Blackhawks Prospect Profile - Defenseman Taige Harding

Height/Weight: 6-7 / 236 lb
Shoots: Left
Hometown: Glasgow, GBR
Age: 23
Contract: Second year of two-year Entry Level Contract (ELC)
Draft: Chicago Blackhawks - Round 3 (#91 overall) in 2021 NHL Entry Draft
2024-25 Team: Rockford IceHogs (AHL) / Providence College (NCAA)
2023-24 Stats: 8GP, (0,3,3), 8 PIMS / 37GP, (2,12,14), 46 PIMS

They Said it:

~AHL Rockford Head Coach Jared Nightingale

On his high speed and compete levels:
"I saw Harding when I was an assistant in Rockford and he came for Development Camp. He's taken some big strides in his development over the last couple of years."

"I thought he did a really good job using his body and closing on guys quickly. And obviously it might not be his game typically, but I thought he found some good ice and Rinzel made a heck of a pass for the first goal."

~NHL Chicago Assistant General Manager of Player Development Mark Eaton

"I've spent a lot of time with Taige since he was drafted. Obviously he's a big body with a ton of reach and has a physical element to his game. I've always thought that his game might translate better to the pro level than college so we'll have an opportunity to see that here."

He Said It:

On the Prospect Showcase:
"It was little bit rusty out there obviously, first game in five months, but it’s always good to get a win, it’s fun. It was a fast game both teams were moving, lots of energy and our team has a lot of speed so we just get it up to our forwards and let them wheel."

On his goal vs. STL:
"I had a wide open net. What a pass from Rinzel, it was a great. He’s really gifted. He has so much poise, easy to play with, good communicator, nothing but good things.”

On his family and support staff:
"I've got a great support group around me that allows me to just focus on hockey and help guide me to make decisions. I feel very lucky. I got a new trainer two years ago, Mel Lowe. She works a lot with power and speed at the same time. You do like a heavy weight and a quick weight and then quick feet, I feel like that’s helped me out a lot.”

On the Blackhawks process:
"They have a lot of big guys here, it's kind of what the game is, guys with size who can skate well. The Hawks do a great job with Development Camps so I've gotten to know a lot of the guys. I recognize faces and feel comfortable."

On transition to pro game:
"It was a great experience to get just even get some practices and games in with Rockford during the spring. The guys are bigger and faster. I'm going to work hard and enjoy the experience of it all."

On who he models his game after:
"Growing up I loved watching Zdeno Chara and Colton Parayko. Those big guys who play simple, big and are just effective at their jobs."

On his college career:
"We had a really good team at Providence last season. We made the tournament, but didn't get our final goal, though I still gained really great experience from that which will help me in this next step."

On his style of play:
"My game is keeping it simple for the most part and help generate offense that way. I use my stick and reach to my advantage. Defense is definitely my specialty, but I don't mind chipping in offensively."

On how he models his game:
"Skating is always the number one thing, working on foots speed and closing gaps. All areas of my game I want to round and focus on a little bit of everything."

2024-25 Notes:

• Made pro debut on Apr. 4 in Grand Rapids
• Recorded first pro point against Tucson on Apr. 11 with an assist
• Two game assist streak from Apr. 13 - Apr. 16
• Signed entry-level contract on Apr. 1
• Played all 37 games for Providence College
• Led Friars with 46 penalty minutes

Career Notes:

• Played four seasons at Providence College in NCAA
• Skated in 123 games with the Friars throughout his collegiate career
• Participated in Blackhawks Development Camp in 2023, 2024
• Served as team captain for Fort McMurray in the AJHL during 2021-22 season

Personal:

• Son of Mike Harding who played eight professional seasons between the ECHL/AHL in North America and the BNL/BISL in Europe.

**Rockford IceHogs tickets are on sale now! Head to icehogs.com and secure your seat at the BMO Center this season.**