The Chicago Blackhawks have a lot of confidence in their farm system. Many people think they have the deepest prospect depth of any organization in the NHL.
Some of these guys are in college, playing major juniors or playing professionally overseas. Some also play pro hockey in North America with the Rockford IceHogs.
At this point, it’s hard not to be excited about this IceHogs team in the early stages of the 2024-2025 season. After their first game of the season, a 4-1 victory over the Grand Rapids Griffins, the optimism was confirmed.
Colton Dach opened the scoring for the Hogs in 2024-25 with his first of the year. Dach is one of many young talents that Chicago hopes will contribute to their team in the coming years.
In the second period, Kevin Korchinski went coast to coast to find the back of the net. After spending his entire rookie year in the NHL, this was the first AHL goal of his career.
Korchinski is currently one of the top players in the organization after becoming the seventh overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft. It wasn’t certain yet that he would start the year in the AHL, but it is good for his development. This winning environment will be great for him.
Even the depth of the organization will be on display this season with the Rockford IceHogs. Cavan Fitzgerald scored a goal to give them a 3-0 lead after goals from Dach and Korchinski.
Samuel Savoie scored his first goal as a Rockford IceHog late in the second. The 4-1 scoreline at the end of the match showed how good this team can be when everything goes in the right direction for them. The talent up and down the bench is undeniable.
The goalscorers weren’t the only impressive players in the first game either. Frank Nazar, Landon Slaggert and Gavin Hayes, among others, all collected their first points of the season. It was a true team victory, as no player earned more than one point.
Drew Commesso was also a story of the game. He made 18 saves on 19 shots, earning the win and even getting an assist himself. Commesso will be as big a part of the team’s success as anyone.
They are now off until Friday, when they will host the Milwaukee Admirals. After what we’ve already seen from this team without 2024 second overall pick Artyom Levshunov, there are exciting times ahead as they are healthier and more seasoned.
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Related: Blackhawks’ Korchinski has impressive AHL debut
