advertisement

Chicago Blackhawks camp opens with smaller crowds

The first day of the last three Blackhawks training camps in South Bend all had one thing in common: Huge crowds, huge lines and huge enthusiasm from fans.

This year? Well, it wouldn't be much of a stretch to say you could hear a pin drop at Johnny's IceHouse West on Friday.

As opposed to the thousands who filled the Compton Family Ice Arena from 2013-15, only about two dozen took in the action this year. The fact that most of the big names aren't here for the Hawks as the take part in the World Cup of Hockey in Toronto is a likely reason.

The Hawks held two practices and also conducted a scrimmage that was broken into two 25-minute halves. The quality of hockey was about what you'd expect when the top lines were Andrew Desjardins-Dennis Rasmussen-Ryan Hartman on one side and Tyler Motte-Nick Schmaltz-Richard Panik on the other.

Assistant coach Mike Kitchen said there was reason some players who were present may have been dragging.

"Yesterday they had their fitness testing and medical, so it was a long, drawn-(out) day for them and it's kind of exhausting," Kitchen said. "The pace was fine today. We expect it to be even better tomorrow."

Two players who stood out were forwards Pierre-Cedric Labrie and Alexandre Fortin.

Fortin, who also popped during prospects camp in July, scored twice in his team's 4-1 victory. The 19-year-old Quebec native continues to dazzle with top-end speed, and he also displays excellent vision and awareness on the ice.

"He had a good day today," Kitchen said. "He has some speed, he's got a good stick. So we're going to keep a close eye on him."

Labrie, who was on Fortin's team and scored the first goal, played the last two seasons in Rockford, scoring 28 goals in 126 games.

World Cup arrivals:

With the USA, Finland and Czech Republic all eliminated from the World Cup, it's natural to wonder when Patrick Kane and defensemen Ville Pokka and Michal Kempny will arrive at camp.

Assistant coach Mike Kitchen more than hinted it won't be in the next couple of days.

"Well, you know, we're just going to give them some time off," Kitchen said. "I'll just come in and play it by ear (with) them. We'll see, because they've been going since the first of September, and even prior to that."

Fan festival:

The first 10,000 fans to enter the United Center for the sold-out Blackhawks' fan festival Saturday will receive a Brent Seabrook bobblehead. Gates open at 9 a.m.

He said it:

"After such a long summer I felt like I was retired. Definitely a different and weird summer."

Brent Seabrook

Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.