The defense failed to show up, but this was one time where that didn’t matter. What did matter showed up on Saturday at Fox Valley Ice Arena in Geneva, Ill. during the 2017 Chicago Hockey Charity Classic: The smiles on the faces of fans, a good time, lots of scoring, and a substantial amount of money for a good cause.
Charitable Hockey fans turned out in droves to watch teams led by current Blackhawks Vinnie Hinostroza and Patrick Kane square off in a competitive, but relaxed game of two 25-minute halves. Do I have to recap this game? Ok, alright. Hinostroza’s team trailed 5-3 at the half, but came back with an offensive explosion in the second half, and the game was sent to overtime thanks to Vincent LoVerde’s game-tying goal with one second left in regulation. The Maple Leafs defender (and Chicago native) came in clutch!
Some of the more recognizable names that participated in Saturday’s game included: Eddie Olczyk, Hawks prospect Tommy Olczyk, Panthers GM and former Blackhawk Dale Tallon, former Hawks forward Brandon Pirri, Sabres defenseman Jake McCabe, Maple Leafs goaltender Garret Sparks, and Blackhawks prospect Anthony Louis.
In all, $139,500 was raised for Special Olympics-Chicago, which helps provide training and competitions for athletes with disabilities. You can read more, get involved, and donate via the link here.
BLACKHAWKS
**RECAP: Hinostroza’s clutch squad defeats Kane’s team in charity game (Sun-Times)
**What could the revamped Blackhawks look like on opening night? (Sun-Times)
**Patrick Kane is confident in Blackhawks’ offseason moves (NHL.com)
**Beat writer or musician? Chris Hine explains why Chelsea Dagger is catchy (Tribune)
**How will Jonathan Toews perform this season? (Blackhawk Up)
CENTRAL DIVISION
**Predators’ Mike Fisher retired at right time, knew right time to go (The Tennessean)
**With Oleksiak signed, how do Stars cut defesemen group from ten to seven? (DMN)
**Predators flaunt new Adidas 2017-18 road uniform (NHL.com)
**Predators prospect scores flawless end-to-end game-winner at Showcase (Sportsnet)
NHL
**Vegas signs defenseman Nate Schmidt to 2-year deal after arbitration battle (KOI)
**Path to 2018 NHL draft starts with the Ivan Glinka tournament (Mile High Hockey)
**What if… Florida had traded Roberto Luongo for Joe Thornton? (Puck Daddy)
**An in-depth look at the Carolina Hurricanes (NHL.com)
HOCKEY WORLD
**Four generations of Mark Sertichs play hockey game together (Duluth News Tribune)