The Rockford Ice Hogs needed a win in the worst of ways. The Chicago Blackhawks need the reassurance that their prospects are taking the right strides to make it to Chicago.
Colton Dach killed two birds with one stone Saturday night. The 20-year-old 2021 second-round pick had a hat trick against the Iowa Wild in a thrilling 4-3 win that not only snapped a four-game losing streak for the IceHogs, but gave them and the Blackhawks another dose of hope Saturday night that he’s a draft steal.
Oh, and he also buried a shootout goal, too.
The hat trick gives Dach six points in seven games after starting the season later due to injury. The strong start doubles down on what was a strong season in the Western Hockey League with the Seattle Thunderbirds last year.
The IceHogs are a compelling watch all season long because a large part of those who can help the Blackhawks future are there. Between Drew Commesso, Ethan Del Mastro, Nolan Allan, and Dach, the hope is all but eternal with every passing game.
It doesn’t even account for the other good things going on with the Blackhawks prospects.
But Dach’s three-goal performance is just another reason for fans to be excited for what’s coming through the pipeline.
Frank Nazar Continues To Impress
Michigan took it on the chin with injuries to three key players on Friday in a 5-3 win over Penn State. Nazar had a goal and a helper and added another assist in Saturday’s loss to the Nittany Lions.
With injuries piling up, it’ll be another chance to see what Nazar can do with likely more time and expectations headed his way. Nazar is currently on a seven-game point streak with 12 points (4-8) in that span. On the season, he has 16 points in 14 games.
The main question was how Nazar would respond after missing the chunk of his freshman season with injury. Like Dach who also fought through injuries last season, he’s only come back stronger.
And boy, they could both be something special not only this season, but in the Blackhawks future, too.
CHN will have a full prospects report update on Monday.
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