PROSPECTS: Reichel Leads IceHogs Opener, Prospects Making Impact at Large

Just as the NHL season begins, so do numerous other leagues across the hockey landscape.
Here's a check-in on the Blackhawks' prospects at the start of the season.

Reichel Leads IceHogs in Manitoba

Lukas Reichel tallied 3 points (2G, 1A) in the season opener for Rockford on Saturday against the Manitoba Moose. The forward scored a highlight-worthy goal in the 5-4 comeback win, carrying the puck across the blue lines before finishing a forehand flick over the glove of netminder Arvid Holm.

"I want to get better, it doesn't matter where I play," said Reichel at the IceHogs' media day last Tuesday. "I worked hard in the summer. I feel stronger. I feel more comfortable in the corners [where] I use my body more."
Reichel shares the top of Rockford's scoring chart with forward Luke Philp (2G, 1A) through two games. Philp scored Rockford's first goal of the season on Saturday on a one timer off a backhand pass across the crease by defenseman Nicolas Beaudin. Later in the game, Philp redirected a wrist shot from Reichel to equalize the game at 4-4.
Rockford split the season-opening series with the Moose -- dropping Sunday's contest 4-0 with Arvid Soderblom making 27 saves in the loss.

Prospects Start Fast Across CHL

Following a successful preseason showing, defenseman Kevin Korchinski, the No. 7 overall pick in last summer's draft, continues to impress in the first five games played for the Seattle Thunderbirds in the WHL. The defenseman has tallied 8 points (1G, 7A) in five outings.

Elsewhere in the Canadian juniors ranks, defenseman Paul Ludwinski contributed a goal and 2 assists in the Kingston Frontenacs' first two OHL games. Also in the OHL: Mississauga Steelheads defenseman Ethan Del Mastro, a fourth-round pick in 2021, has 7 points (1G, 6A) in five games.

Collegiate Standouts

Blackhawks prospects are also making early-season waves in the NCAA ranks.
Ryder Rolston tallied 3 goals and 3 assists in Notre Dame's first four games of the season. Goalie Dominic Basse in the crease for St. Cloud St. University is 2-0-0 with a .971 save percentage to start the Huskies' season. Forward Ryan Greene, a second-round pick in the 2022 draft, has 4 points (2G, 2A) in four games for Boston University as well.

Photo Credit: Jonathan Kozub