Some random musings and notes from Day 2 of Blackhawks camp:
Three more Rockford players came to camp on Monday: forwards Brandon Saad and Brandon Pirri and defenseman Ryan Stanton. Neither Saad nor Pirri were on one of the four Blackhawks lines Monday while Stanton formed a fourth defensive pair with Michal Rozsival.
Coach Joel Quenneville saw Stanton in Rockford this fallearly winter and likes what hes seen.
I really enjoyed the way hes played this year. Hes stable and adds depth back there, brings consistency on the back end, he said. Hes got some experience, got some physicality. Every game, you knew what he was going to do.
Hes very close to playing up here; hes seeing our system and learning from that as well, Quenneville continued. A lot of guys are going to get a chance to play. Hes earned it.
Getting the call
But the Rockford call-ups havent ended. Late Monday, forward Jimmy Hayes was recalled and will likely be at Tuesdays practice. Hayes has 17 points and a plus-2 rating in 37 games with the IceHogs this season.
NHL
Hayes may have been recalled due to the absence of Marcus Kruger, who missed Mondays practice with the flu. Quenneville said he wasnt sure if Kruger will return Tuesday. The flu has been bad this winterit was near epidemic in the Chicago area last weekand Quenneville said its something the staff will watch.
Ive seen it happen and it can cause major disruptions, Quenneville said about flu bugs going through a locker room. Were aware of how bad it is this year. Well make sure, with a 48-game season, that were on top of it.
Alumni skate
The Blackhawk Alumni Association will host Skate with the Greats on Feb. 1 at Soldier Field. Blackhawk greats Bobby Hull and Tony Esposito will sign autographs. Blackhawk alumni taking shifts on the ice include Cliff Koroll, Eric Daze, Phil Russell, Brian Noonan, Al Secord, Grant Mulvey, Reggie Kerry, Dave Mackey and Peter Marsh. Player list is subject to change.
Tickets, 100 for adults and 50 for kids 12 or younger, provide attendees with a 30-minute skate and 30-minute autograph session. There will be four sessions, each limited to 125 registrants. Fans will be able to request their preferred session when they order tickets. Proceeds will benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana.
The session schedule follows:
SESSION 1: 7:30-8 p.m. On ice, 8:30-9 p.m. autograph session
SESSION 2: 7:30-8 p.m. Autograph session, 8:30-9 p.m. on ice
SESSION 3: 8-8:30 p.m. On ice, 9-9:30 p.m. autograph session
SESSION 4: 8-8:30 p.m. Autograph session, 9-9:30 p.m. on ice
To buy tickets, go to www.RonaldHouseChicago.orgskatewiththegreats.
Heading to the UC
The Blackhawks will practice at the United Center for the first time on Tuesday, starting at 11 a.m.