Like every season around this time, training camp has run its course for many of the prospects and tryouts. Since the weekend, the Chicago Blackhawks cut ties or reassigned the bulk of players from camp, reducing the roster from 49 to 32. “Training camp for some people is a stressful time and a bundle of nerves, but it’s professional sports,” coach Luke Richardson said.
“Whoever performs the best when it’s on the line (are) the guys that deserve to be there. That’s just the way it is. “There’s always a new kid on the block that’s going to take your position.
” Some players could return early in the season, while others might have said their final farewells to Chicago. A few, such as forward prospect (and this year’s camp darling) AJ Spellacy, have surprisingly stuck around. They’ve all left impressions in different ways on this year’s camp, from their hockey journeys to colorful stories.
Preseason photos: Detroit Red Wings 4, Chicago Blackhawks 2 The third-round pick in this year’s draft looks like a speedster and a thumper — and at times, a veteran — a combination that has opened some eyes. “It’s good,” Spellacy said. “I’ve been learning a lot, so it’s good to stick around for however long they want to keep me.
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I just had the mindset of put my best in and see where that takes me. I think I’ve done that.” Normally, the 18-year-old would’ve been on the way back to his junior team (in his case, the OHL Windsor Spitfires) like.