The start of the Chicago Blackhawks training camp was not easy, with Jeff Blashill in charge. The first day of practice was demanding for Connor Bedard and his teammates, with Blashill overseeing every detail. The intensity was high from the start.
Blashill, visibly tired, admitted that the physical adaptation was tough, but it’s a minor adjustment compared to the challenge of leading a team in reconstruction. After a previous season with poor performance, the new coach has the task of guiding the Blackhawks, a young team led by Bedard, who turned 20 in July.My feet are killing me.
Jeff Blashill
- Build a solid culture.
- Implement effective game systems.
- Define roles and positions within the team.
Bedard also highlighted the importance of physical preparation and building a game culture. This is a second chance for Blashill as an NHL head coach. Previously, he coached the Detroit Red Wings for seven seasons, with a record of 204-261-72, before being relieved in April 2022. Blashill spent the last three years as an assistant to Jon Cooper in Tampa Bay. Now, he seeks to apply his experience to guide the young Blackhawks.I loved everything about today. I think it sets the tone for what Blashill wants, what our coaching staff wants, and the standard we want to have.
Nick Foligno
The Blackhawks’ training camp began without veteran goaltender Laurent Brossoit, who is out of action due to a long-term injury following hip surgery. The team has Spencer Knight, acquired in a trade in March, and Arvid Soderblom to cover the goaltender position.There are real comparisons to my experiences in the American Hockey League. But in the end, a coach told me a long time ago, that their best coaches made them do well, and we’re going to make our guys do well.
Jeff Blashill
