Back to School: Where Blackhawks College Prospects Will Play in 2017-18

Since taking over as GM of the Blackhawks, Stan Bowman has consistently filled his draft classes with players headed to college. The 2017 NHL Draft followed that pattern, with Chicago selecting four players who will play in the NCAA this year.

Last year, the Blackhawks had a number of prospects leave the college ranks after the 2016-17 season, either by graduation or by contract.

John Hayden and Anthony Louis finished their fourth collegiate seasons and made the jump to the professional ranks. Hayden sprinted directly to the NHL level in fact. Leaving college early were forward Matt Iacopelli and defenseman Luc Snuggerud, both of whom had terrific 2016-17 seasons.

Chris Calnan, a third round pick in 2012, finished his senior year at Boston College as their captain, but has not yet received a contract from Chicago.

Looking ahead to the 2017-18 school year, Chicago stands to have 15 prospects – seven forwards, eight defensemen – playing college hockey.

Forwards

Dylan Sikura, F, Northeastern University
Ht: 6-0 Wt: 166
Shoots: L
Drafted: 2014 – 6th round (#178)
2016-17 season: 38 games, 21 goals, 36 assists, 57 points

Fredrik Olofsson, F, Omaha
Ht: 6-2 Wt: 200
Shoots: L
Drafted: 2014 – 4th round (#98)
2016-17 season: 34 games, 11 goals, 13 assists, 24 points

Beau Starrett, F, Cornell University
Ht: 6-5 Wt: 212
Shoots: L
Drafted: 2014 – 3rd round (#88)
2016-17 season: 35 games, 4 goals, 10 assists, 14 points

Jack Ramsey, F, University of Minnesota
Ht: 6-3 Wt: 185
Shoots: R
Drafted: 2017 – 7th round (#208)
2016-17 season: 36 games, 1 goal, 4 assists, 5 points

Liam Coughlin, F, University of Vermont
Ht: 6-2 Wt: 201
Shoots: L
Drafted: 2014 – 5th round (#130 – by Edmonton*)
2016-17 season: 31 games, 3 goals, 8 assists, 11 points
* -acquired from Edmonton for goaltender Anders Nilsson in July 6, 2015

Evan Barratt, F, Penn State University* (2017 pick)
Ht: 6-0 Wt: 187
Shoots: L
Drafted: 2017 – 3rd round (#90)
2016-17 season: 63 games, 18 goals, 38 assists, 56 points*
* – with the US National U18 Team

Parker Foo, F, Union College* (2017 pick)
Ht: 6-1 Wt: 170
Shoots: L
Drafted: 2017 – 5th round (#144)
2016-17 season: 60 games, 34 goals, 32 assists 66 points
* – with Brooks (AJHL)

Defensemen

Dennis Gilbert, D, Notre Dame
Ht:  6-2 Wt: 220
Shoots: L
Drafted: 2015 – 3rd round (#91)
2016-17 season: 40 games, 0 goals, 22 assists, 22 points

Chad Krys, D, Boston University
Ht: 6-0 Wt: 185
Shoots: L
Drafted: 2016 – 2nd round (#45)
2016-17 season: 39 games, 5 goals, 6 assists, 11 points

Blake Hillman, D, University of Denver
Ht: 6-1 Wt: 181
Shoots: L
Drafted: 2016 – 6th round (#173)
2016-17 season: 43 games, 1 goal, 7 assists, 8 points
DU won the 2017 NCAA Championship

Ryan Shea, D, Northeastern University
Ht: 6-1 Wt: 176
Shoots: L
Drafted: 2015 – 4th round (#121)
2016-17 season: 38 games, 1 goal, 13 assists, 14 points

Ian Mitchell, D, University of Denver* (2017 pick)
Ht: 5-10 Wt: 165
Shoots: R
Drafted: 2017 – 2nd round (#57)
2016-17 season: 53 games, 8 goals, 29 assists, 37 points*
* – with Spruce Grove (AJHL)

Jake Ryczek, D, Providence College
Ht: 5-10 Wt: 181
Shoots: R
Drafted: 2016 – 7th round (#203)
2016-17 season: 50 games, 8 goals, 21 assists, 29 points*
* – with Waterloo (USHL)

Jake Massie, D, University of Vermont
Ht: 6-2 Wt: 177
Shoots: L
Drafted: 2015 – 6th round (#156 – by Carolina*)
2016-17 season: 29 games, 0 goals, 7 assists, 7 points
* – acquired from Carolina in a Kris Versteeg trade on Sept. 11, 2015

Joshua Ess, D, University of Wisconsin* (2017 pick)
Ht: 5-11 Wt: 181
Shoots: L
Drafted: 2017 – 7th round (#215)
2016-17 season: 23 games, 8 goals, 20 assists, 28 points
* – with Lakeville South HS (Minnesota)