come down here to make sure that he was a part of the (opening) of the games. And I have a ton of respect for him. I've known him for a long time, and I'm really happy for him. He's looking forward to the next step in his life.' In a sit-down with the Tribune, Pellico reflected on his more than three decades as an organist. Getting started: 'Right place, right time.' Pellico has played for the Hawks since 1991. 'I had dark hair when I started,' he said. Pellico had been the longtime organist for the Chicago Cubs, and it was by chance he fell into the Hawks job — a story you can tell he just loves to retell. A colleague asked him to fill in one night because of a scheduling conflict. 'I said I would be very glad to, but I don't know too much about hockey music at the time,' he said. 'But (the person said) 'Don't worry about it. When they're not playing hockey, play a song. When they're playing hockey, stop.'' After the game, Pellico and a friend he invited went to the concourse because Pellico wanted a souvenir. The friend crossed paths with a couple, who said, ''Boy, did I like the music tonight.' … So my friend went over there, says, 'Would you like to see the organist? He's buying a souvenir.' And they said, 'Yes.'' Pellico went over to meet them. 'They were very complimentary, very nice,' he said. 'They said they haven't heard the organ played that way since Al Melgard originally was the organist from way back when (from 1930 to 1974). I say, 'How lucky can I be? I studied with Al when I was in high school.'' Pellico invited the couple to attend one of his concerts, and had them write their names and phone number, he said, looking down at an imaginary piece of paper in his hands. 'I'm walking out of the stadium, I'm asking my friend — 'Who are Bill and Alice Wirtz?' Well, they were the owners. And as it went on, they wanted me to be the organist there, and everything worked out fine. … 'Crazy story. Right place, right time.' Working with a couple of greats: 'I can follow him with my eyes closed.' Pellico played his first three seasons on a giant Barton pipe organ, which was sold to businessman Phil Maloof once the Bulls and Hawks moved to the United Center. But during that time at 'The Old Stadium,' Pellico accompanied Chicago legend Wayne Messmer on the national anthem. 'They would shoot the camera on him, of course, and he would be singing, and my back would be to the camera, because I don't know if you can see, the organ is so big that you couldn't begin to see over it,' Pellico said. 'Believe it or not, you're in this room, that physical (organ) console was almost as big as this room. 'Six keyboards. Eight hundred switches. So you couldn't see over it or around it, so you played with your back to the ice with a mirror, watching the game backwards all night.' After Messmer, the Hawks cycled through anthem singers before landing on Jim Cornelison. For years, announcer Gene Honda has invited United Center patrons to stand, if they are able, as 'organist Frank Pellico and soloist Jim Cornelison perform 'The Star-Spangled Banner.'' 'After all these years, I can follow him with my eyes closed, which is the biggest reason I remained here,' Pellico said. He's learned over the years there are nuances to being a sports organist that many traditional musicians don't know. It's difficult for an organist 'to just come in, sit down and follow Jim,' Pellico said. 'Because you have to follow the way he wants to sing — a little faster, a little slower — hang on to that note longer than you think. But we can do it together with our eyes closed.' Making the switch: 'It's very easy to let her take it over.' Marcotte signed on as Pellico's backup for the 2018-19 season. When the pandemic paused the league, her importance increased. 'We all had to have an understudy in case something happened to you and you got COVID,' Pellico said. Since then, 'I trained her note for note,' he said. 'She wrote down on her tablet everything you do at a (puck) drop, everything you do when they get a goal, everything you do here, everything you do there. And over the years she's been here, she's just grown to be very comfortable with it. 'So it's very easy to let her take it over.' Pellico eased her in. He played two periods and she played one. She played two periods, and he played one. By the end, he was just playing the national anthem for Cornelison. 'I decided that'll be a nice way of ending my career,' Pellico said. 'I will come and do the national anthem, and then Carrie can take over. And that's how we kind of finished it off.' Playing the standards: 'It's like that to this day.' Die-hard Hawks fans know: If the Hawks win, Pellico plays The Fratellis' 'Chelsea Dagger.' If the Hawks lose, Pellico plays Crystal Gayle's 'Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue.' If you lingered long enough, Pellico (and later Marcotte) played whatever tickled the fancy. Sometimes it had been Frank Sinatra's 'That's Life,' he said, but he always ended it with (fittingly) Sinatra's 'My Way.' 'I play a couple of songs while (fans are) walking out, but to close the organ down, it was 'My Way.' … And it's like that to this day, even if I do a concert,' he said. Humbled by fans: 'I'm only an organist!' On Sunday night, Pellico marveled at one fan's homage. 'I just had somebody come in with a black jersey with my name and number on the back that wanted me to sign it,' he said. 'Now you can't beat that. I'm only an organist!' He recalled how fans at a Hawks convention queued to get his autograph on a picture or jersey. 'Oh, my God, they would line up like at the Hilton,' he said. 'We always had conventions at the Hilton, and I'd be downstairs. They'd bring an organ, and I'd play and play and play and play and play, and then I would take a break. 'There was an enormous line. And you would just turn around and sign anything they wanted.' During Pellico's tenure, the Hawks have passed from generation to generation of Wirtzes. 'The owners, going all the way back to the Stadium, I was treated like family,' he said. 'The new owners? Treated like family. 'The respect they gave me for my talent.' What now? 'Whatever else comes in.' Pellico had been semi-retired for several seasons, so on many of those nights, he played the anthem and went home. 'I was still enjoying going out to breakfast and dinner with friends — that's the most important thing — and watching 'Judge Judy' on TV. Whatever else comes in.' Pellico said he's never taken a vacation in the last two decades or more. 'You're always here during the season (when) people are going away, when it's cold out in the winter,' he said. 'And when it's time for summer, none of my friends want to go anywhere. 'So I don't even go out and do anything,' he laughed.
