Blackhawks College Prospects Updates
It’s been a while since the Blackhawks played an NHL game. It’s also been a while since we checked in with the Hawks’ group of college prospects.
First, a few headlines:
- Forward Dylan Sikura was named a candidate for the 2018 Hobey Baker Award.
- Three Blackhawks prospects – two college players – made Corey Pronman’s mid-season top 50.
- Defenseman Jake Ryczek left the Providence program in late-December and joined Halifax in the QMJHL.
In the current USCHO rankings, the Blackhawks are well represented. Among this week’s Top Ten, Chicago has prospects playing for:
- #1 Notre Dame – defenseman Dennis Gilbert
- #4 Cornell – forward Beau Starrett
- #5 Denver – defensemen Ian Mitchell and Blake Hillman
- #8 Northeastern – Sikura and defenseman Ryan Shea
Here are the rest of the college prospects updates.
Forwards
Dylan Sikura, F, Northeastern University
19 games, 12 goals, 18 assists, 30 points, 7 blocked shots
Fredrik Olofsson, F, Omaha
22 games, 5 goals, 12 assists, 17 points, 24 blocked shots
Evan Barratt, F, Penn State University* (2017 pick)
18 game, 7 goals, 5 assists, 12 points, 5 blocked shots
Beau Starrett, F, Cornell University
16 games, 1 goal, 5 assists, 6 points, 11 blocked shots
Jack Ramsey, F, University of Minnesota
27 games, 2 goals, 5 assists, 7 points, 16 blocked shots
Parker Foo, F, Union College* (2017 pick)
24 games, 1 goal, 3 assists, 4 points, 20 blocked shots
Liam Coughlin, F, University of Vermont
19 games, 1 goal, 3 assists, 4 point, 11 blocked shots
Defensemen
Ian Mitchell, D, University of Denver* (2017 pick)
22 games, 1 goal, 14 assists, 15 points
Blake Hillman, D, University of Denver
22 games, 2 goals, 6 assists, 8 points
Chad Krys, D, Boston University
22 games, 5 goals, 14 assists, 19 points, 37 blocked shots, 2 GWG
Dennis Gilbert, D, Notre Dame
21 games, 3 goals, 4 assists, 7 points, 40 blocked shots
Actually just talked to Notre Dame coach Jeff Jackson about him. Thought he had potential as more of a defensive defenseman at the next level. It’ll be interesting to see whether he signs after this season.
— Scott Powers (@ByScottPowers) January 18, 2018
Ryan Shea, D, Northeastern University
22 games, 1 goal, 10 assists, 11 points, 31 blocked shots, team-leading +12
Jake Massie, D, University of Vermont
21 games, 0 goals, 3 assists, 3 points, 39 blocked shots
Joshua Ess, D, University of Wisconsin* (2017 pick)
25 games, 1 goal, 2 assists, 3 points, 28 blocked shots
Jake Ryczek, D
* w/ Providence (NCAA) – 5 games, 1 goal, 1 point
* w/ Halifax (QMJHL) – 10 games, 2 goals, 5 assists, 7 points
Always enjoy the prospects update.
Wondering who the hawks might try to sign after the season.
When is Sikura signing. His college has a top 10 team so it be playoffs by the time he signs.
Mo if they make frozen 4 its first weekend of April so regular season over.
Sikura seems to have talent but I always worry with college players that they might take the same route as Kevin Hayes and become free agents. Hopefully Bowman has insite into the ability to sign this kid. Hoping for a more consistent and successful 2nd half. Go Hawks!!
I think the young NCAA players are starting to see a shift in type of player both that the Hawks and NHL like to try-like a Sikura. (especially the Hawks)
Hayes or Hayden. Theres no need to say anything. Going to be sweet watching Hayden nail some guys once he gets in to his 2nd and 3rd yr.
Its fine to have lots of small skill fast FW there not all going to be good so we get some by having more instead of gamble on a few and not.
Hayes brother was suppose to be like Hayden.
These guys are going to get their money which ever way they do it. Why not be a good sport and have success with class.
Who in their right mind would want to sign with our broke down dilapidated team ?
Hayes signs with Blackhawks has 1 Stanley Cup
Hayes goes for money and play time with Rangers has 0 Stanley Cups.
Good decision.
Dennis Gilbert is going to get his degree from Notre Dame in May. He is ahead of schedule. He is expecting to sign with the Hawks after his college season is over.
That’s the word from Buffalo, NY