Chicago Blackhawks' Anders Sorensen steps away from the team Monday

The Blackhawks held practice with assistant coach Anders Sorensen running the session, while head coach Jeff Blashill stepped away to attend a funeral tied closely to the organization. Chicago's longtime scout Rob Facca lost his father, a loss felt well beyond the scouting department.

Blashill's absence was not disciplinary or tactical, and the club made that clear internally and publicly. Hockey circles are tight, and when tragedy strikes one family, it tends to ripple through the room quickly.

Sorensen, 50, has been a steady presence behind the bench this season, working closely with the team's young forwards and overseeing details in puck support and defensive tracking. His calm approach showed during practice, where the tempo stayed sharp despite the circumstances.

Mike Vellucci handled post-practice media duties, keeping the focus on respect and routine. The Blackhawks have leaned heavily on structure lately, especially with a roster that remains one of the league's youngest by average age.

The team entered the week with a record trending downhill, still deep in a rebuild, without Connor Bedard or Frank Nazar due to a nasty injury.

As a fan watching this unfold, it is hard not to respect how quietly the staff handled a heavy day, prioritizing people before systems or matchups.
Sorensen's role went beyond whistles and drills, keeping the mood professional without draining the room.

Practices like this often matter more for trust than for tactics, especially during a long season with little margin in the standings.

Blashill, 52, has emphasized accountability and pace since taking over, traits that do not disappear for a day. His return is expected promptly, and there is no indication of extended absence.

Around the league, moments like these remind everyone that the game moves fast, but life does not wait. The Blackhawks finish the week with two home games, a chance to regroup emotionally and competitively.

The organization's message was simple, and it landed. Hockey paused briefly, respect took the lead, and the season will move forward together.