Blackhawks Scrimmages Having Positive Effect on Players

Every training camp across the league is done differently with different coaches and management running things. Everyone involved with each has their own experiences and backgrounds they came from learning the game. This also entails applying what they know and experienced over the years.

In the case of the Chicago Blackhawks, Luke Richardson and company are trying something interesting out this training camp by starting with a scrimmage each day.

Richardson said, “I think we liked it so much, the players looked good and I think they liked it. But I think management really liked watching it and all the pro scouts are here, so it was a good chance for them. So we added another 10 minutes on today (weekend).”

The Blackhawks’ head coach mentioned that the training camp rules are strict and they have to manage their time properly for the players. This gives us an understanding of how important the staff thinks seeing the players in a game situation is and how it appears to be a very positive thing for the group to begin like that each day.

“We just thought it was more valuable for all of us and them if they want to keep that pace up,” Richardson noted as well. Management, scouts and coaches all get a good look at the players in game situations and the energy starts off on the right foot each day. Everybody likes playing games and it gets the competitive juices flowing.

Richardson also explained that “We asked them to play a little more structured and a little more physical today and get out of the summer hockey rules…no hitting…and get ready for some exhibition games. So I thought that’s why the score was down today, and now tomorrow we’ll try to combine it. Not open it up, but try to create a little more opportunities to score, but also working on our defensive game at the same time.”

The Blackhawks need improvements in both offense and defense after finishing at the bottom of the league in both last season. While the off-season additions will help with that, structure and playing a system at both ends of the ice is needed. Many players are coming to a new team and have to adjust, so this mix of scrimmages that lead into the drills seems like a great move by the Blackhawks and the players appear to like it.

When asked if he likes playing in the scrimmage right away, Connor Bedard said “Yeah, for sure. You’re kind of just itching for any game situation…It was a really good pace and a lot of fun to get into that, so excited for another one tomorrow.”

As Richardson spoke about, he believes the players look good and liked it to start the on-ice stuff each day. It’s a good kicking off point and gets everyone more engaged. The pace is just going to pick up as more cuts happen and the clear contenders for the final rosters spots reveal themselves. As it seems to be working out well for everyone, I don’t see the scrimmage at the beginning going away anytime soon either.

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