CHICAGO, Ill. (WTVO/WQRF) — New Rockford IceHogs head coach Jared Nightingale is getting a good look at some of the Chicago Blackhawks top prospects this week. The Hawks are holding their prospects camp. It’s a series of meetings and off-ice workouts.
Among the prospects in attendance are the Blackhawks three first-round draft picks this past weekend, Anton Frondell, Vaclav Nestrasil and Mason West. Their three first-round picks last year are also on hand, Nick Lardis, Sacha Boisvert and Marek Vanacker.
Nightingale told reporters in Chicago Monday that his goal as the IceHogs head coach is to engrain the players into the Blackhawks’ system and to establish a strong team culture.
“It’s going to be getting on the same page with Coach (Jeff) Blashill and his identity. You know, a lot of hockey teams now, they want to play fast. We want to be aggressive. I think, one component for sure, like most coaches say, we want to be ultra-competitive and make the BMO a really tough place to play.”
“I love players that are selfless but team first, and zero entitlement. I think you earn everything. It’s a blessing to be able to play pro hockey. So, we’ll create that culture in Rockford.”
Nightingale was the head coach of the ECHL’s South Carolina Stingrays last season leading them to a league best record of (52-15-5). Before that, Nightingale was an assistant coach with the IceHogs. He also played one season with them.
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