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Blackhawks Sign Undrafted Goaltender Stanislav Berezhnoy to Depth Chart

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Mason West's decision to play hockey has him committing to the Chicago Blackhawks, leaving college football programs to continue their pursuit of the highly touted quarterback. West's football coach, Jason Potts, acknowledges that the Blackhawks have a clear priority but notes that college football programs will likely remain interested in West. Meanwhile, the Blackhawks have added a new goaltender to their depth chart, signing undrafted prospect Stanislav Berezhnoy.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Blackhawks drafted goaltender Ilya Kanarsky in the seventh round, citing his potential and impressive statistics in the MHL and VHL.
  • Kanarsky was a rookie in the VHL, but his .938 save percentage in 34 games impressed the Blackhawks' scouting staff.
  • Berezhnoy was not drafted but has shown promise in the VHL, with a .928 save percentage in 27 games.
  • The Blackhawks have a strong goaltending pool, with Spencer Knight and Arvid Sèderblom returning and Laurent Brossoit potentially joining the mix.
  • Goalie development coach Dan Ellis has been scouting Berezhnoy for years, highlighting his growth and potential as a prospect.
  • Ellis has continued to develop and track prospects like Kanarsky and Berezhnoy, citing their potential to become NHL assets.
  • The Blackhawks' development camp has provided a platform for prospects like Adam Gajan to receive attention and work with the organization's development staff.
  • The Blackhawks have restructured their scouting staff and made changes to streamline their process, including promoting Sam Forstner to director of analytics.

Statistics:

  • Mason West is 6 feet 6 and is being pursued by college football programs despite committing to play hockey.
  • Ilya Kanarsky had a .938 save percentage in 34 games in the MHL and a .942 save percentage in three games in the VHL.
  • Berezhnoy recorded a .928 save percentage in 27 games in the VHL and played in one KHL game for SKA.
  • The Blackhawks' goaltending pool includes Spencer Knight and Arvid Sèderblom returning, as well as Laurent Brossoit potentially joining the mix.
  • Stanislav Berezhnoy is 22 years old and 6-4, 218 pounds.

Sources:

  • Jason Potts, Edina High School football coach
  • Dan Ellis, Blackhawks goaltending scout
  • Scott Powers, The Athletic
  • The New York Times Licensing

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