By JASON LOWENTHAL
Earlier this week, National
Hockey League hopefuls started toward their ultimate goal as prospect camps got
underway. Prospect camps not only give NHL teams a chance to peak into the
future of their franchises, but also enhance the development of these players.
For many, it is their first taste of what it will take to be a professional
hockey player. The Chicago Steel are proud to be well represented at prospect
camps around the NHL this year as nine current or former Steel members vie to
become the next generation of hockey players in their respective organizations.
Current Steel member Freddy Olofsson,
a fourth round selection in last month’s NHL Entry Draft, is attending the
Chicago Blackhawks prospect camp. The Swedish-born left wing will be enjoying
his second season with the Steel this year after posting four goals and 15
points last season with the Steel. Olofsson was acquired in a mid-season trade
last year with Green Bay. He had posted two goals and six points in 36 career
games with the Gamblers. Former Steel forward Cole Gunner also attended the
Blackhawks development camp. Gunner tallied 11 goals and 36 points over parts
of two seasons with the Steel.
Defenseman Matt Berkovitz is
about to begin his first season with the Steel before he heads off to advance
his hockey career at the University of Wisconsin. The Green Bay, Wis. native
was drafted in the fifth round, 123rd overall to the Anaheim Ducks
in this year’s draft. Berkovitz opted to stay at Ashwaubenon High last season
instead of reporting to the Steel. He was awarded the Davis Drewiske award as
the state’s top high school defenseman. In addition, he was nominated as a
finalist for player of the year award in Wisconsin. Kevin Lind joined Berkovitz
at prospect camp. Lind, a former Steel defenseman, played at the University of
Notre Dame following two seasons with the Steel and also appeared in one game
for the American Hockey League’s Norfolk Admirals last season.
Five other Steel alumni attended
various prospect camps around the league. Dean Chelios, son of NHL hall of
famer Chris Chelios, appeared in 49 games for the Steel during the 2008-09
season. Chelios was at the Detroit Red Wings prospect camp. Dean’s brother Jake
is also a former Steel member who now plays for the Chicago Wolves of the AHL.
Alex Krushelnyski (Edmonton Oilers), Thomas Ebbing (New York Islanders),
Mackenzie MacEachern (St. Louis Blues), and Jaccob Slavin (Carolina Hurricanes)
also have donned the Steel jersey in the hockey careers. Krushelnyski and
Slavin were teammates at Colorado College last season while Chelios, Ebbing,
and MacEachern teamed up at Michigan State University.
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