After nixing an NHL deal with Chicago that would have put Mitchell into the fold with the Blackhawks this season, the 2017 second-round pick returned to Denver University for his junior season, where he served as the Pioneers’ captain. After a spell of “will he or won’t he” from the Blackhawks’ fan community, everyone can breathe a little easier knowing that the coveted defenseman will be playing his professional hockey with the Blackhawks.

Ian Mitchell headlined the Chicago Blackhawks’ NCAA prospects this season. (Photograph courtesy of the Chicago Sun-Times)

An already accomplished NCAA prospect, Mitchell played with Team Canada this past December at the Spengler Cup in Switzerland. He tallied a goal and an assist in four games played, helping Canada win their 16th Spengler Cup.

In three seasons playing at Denver, Mitchell skated in 116 games and tallied 89 points. He was part of the 2018 NCAA Championship team as a freshman and was named to the NCHC All-Rookie Team in the 2017–18 season. Mitchell was named a NCHC Second Team All-Star as a sophomore in 2018–19 and a NCHC First Team All-Star this season as a junior. Mitchell was also named the Pioneers’ Team MVP this season with 32 points in 36 games played prior to the NCAA season being canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

At 5-foot-11 and tipping the scales around 180 pounds, Mitchell is not the most physically imposing defenseman, but he played heavy minutes over the last two seasons at Denver and all indications are that he will be able to play at the speed and physical level seen in the NHL. It is important to note that Mitchell will need time to adjust and more than likely is not the singular missing piece to the Blackhawks’ woes defensively. But, signs do point to Mitchell getting a crack at the NHL right away once he joins the organization, which is hopefully sooner rather than later.

The post Blackhawks, Ian Mitchell agree to terms on entry-level contract appeared first on The Rink.

Then there is Ryan Shea.

A four-year college defenseman at Northeastern University who was a fifth-round selection by the Blackhawks in the 2015 NHL Draft, Shea is a relatively under-the-radar prospect in the Chicago system that will have his future decided with the organization in a few short months. Shea is the captain for the Huskies in senior season that has Northeastern ranked tenth in the nation. With 29 points in 28 games this season, Shea is on pace to double his previous career-high in points (17) and could finish the year in the top-five of scoring defensemen when all is said and done.

I had the chance to talk with Shea as he and the Huskies prepare for a home-and-home series against sixth-ranked Boston College this week. We spoke about his development from draft day to his senior year, what being a three-time Beanpot champion means, and his future with the Blackhawks organization.

“You start to think about how you got to this point and who got you here…”

Through three years playing at Northeastern University, Ryan Shea was a steady, two-way defenseman. He wasn’t flashy and wasn’t blowing people away with gaudy production numbers. But that was never his role; Shea has always put the focus of his game on the defensive side first.

“I’m definitely not considering myself an offensive defenseman at all,” Shea explained about his new-found explosion on offense. “After Jérémy Davies signed early this year, there were some more offensive responsibilities put on my shoulders, which is why you see the numbers I’m getting this year, but I’ve always been very strict about my defensive game.”

Shea is tied for second on the Huskies in points and leads the team with 24 assists. While Shea doesn’t want his numbers to fool anyone into thinking he’s going to be a powerplay expert at the next level, his skills as a puck-moving defenseman who can make the right plays is going to be his calling card once he makes the jump to the professional ranks.

BOSTON, MA. FEB 3: Northeastern Huskies celebrate after beating Harvard Crimson , Monday, February 3, 2020, during the first game of Beanpot Hockey Tournament at TD Garden in Boston (Jim Michaud / MediaNews Group/Boston Herald)

“I want to go out as part of the class that has the most wins in Northeastern hockey history. We still have a chance at that.”

Shea’s winning ways at Northeastern have him and the rest of the Huskies Class of 2019-20 on the verge of setting the class wins record for the program. With 85 wins and counting over the last three seasons and change, Shea’s senior class is already the second-winningest in program history, only behind last year’s senior class of 2018-19 which finished with 90 wins.

Northeastern has won the Hockey East championship and the Beanpot tournament in the same season twice, once in 1987-88 and again last season in Shea’s junior year. Getting the Beanpot again this season sets the Milton, Massachusetts native up to be the Captain of one of the most successful Senior classes in program history.

“It never gets old winning that tournament”

When Shea arrived at Northeastern, the Huskies hadn’t won a Beanpot tournament in nearly 30 years. His father, Dan Shea, played four years at Boston College from 1984-1988 but never won a Beanpot tournament title. Growing up 15 minutes south of Boston, the Shea family has always been connected to the tournament. “We grew up watching the Beanpot, we went to it every year. It’s been in my family for such a long time.”

In his sophomore year, the streak was broken after Northeastern topped Boston University, 5-2. The next season, Northeastern won back-to-back titles for the first time since the 1984 and 1985 tournaments. As a senior, the captain of the team, Shea was looking to be part of the eighth team to win at least three Beanpot titles in-a-row.

“The amount of alumni and fan support behind us just brought the moment to another level. It never has gotten old.”

Blackhawks prospect Ryan Shea raises the Beanpot Trophy after winning the Beanpot tournament in Boston on February 10, 2020. (Photo credit: Jim Pierce-Northeastern)

In a frantic Beanpot Final this year, Northeastern was mere moments away from sealing their third-straight title before Boston University tied the game with less than two seconds remaining in regulation. After a five minute overtime period, the Final would head to double overtime.

“It was definitely nerve-wrecking,” Shea recalled of the long night. “The most important part for our team that night was getting out of the five-minute overtime. They were taking it to us. After we regrouped in the locker room, we got back on the same page. It was a great overtime for both teams, I can’t imagine watching it because it was so intense playing in it.”

The final breakthrough that Northeastern needed in the double overtime period came at the hands of Shea himself, drawing a penalty. But it wouldn’t be without controversy.

Northeastern’s #Beanpot Final game-winning goal came on a Powerplay in 2OT. Here is the penalty “drawn” by #Blackhawks prospect Ryan Shea to setup the eventual winning Powerplay #NCAA #CawlidgeHawkey pic.twitter.com/CTCV9XxR5P

— Mario Tirabassi (@Mario_Tirabassi) February 11, 2020

“Obviously there’s a lot of people who were not happy with the way it ended, but that’s just how it happened. There were calls missed on them against us and missed calls on us against them, but I don’t think it’s something you can blame on the officials. They made a call in a high-pressure moment and took advantage of it.”

Northeastern would go on to score on the ensuing powerplay, which Shea was on the ice for, topping Boston and winning their third-straight Beanpot title.

“It’s possible I could be reunited with him and that would be pretty fun.”

After the satisfaction of winning the Beanpot begins to subside, and the final weeks of the season creep up, Shea is reminded of a former teammate that had a similar path to the Blackhawks organization. A sixth-round pick in the 2014 NHL Draft, Dylan Sikura was a star at Northeastern in his four years as a Husky. He was part of the 2017-18 Huskies squad that won the first of three-straight Beanpot titles alongside Shea and signed his entry-level deal with the Blackhawks shortly after finishing his senior year in Spring 2018.

Ryan Shea and Dylan Sikura celebrate a goal for Northeastern during the 2017-18 season. (Photo courtesy of Northeastern University)

“When he was here, he was one of my best friends on the team,” Shea said of his relationship with Sikura. “The communication between me and him is always open. He loves it there and he has his brother [Tyler Sikura] there too, which is awesome. He just tells me to take my time and make the best decision for myself and my family. He’s given me nothing but positive thoughts on the organization and the city.”

“The feedback has been nothing but great…”

The season is winding down for Shea with Northeastern; only three more weeks remain before postseason play begins. If all goes according to his plans, Shea will be finishing his year winning the program’s first-ever National Championship and wrapping up the year on April 11. That timeframe would leave no games remaining for the Blackhawks or IceHogs, unless either makes the postseason, to see Shea play at the professional level. The Blackhawks organization would have a few months left to reach an entry-level deal with Shea before the August 15 deadline where his draft rights with Chicago would expire.

Northeastern’s Ryan Shea #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/ABUHYZhLxE

— Mario Tirabassi (@Mario_Tirabassi) July 15, 2019

“I feel like I’ve done a good job of not letting that distract me this year, especially as the season gets closer to the end. But every prospect at this point starts to think about going to the next level. Chicago and their staff has been nothing but good to me and have helped me with my development an incredible amount, so I have no problems with them. Chicago is an unbelievable spot and I know Rockford is too, so hopefully I can keep playing good hockey here and the organization likes what they see from me.”

Northeastern is set to take on Boston College this week, a matchup of two top-ten programs in the country. Shea knows that some of the Blackhawks brass will be in town for the high-profile contests and remains focused on finishing his year as strong as possible. With his professional future ahead of him, Shea’s focus on his legacy at Northeastern has set him up to be a highly valuable player for any organization, whether it is in fact Chicago or not.

The post Ryan Shea cementing legacy at Northeastern as Blackhawks future awaits appeared first on The Rink.

For a college hockey fan like myself, I only came across The Beanpot tournament in the last decade. The tournament is held annually in Boston between Northeastern University, Harvard, Boston University, and Boston College. It originally began in 1952 and has been held on the first two Mondays of February each year since at the famed Boston Garden (TD Garden), although the inaugural Beanpot tournament took place at the Boston Arena. It holds a special place among the rich tradition of hockey in the Boston area and forever holds collegiate bragging rights in the city for those who hoist the Beanpot Trophy.

The 68th Beanpot Tournament this year features three Blackhawks prospects with Jake Wise and Alex Vlasic of the Boston University Terriers and Ryan Shea, captain of the defending back-to-back Champion Northeastern Huskies. Last night, Northeastern topped Harvard and Boston University came back against Boston College setting up all three Blackhawks prospects in next Monday’s Final. Shea and the Huskies have an opportunity to win the Beanpot Tournament for a third time in-a-row, while Vlasic and Wise could help give the Terriers their first Beanpot Title since 2015.

Shea, Northeastern going for seventh Beanpot Title

In the opening game of the tournament, the 12th-ranked Northeastern Huskies topped 17th-ranked Harvard 3-1 to advance to next Monday’s Final against Boston University. The Huskies were led by Chicago Blackhawks 2015 fourth-round draft pick and captain Ryan Shea as he tallied a primary assist and an empty-net goal in the victory.

Zach Solow with a deflection goal.

Tyler Madden (VAN) hovers all over the offensive zone to find open ice. Great pass from Madden to Ryan Shea (CHI). Shea's shot gets deflected.#Blackhawks #Canucks pic.twitter.com/hGOzpoJ1BS

— Josh Tessler (@JoshTessler_) February 3, 2020

Shea’s two-point night gives him a point-per-game pace this season for the Huskies with 24 points in 24 games played. He has set NCAA career-highs in goals (4), assists (20) and points (24) this season with Northeastern.

Ryan Shea of Northeastern addressed the media following his team's Beanpot semifinal win over Harvard. pic.twitter.com/X7d2BhUUHz

— NESN (@NESN) February 4, 2020

Shea and the Huskies head to their third-straight Beanpot Final, looking to bring home their seventh tournament championship in program history. Northeastern has had the least success of the four schools involved in the tournament historically, but their recent success as of late can be attributed in part to Shea and former Husky and current Rockford IceHogs standout Dylan Sikura. Sikura was part of the Northeastern squad along with Shea that started the road to a three-peat back in 2017. While his long-term future is unclear with the Chicago Blackhawks, Shea’s immediate future lies with leading his Huskies squad to the Final against Boston University, looking to be the first three-peat winners since Boston College won five-straight from 2010 to 2014.

Vlasic, Wise and Boston advance past Boston College in overtime

In an even more thrilling contest Monday night, the Boston University Terriers upset the fourth-ranked Boston College Eagles 5-4 in double overtime to advance to the Beanpot Final and set up a rematch from the 2018 tournament final, won by Northeastern.

The Terriers were powered by multi-point efforts on the night from David Farrance (goal, two assists), Patrick Harper (goal, two assists), and Schaumburg, Illinois native Patrick Curry (goal, assist). Wise was held off the scoresheet and Vlasic tallied a secondary assist on the game’s overtime-winning goal from Wilmer Skoog.

Wilmer Skoog nets the winner to put BU into the Beanpot final. #BUvsBC #Beanpot (via @NESN) pic.twitter.com/yHFMSeKvO7

— Boston Hockey Blog (@BOShockeyblog) February 4, 2020

For the freshman Vlasic, he tallied his fourth assist on the season as he continues his transition to the college hockey level of competition. A second-round pick by the Blackhawks this past June and native of Wilmette, Illinois, Vlasic projects to be a player that the Blackhawks hope to be able to slot into their defensive rotation at the NHL level in the next two or three seasons. At six-foot-six and 200-pounds, Vlasic is an imposing physical presence on the ice and moves well for his size and age on the ice.

Wise hasn’t been the same player that the Blackhawks drafted in the third round of the 2018 NHL Draft. Injuries have derailed his progression since joining the Boston University program. In 25 games this season, Wise has just one goal and six assists. It appeared Wise was headed for a fast-track with the Blackhawks just two years ago, but his NHL projection has slowed and his return to health and return to form are what the organization need from him.

What’s Next?

The 68th Beanpot Tournament Final takes place on Monday, February 10 at the TD Garden in Boston. The consolation game takes place on the same day, with a 3:30 p.m. CST puck drop. The Final puck drop is set for 6:30 p.m. CST and can be found on the NHL Network. Boston University is searching for their tournament-best 31st title, while Northeastern looks for Beanpot Championship number seven.

The post Blackhawks at the Beanpot: Shea, Vlasic, and Wise reach Final appeared first on The Rink.

The Chicago Blackhawks’ College Hockey prospects are off to a great start this season led by Northeastern University’s Dylan Sikura

The Chicago Blackhawks have seen a lot of their stars come from the college hockey system including Duncan Keith (Michigan State), Jonathan Toews (North Dakota) and Patrick Sharp (Vermont).  But after the past two seasons of disappointing playoff losses, GM Stan Bowman has put a new focus on player development across the entire organization to help get their prospects ready for the pro level.

A fresh roster and new head coach Jeremy Colliton already has the Blackhawks AHL affiliate, The Rockford IceHogs, breathing new life.  And with the ‘Hawks struggling to find successors for their aging defenseman, Bowman used his first two picks in the 2017 NHL draft on defenseman.

Leading the pack of NCAA Blackhawks prospects are Northeastern University’s Dylan Sikura, Boston Universtiy’s Chad Krys, and University of Denver’s Ian Mitchell all who contribute to successful NCAA hockey programs.

Updates on Blackhawks NCAA Prospects

The learning curve has been short for freshmen Alex Limoges and Evan Barratt. https://t.co/NCVGMU2Jgj pic.twitter.com/UDboV0fs5M

— Onward State (@OnwardState) October 31, 2017

Evan Barratt – Penn State University – 2017 3rd Round Pick

Current Stats:  3GP, 1A

Next Opponent:  Mercyhurst

Barratt was held out of play for the first five games of the season with an upper-body injury.  Although his numbers aren’t impressive yet, reports are that he has been strong in the face-off circle and has established a solid 3rd line with freshman Alex Limoges and sophomore Liam Folkes.

Evan Barratt isn’t on the scoresheet but he’s been all over the place tonight through two periods.

— David Eckert (@davideckert98) October 28, 2017

Photo Courtesy of Brian Jenkins

Liam Coughlin – University of Vermont – 2014 5th Round Pick (EDM)

Current Stats:  6GP, 1G

Next Opponent:  @ University of Connecticut

Badgers men’s hockey: Cooperative development for defensemen Peter Tischke, Josh Ess https://t.co/akSiOyy2As pic.twitter.com/nvXMHy41mh

— Wis. State Journal (@WiStateJournal) October 17, 2017

Josh Ess – University of Wisconsin – 2017 7th Round Pick

Current Stats:  9GP, 1A

Next Opponent:  University of North Dakota

Photo Courtesy of ECACHockey.com

Parker Foo – Union College – 2017 5th Round Pick

Current Stats:  9GP, 1G, 1A

Next Opponent: @ St. Lawrence 11/3, @ Clarkson 11/4

Foo is in his freshman year at Union College and is trying to pave his own way without comparisons to his older brother and Union College standout Spencer Foo.  Parker showed a lot of speed and quickness over the summer at Blackhawks prospect camp and has high expectations at Union this year.  He has already earned praise from The Athletic’s Corey Pronman and ESPN’s John Buccigross.

Parker Foo is a real Fighter. He’s no Pretender. Times Like These you wonder if he would have liked to play with his brother.

— Corey Pronman (@coreypronman) October 13, 2017

Photo Courtesy of InsideHockey.com

Dennis Gilbert – University of Notre Dame – 2015 3rd Round Pick

Current Stats:  7GP, 1G, 9 Blocked Shots

Next Opponent:  @ Ohio State

Gilbert is in for an intense series when his Fighting Irish(#10) take on the Buckeyes(#16) this weekend.  Gilbert is a former Chicago Steel product and played in the Frozen Four with Notre Dame last season.  He plays on a highly skilled defense led by senior Jordan Gross.

Photo Courtesy of USCHO.com

Blake Hillman – University of Denver – 2016 6th Round Pick

Current Stats:  6GP, 2G, 19 SOG 

Next Opponent:  Western Michigan University

In an interview with Hillman from Blackhawk Up earlier this year, Hillman said he wanted to focus on defense this year and hopefully the offense will come.  So far, the Denver Pioneers are unbeaten and Hillman is finding his stride.  Hillman had the primary assist in an overtime goal against the Lake Superior State Lakers last month and had a nice goal against the Boston College Eagles last weekend.

Quick trigger from Denver’s Blake Hillman off the faceoff, all Woll can do is shrug. 3-0, 3:47 left in the second. pic.twitter.com/ujZ5VrQnz8

— Bradley Smart (@bradleysmart15) October 29, 2017

Photo Courtesy of ConcordMonitor.com

Chad Krys – Boston University – 2016 2nd Round Pick

Current Stats:  8GP, 5A, 30 SOG

Next Opponent:  Providence 11/3, Northeastern 11/4

Krys was probably the most impressive defensive player at Blackhawks Prospect Camp this summer.  His ability to skate and create space for his forwards is impressive for only being a sophomore at BU.  He has been extremely aggressive with 30 shots on goal already.  In an article from the Daily Free Press, Krys described his offseason preparation and physicality as goals for the 2017-18 season.

“It’s something that Coach Quinn’s really emphasized for me everyday, to take responsibility defensively, and try and be as physical as I can and be as hard to play against as I can.”

Defending 101: Protect Your Goalie – by @jakemassie3 of @UVMmhockey at @Friendship_Four pic.twitter.com/aCafyLXnU5

— Chris Ritchie (@DeeChris7) November 28, 2016

Jake Massie – University of Vermont – 2015 6th Round Pick (CAR)

Current Stats:  7GP, 1A

Next Opponent:  @ University of Connecticut

Photo Courtesy of The Denver Post

Ian Mitchell – University of Denver – 2017 2nd Round Pick

Current Stats:  6GP, 4A

Next Opponent:  Western Michigan University

There probably isn’t a better place for Blackhawks 2017 2nd round pick Ian Mitchell to develop than on the #1 ranked Denver Pioneers under Jim Montgomery.  Although Michell has had his fair share of defensive lapses, he continues to get better in his own end.  Montgomery has trusted Mitchell with being the quarterback of the power-play where he has excelled in taking over for former Pioneer Will Butcher.

Denver’s Ian Mitchell scored his first goal of the season from long range. Eagles trail, 2-0. pic.twitter.com/LvqQO6bzKu

— Bradley Smart (@bradleysmart15) October 28, 2017

Photo Courtesy of PucksAndRecreation.com

Fredrik Olofsson – University of Nebraska-Omaha – 2014 4th Round Pick

Current Stats:  6GP, 1G, 4A

Next Opponent:  @ Colorado College 11/10-11/11

Entering his second season with the Mavericks, Olofsson is off to a great start with five points in six games.  The Mavs are currently 3-2-1.  Olofsson had a solid freshman year scoring 11 goals and 13 assists.

Photo Courtesy of The Star Tribune

Jack Ramsey – University of Minnesota – 2011 7th Round Pick

Current Stats:  8GP, 1G, 1A

Next Opponent:  Michigan State

Ramsey is a big kid at 6’3 185 pounds.  He played a scrappy game at prospect camp this summer and was rewarded for getting to the front of the net.  Although his stats have never been great, he plays a big leadership role on the Gophers.  Wish him a happy birthday on Twitter at @Ramsey_16

We find it hard to believe that @Ramsey_16 won’t have fun on his birthday! Have a great one, Jack! #Gophers pic.twitter.com/CMZw7332bF

— Minnesota M Hockey (@GopherHockey) November 2, 2017

Welcome to Friartown @jakeryczek1619 @FriarsHockey #gofriars #pcmih pic.twitter.com/gSJWBxhtBT

— Ken Jancef (@kenjancef) October 28, 2017

Jake Ryczek – Providence College – 2016 7th Round Pick

Current Stats:  2GP, 0P

Next Opponent: @ Boston University

Photo Courtesy of The Boston Globe

Ryan Shea – Northeastern University – 2015 4th Round Pick

Current Stats:  7GP, 5A

Next Opponent:  @ Boston University

This weekend the Huskies go to Boston to take on the Terriers.  Ryan Shea has had a strong start to the season with five assists.  He’s also a plus six and has nine blocked shots.  The Blackhawks should keep a close eye on Shea considering they need stay at home defenders like Shea who are reliable in their own zone.

Photo Courtesy of The Huntington News

Dylan Sikura – Northeastern University – 2014 6th Round Pick

Current Stats:  7GP, 6G, 8A, 41 SOG      

Next Opponent:  Boston University

Sikura was recently ranked the #1 forward in college hockey by College Hockey News.  He and line-mate Adam Gaudette have been scoring machines for the Huskies.  Sikura is also being considered by Team Canada as a potential player for their Olympic team.  The Huskies will take on the Boston Terriers on Friday as fellow Blackhawks prospect Chad Krys will try to slow Sikura down.

A 14-point October has earned Dylan Sikura @hockey_east Player of the Month honors!

Read: https://t.co/ExOMUXz2zO#GoNU | #RedBlackOnePack pic.twitter.com/HUOqmWPzE3

— Northeastern MHKY (@GoNUmhockey) November 1, 2017

Photo Courtesy of NBCSports.com

Beau Starrett – Cornell University – 2014 3rd Round Pick

Current Stats:  2GP, 1A

Next Opponent:  @ Quinnipiac 11/3, @ Princeton 11/4

Starrett is out this season to prove he can be the dominant force the Chicago Blackhawks saw when they drafted him in 2014.  AT 6’5 212 pounds, Starrett towered over other Blackhawks centers at prospect camp.  He can move pretty well up the ice for a big man too.  The Big Red are 2-0 and hopefully Starrett can produce more than the 14 points he scored last season.

Got a good shot of you taking draws pic.twitter.com/wMb8xuWKfF

— Blackhawk Up (@Blackhawk_Up) July 24, 2017

READ NEXT:  ICEHOGS CONNECTION TO COMMUNITY MORE THAN ON THE ICE

The post Chicago Blackhawks’ NCAA Prospects Weekend Roundup: Nov 3-5 appeared first on The Rink.