The Rockford IceHogs went 0-2 over the weekend, but Chicago Blackhawks’ top forward prospect Frank Nazar continued his strong start to the season.
In Friday’s 4-2 loss to the Grand Rapids Griffins, Nazar scored a sweet shorthanded goal to get the IceHogs on the board.
Frank Nazar buries a shorty to give the Hogs some life 🚨pic.twitter.com/YQULaaZnqv
— Four Feathers Podcast (@FourFeathersPod) November 9, 2024
While Nazar didn’t light the lamp Saturday, he assisted on every IceHogs’ goal in a 6-3 loss to the Iowa Wild.
The Blackhawks’ 2022 first-round pick got below the net, dug out the puck, and flicked it out front to Cole Guttman who buried a power-play tally in the first period.
Cole Guttman (#70) on the power play! Frank Nazar (#91) does all of the hard work and gets a primary assist for the trouble. #Blackhawks #IceHogs #HawksProspects pic.twitter.com/E80DpiYQGv
— Chicago Prospects (@Chi_Prospects) November 10, 2024
With Rockford trailing 3-1 late in the second period, Nazar again fed Guttman for a power-play goal, this time with a nifty behind-the-back dish.
That’s ✌️power play goals for #70 Cole Guttman tonight!!
Assisted by Frank Nazar III (again) & Colton Dach #GoHogs pic.twitter.com/h09jBSlr4P
— Rockford IceHogs (@goicehogs) November 10, 2024
Nazar’s third assist sprung Brett Seney into the neutral zone before the IceHogs’ captain evaded Iowa defenders en route to the net for a gritty goal on the doorstep of the crease.
Brett Seney (#62) basically wills himself to a goal. What an effort from Seney. Frank Nazar (#91) has his third primary assist of the night and Artyom Levshunov (#55) picks up the secondary assist. #Blackhawks #IceHogs #HawksProspects pic.twitter.com/yVTP9lTetd
— Chicago Prospects (@Chi_Prospects) November 10, 2024
After his four-point weekend, Nazar leads the IceHogs with 11 points (four goals, seven assists) in nine games.
The 20-year-old will inevitably receive a promotion to the Blackhawks at some point this season, it’s just a matter of when. Chicago likely wants Nazar to continue getting plentiful reps in all situations before bringing him up to the NHL club, and he’s currently doing everything in his power to show he’s worthy of it.
