This week hopeful young men gathered in downtown Chicago answering the siren call of the Indian Head, the National Hockey Leagues Chief Black Hawk and all he represents.  The object of a prospect camp is for players aged 17 and up to strut their stuff and impress the coaches of  the host team. You can smell the hunger of these young men in the air, it makes for some pretty exciting hockey, for sure.

Just a few of these players will be offered a contract with either the  NHL Blackhawks or with the AHL IceHogs.  For most the camp is about assessment, information and next year. After five days of playing before the Blackhawks coaches the players then meet with Hawks staff for an “exit interview”. This is  where they are told if they have made the team but also what they need to do to take their game to the next level.  Invaluable information for a young athlete, looking to improve their personal best and and what that will bring to the table for future prospect camps.

One of our best, Mike Peck, voice of the IceHogs is in hospital today recovering from what is reported to be a heart problem. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mike and his family for a speedy recovery.

As a first posting of this yeas  camp here are some images of an encounter between Paul Phillips(#28)  and Zach Cohen (# 47) these two players looked like they wanted to dance all day!

The introduction to the waltz, Paul Phillips and Zach Cohen/ ByJane Rickard

Reach for the puck boys! # 28 Paul Phillips and # 47 Zach Cohen/ ByJane Rickard

Phillips has te worst of it, Cohen is on top of things/ By Jane Rickard

Holding? Who me?/ By Jane Rickard

Phillips has heart, from his knees he tries to get at the puck./ By Jane Rickard