Key Points From Day 1 of Blackhawks Development Camp – Hockey Writer – Chicago Blackhawks
June 30 was a busy day as it marked the first day of Chicago Blackhawk Development Camp. According to the Blackhawks’ new practice, it’s on ice.
Day one includes fitness tests, introductions and psychological skills. My colleague Gail Kauchak and I attended the meeting and had the opportunity to talk to some potential clients and heard the voice of Jared Nightingale, head coach of Icehogs in Rockford.
Here are some tidbits.
Nightingale Talks about Development
First, we hear it from Jared Nightingale. In May, he was hired as Rockford’s head coach, replacing Mark Eaton. He worked on the Icehogs coaching staff for three years last season before working as head coaching for the ECHL at the South Carolina Strays before returning. He described the “torna” of selling homes in Rockford, and then found a new home there last month.
But he is eager to help players develop in Rockford.
See players from Rockford to NHL to succeed
“I think it’s one of the best parts of the job. [Alex] Vlasic is a great example of a guy who falls and hits for a long time, but he does have the ability to coach. But in the end, playing professional hockey and then joining the American League, the players are one step away from their dreams. It’s great to see them, especially when they follow and do that. ”
Anton Furund’s choice in the overall third may be
“Honestly, just here, I probably know as much as you guys. You see the highlights in the draft. I met him. I mean, even if I played, I didn’t meet any unmodest Swedes, which are not humble, people who don’t work hard. Good guys, but you see his figure and his skills. I think it makes him very excited because it’s a fan of the Black Hand Eagles.”
When developing some player profiles
“We’ve started meeting. Summer is still some. We’re going to meet with the coach. [Jeff] Blashill and his staff next month. I also think that as a player, you know, looking back, it’s nice to see the new coach come in. Everyone is clean. You want to listen and learn from the past. But, for these guys, it’s a clean start. The first impression is great, and I am very happy to come in with a clear mind. Everyone has equal opportunities. ”
He also noted that he and Blashill will discuss their team so they can try to stay the same as this makes the transition from Rockford to the Blackhawks easier. The Nightingale values a strong work ethics team, and so does the Eagles.
Reflect on their journey
As for players, talk to most of the 2025 draft courses. I talked to Nathan Behm, Mason West, Julius Sumpf and Parker Holmes.
In his season
Nathan Behm scored 31 goals and 66 points in 59 games against WHL’s Kamloops Trail Blazers (WHL (Wester Hockey League), which is an increase of 35 points from 2023-24.
“I think I had a good offseason last year and I’m very strong in the season. So I think I’ve had a great start to this season and I’ve just started all year. I think I’ve had a really good offense this year, so I just want to keep getting better.”
Holmes recovered from injury
Parker Holmes has been limited to 21 games this season, and OHL’s Brantford Bulldogs due to injury. I asked him how he felt.
“I feel much better. I had shoulder surgery about four months ago, so after two more months until I’m completely healthy. But it’s getting better.”
Related: Meet Black Hawk 2025 Draft Category: Reactions and Analysis
For a fun tidbit, Holmes shared that his Brantford teammates Nick Lardis and Marek Vanacker (who also participated in the development camp), both of which contacted him immediately after he was drafted, which was cool.
Sumpf’s NHL dream come true
Julius Sumpf is one of the best stories for the Blackhawks, as a 20-year-old occupier who was passed on in a previous draft and finally got the name. So I asked him to take me past the feeling when I finally got the call.
He scored 65 points with the Moncton Wildcats (Quebec Maritime Junior Hockey League) in 58 games with QMJHL
“Obviously excited. I haven’t been selected for two consecutive years, and that’s obviously going to hang on you.
Sumpf also told me that Lukas Reichel of Germany grew up and it was a very small world!
He also said, “When you have fun, you always play better”, when I asked him what response he had to start this year. That’s true for hockey.
Regarding Mason West, I will introduce him separately because we had a longer conversation. So please keep paying attention!
The second day of the development camp on July 1 will feature a speech by general manager Kyle Davidson as it is also the opening day for free agents.
