Jeff Blashill Imposes Rigor at the Start of Blackhawks Camp
The Chicago Blackhawks’ training camp began with intensity under the direction of Jeff Blashill, who spared no effort on the first day of practice. Connor Bedard and the rest of the team experienced a rigorous session, with Blashill overseeing every detail.This is Blashill’s first meeting with his new team, following his appointment as coach in May. His main task is to guide the team through a rebuilding process, after the Blackhawks obtained a total of 74 victories in the last three seasons. Despite the emerging talent, led by Bedard, who turned 20 in July, the Blackhawks will be one of the youngest teams in the NHL on opening night. Blashill has work ahead. Blashill emphasized the importance of building a solid culture and establishing effective systems. The intensity and pace were notable, especially for the first day of camp, with the coaching staff pushing the players to be ready for each drill.My feet are killing me. I haven’t been on the ice since April, so it was a tough adjustment. I don’t remember them hurting this much, but I guess that’s what happens at every training camp.
Jeff Blashill
Bedard stated that the players were prepared for the demand.I loved everything today. I think it sets the tone for what Blash wants, what our coaching staff wants, and the standard we want to have.
Nick Foligno
This is Blashill’s second chance to prove his worth as a head coach in the NHL. Before arriving at the Blackhawks, he had a record of 204-261-72 in seven seasons with the Detroit Red Wings, before being fired in April 2022. Blashill spent the previous three years as an assistant to Jon Cooper in Tampa Bay, but he is likely to draw on his experience as a head coach in the minor leagues to guide the young Blackhawks.He warned us a bit that we were going to skate. I think that’s good. You need to do that and it’s going to build a culture and the way we’re going to play.
Connor Bedard
The Blackhawks’ training camp began without veteran goaltender Laurent Brossoit, who has been sidelined with injuries since signing a two-year contract last year in free agency. General Manager Kyle Davidson stated that Brossoit will be out “long-term” after undergoing offseason hip surgery. The Blackhawks acquired Spencer Knight in a trade with Florida in March and signed him to a contract extension last week. They also have Arvid Soderblom in goal.There are real comparisons to my experiences in the American Hockey League. But in the end, a coach told me this a long time ago, he was a former player, he said that his best coaches made them do well, and we’re going to make our guys do well.
Jeff Blashill
