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The Chicago Blackhawks’ 2011 Prospect Camp got underway Thursday. The camp hosted forty-six players including two of Chicago’s first-round draft picks, Mark McNeil (18) and Phillip Danault (26), from this year’s draft. Most players were current or recent draft picks by the Hawks but some were free-agent invitees, most of whom were still attending college.
The camp was divided into five groups. Each group would come out, usually in groups of eight or so, and do certain drills. In a drill setting, it’s almost impossible to stand-out. The drills consist of the basic shooting, passing and stick-handling variety.
It was only fitting that the highest draft pick, stood out the most. Where it looked like most players were just going through the motions, McNeil was aggressive and showed a lot of skill. At 6’ 2’’, 210 pounds, he had a couple of checks that put the other player back on his heels. Although he had a lot of strength, his skill was also evident on some of the moves he put on defenders. It looked impressive for a camp-setting, something McNeil wanted, “First impressions are key on a lot of the coaching staff and staff throughout the organization that haven’t seen me play yet. I got to be playing at my best."
McNeil, who is only eighteen years old, played center for Prince Albert Raiders in the WHL this past season. In 70 games for the Raiders, McNeil had 32 goals and 49 assists.
The first-round pick definitely has the ability to play in the NHL and he wants to start in Chicago, “I’m here to try to make the Chicago Blackhawks.”
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