Ville Pokka Earns AHL All-Rookie Honors
On Wednesday, Rockford IceHogs defenseman Ville Pokka was named to the AHL All-Rookie Team for the 2014-15 season. Pokka, 21, has eight goals and 22 assists in 64 games with Rockford this season.
Pokka was acquired from the New York Islanders in the Nick Leddy trade. He was originally a second round pick (34th overall) by the Islanders in 2012.
Good for us. Next years D is going to have a different look with some very capable and exciting young players. Only sort of regret is that we didnt bring up some of these guys and give them a real good look ala Detroit. We may have had a better D core for the playoffs if we had. In any case its not Stan or Q’s way so we wait until September and then we get the new look Blackhawks.
Ville Pokka all rookie. Stephen Johns is near the top of +/-. Is it bad I’m looking forward to next year before this one is over?
I think I need to calm my expectations a bit. Look at what came of Clendening. Development kind of flat lined. When he needed to work on his defense, his offense vanished.
I have a high hopes for Pokka. It’s a pitty he wasn’t tested in NHL at all this season, maybe he would be better option than Runblad or Rozsival for the playoffs.
They actually follow much of the Detroit model, they don’t rush their prospects and that’s why none of these guys were called up. Johns especially who is just now rounding into his game after being inconsistent, hurt, or both all year. Some of you have got a bad case of the grass is always greener syndrome. Pokka, for one, is just turning 21 this year. Lots of time.
Hofmeister…I did say “only sort of regret”…our bottom pairing on D is left wanting making us vulnerable in the playoffs…of course there is no sense in rushing anyone. On the other hand we could have had a preview and a diamond in the rough may have emerged just in time. Well you know what I’m saying. Bad luck we lost TVR. If you check my postings I was never sold on Timonin but trusted Stan and Q. Any word on his status? Anything? Will we see him again? Still liking our chances overall as every other team has flaws as well.
Hofmeister…Also want to say that when it comes to information and eyewitness accounts from Rockford and all the other prospects and hopefuls you are the number one guy. Craig N. gives us good info and descriptive accounts as well and of course Tab is on top of things. Maybe we can see Paliotta get in for a game or two before the playoffs. I’m way too far from the action there to see it happen and get the latest around the rinks so many of us rely on your good sense. Thanks for all that.
Mining Man… I resent your comments on Hogs scouting… guess you forgot my reports on :
Pokka gets his shot thru better than any guy there
Cden- sucks and can’t skate… will never make it on Hawks
TT – was skating circles around guys there (right before he came up)
My favorite- Hartman “Knows how and when to hit a guy- when they are off balance”
remember his 1st hit in NHL – 1st shift?
Maybe Tab remembers when I said the Hawks should bring up Shaw- cuz the dude could play… and Tab replied- “Wall- stop drinking the bong water!!!”
Sorry Hof, sometimes I just have to pat myself on the back… I was an unloved child!!!
and Adult for that matter!!!
Oh no! Forgot the wall-man. Maybe I be run over by the Zamboni. My humblest apologies. Actually several do nice work given us accounting of what is going on down on the farm, and I do appreciate the insights. I get to see the Saskatoon Blades (WHL) and La Ronge Ice Wolves ( lots of guys go to Europe) and all their visiting teams.
Has anyone seen confirmation of the story that the 3 swedish d-prospects (Dahlstrom, Norrell and Press) are coming over to join Rockford? That would be interesting to get a first hand view of their progress. I saw that Dahlstrom was getting solid minutes in the SEL playoffs.
Hof – saw your post regarding Nick Mattson – do you think his age is going to make it more difficult with all the young d-prospects that we have? (He will turn 24 by early next season).
M S – Mattson is going to be an interesting call/decision. the kid oozes character and has had a fabulous second half of his season. but his age might work against him. he will likely get an ahl contract and have to start in the echl.
I”ve seen him play a few times and he is a very good player. He has a man’s frame, a good hard low lefty shot from the point. He is decent positionally on defense. The question is : what is his upside ? Is he just a good college player who then plays in the ECHL, eventually graduating to the AHL or is going to be an NHL player ?
Speaking of d-men, has any news surfaced of Paliotta possibly playing tonight? I believe the word was that he would get at least one game in before the season ends…based on what I see of #5, I’d rather take a shot with the kid. I’ve seen more than I want of #5 & #32. I’m sure they’re great guy’s but what did Leo Durocher say about nice guy’s?
For the playoffs play the standard pairs of #’s 2/4 & 4/27 and fill in the 3rd pair and keep fingers crossed when they’re on the ice.
Next years blue line will be interesting to see how it lines up…I’m going to guess only two are for sure…#2 & #4. I’m not advocating moving #7 but it wouldn’t surprise me it it happens as he could bring a return. I’d prefer keeping the three and filling in the rest with kids between TVR, Pokka, Johns, et al…time to re-tool. While #27 seemingly has regained some form surely he’s gone next year considering the cap.
Not feeling warm and fuzzy about this years run…too many guy’s not delivering / finishing.
The Hawks have lost some close ones lately but not really a huge concern. Dallas has been playing fantastic lately and Benn is ripping it up (may win the scoring race)and they lost to a Columbus team who is kicking the snot out of everyone lately (the Eastern teams should be happy they are out). I heard a comment during the Ranger game and some of their players commenting on how they admired the Hawks and Kings for being able to handle EVERY TEAMS best game night in and night out and they are true professionals. That comment says a lot that the Hawks still get respect and should be playoff ready as they don’t get many easy games.
MS – I also saw that news about the Swedish defensemen coming over and actually commented on it in another thread. It was confirmed by a Rockford guy who’s really in the know and close to the situation.
On Mattson, I’m not thinking his age is an issue, it’s more what his ceiling is and whether they’ll sign him or whether he signs with the Hawks. Stan Bowman specifically commented on him (in positive fashion) after last years’s prospect camp and the Blackhawks development staff has been closely involved with his progress and helping to improve his game. They were close to trying to pull him out of North Dakota late fall last year until he turned his game around with some extra attention from the ND coaches and Barry Smith of the Blackhawks. So he is certainly not a forgotten prospect – Blackhawks are pretty good about that – as an example they followed and developed a relationship with this Tanner Kero young man they just signed.
What all that means – I do not know. They have to manage all these assets and let’s not forget Mattson has a choice now too. If he has indeed “broken out” in his senor year like some reports have said, he may feel he has more opportunity elsewhere. Hard to say. Blackhawks have a lot of D prospects they like, including these Swedes.
Anxious to see him play tonight – I’ve seen him in prospect camp but this is a little different challenge.
Meant pairs 2 / 7 & 4 / 27 above…