Recap: Hawks Prospects Pull Out 4-2 Win in Showcase

MARYLAND HEIGHTS, MO.- The prospects of the Chicago Blackhawks held on to defeat the prospects of the Minnesota Wild 4-2 on Saturday night in the second game of the 2024 Tom Kurvers Prospect Showcase at Centene Community Ice Center.

The goals for the Blackhawks came from Frank Nazar (2022 1^st round), Gavin Hayes (2022 3^rd round), Ryder Rolston (2020 5^th round – Colorado), and Martin Misiak (2023 2^nd round).

Nazar’s tally tied the game at 1-1 in the first period after Misiak fed a cross-zone pass to Nazar’s tape for a back-door connection on the power play.

Hayes found the back of the net on the power play to give the Hawks the lead in the second after a chaotic sequence in front of the Minnesota net. Paul Ludwinski (2022 2^nd round) initiated the attack with a quick one-touch pass to Hayes, and after several more shot attempts, Hayes buried a wrist shot from the right dot (8:31).

Tied at 2-2 in the third, Nazar absorbed a body check in order to set the table for Ryder Rolston to take the puck up the ice and break the tie with a quick release from the right circle.

Invite goaltender Ben Gaudreau held the gates for Chicago under heavy duress in the second and third periods. The OHL product enters the 2024-25 season on an AHL contact with Rockford.

Misiak provided an empty-netter late.

Loose Pucks:

• Martin Misiak and Frank Narar each tabbed a goal and an assist.
• The Blackhawks split the showcase with one win and one loss
• Chicago’s power play was 2-for-4