Blackhawks Select F Matheson Iacopelli
With the 83rd overall pick in the 2014 NHL Draft, the Chicago Blackhawks select forward Matheson Iacopelli. Chicago received this pick from Calgary for Brandon Bollig moments before the selection.
Matheson Iacopelli, RW
6-2, 192
Muskegon (USHL)
DOB: 05/15/1994
58 games, 41 goals, 23 assists
Iacopelli, 20, finished tied with Nick Schmaltz for seventh in the USHL and led the Muskegon Lumberjacks with 63 points in 58 regular-season games this past year. His 41 goals led the league, and he ranked fourth on the team with 22 assists.
Iacopelli also led the league with 283 shots on goal and finished second in the USHL with 12 power-play goals and six game-winners. He was named to the 2013-14 All-USHL First Team. Iacopelli is committed to Western Michigan next year.
A FANTASTIC pick by Bowman and the Hawks staff (see Mark Kelley)…this kid is an absolute STEAL in the 3rd round, and when you factor in that it came from the Bollig trade, it becomes pretty amazing…outstanding job by Bowman here. This kid has size, decent to good skating ability, a big shot, and a nose for the puck…he can flat our score. Give him some time to mature and work on his defensive game at W. Michgan, and this kid is going to make in the NHL. Everything happened so fast with this selection, that I didn’t even realize that Iacopelli was still available. So for those that don’t follow prospect hockey, this is a great pick by the Hawks.
In fact, I really like all of Bowman’s picks so far…he has definitely gone for size, but without changing from the Hawks style of play…there is definitely more braun in this draft, but not at loss of talent and speed. Excellent job by the Hawks.
I live in Muskegon and have season tickets to the Lumberjacks. This kid can flat out finish. I was just saying to my wife the other day how awesome it would be if the Hawks picked Matt. Very stoked that it happened!
He is staying in the USHL one more year so if you guys living in Chicago want to see him play check him out when the Jacks visit the Steel. The Hawks picked a LOT of players for the USHL this year.
I also saw Snuggerud play a couple game for Muskegon while a fill in affiliate and then later he played against us on another team…he is not. Huge defenseman but his hockey smarts is off the scale, IMO. Makes GOOD decisions.
I just graduated from western and am moving back to chicago. Worst possible timing. I would have loved to watch a future hawk every other weekend.
As the family celebrates my nephews big draft Matheson Iacopelli his drive and desire for the NHL with his training and desire he accomplished 1st part of his dreams. Also with the help of my brothers his step father (Johnny DePalma and retired NHL player Lawrence DePalma) training Mate for over 9 years straight conditioning him has lead him to the NHL. The family can’t even tell you how happy we are. So, to my nephew your journey is beginning we love you and so proud of you. God bless and many years of making history like your Uncle Larry DePalma.
What a great message Marlise…thank you for sharing it here…we are all going to be following Matt’s career closely and wishing him the best…it is very encouraging to hear that he takes his off season conditioning so seriously, as it is often the little things that separate NHL players from non NHL players. He has the size and skill that this outstanding franchise needs, and we will be waiting for him to get here!!!
Again, congrats to your whole family and Matt!
Marlise – Nice to hear from the family of a player that is now in the Blackhawk family. A family friend’s son was drafted by the Wild this year and as my son is currently shooting 600 pucks at my banged up garage wall, I know the support these kids need to get to this point. I hope everyone enjoys the moment and we hope to see Matheson in the Indian Head Sweater in the future.
I glad you are a Chicago blackhawk you have a lot of iacopelli here in Chicago hope we can take one day to see if we’re related