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Chicago Blackhawks defenseman disappointed in teams loss during his NHL debut
The Chicago Blackhawks announced two major signings of former first round draft selections during this past weekend in two players coming off a heartbreaking defeat in the NCAA, defenseman Sam Rinzel and Oliver Moore.
New contracts were dished out by the organization on Saturday when the Blackhawks signed Sam Rinzel and former 19th overall pick Oliver Moore to their three-year, entry level contracts.
Both of the former first-round picks made their NHL debuts against the Utah Hockey Club on Sunday, showing great promise.
Moore totalled for 17 shifts with 15 minutes of ice time during their 5-2 loss against Utah, and Rinzel totalled for a whopping 23 shifts, accumulating more than 20 minutes of ice time.
20-year old Moore played on a line with Blackhawks captain Nick Foligno and center Joe Veleno, revealing that they helped him a lot during his debut.
«I felt good. I think that Fliggy and Veleno did a really good of helping me, just talking to me,» Moore said. «It's a different game than college, for sure. It's a lot bigger. I mean I felt pretty good, but know I can be better for sure.»
Moore said.The two players made the tough decision to leave the University of Minnesota to turn bro as soon as they were eliminated from the playoffs this past week, hoping to kick off their pro careers on a positive note.
Unfortunately for the two, the last-place Blackhawks (21-44-9) have dropped three games straight and have lost 10 out of their last 11 games.
The Original Six organization is counting on their youth to bring them back to their winning-ways, but Rinzel, who signed and made his NHL debut with the Blackhawks this past weekend, was frustrated to not get the win.
«It was so fun. Guys were great. Like Ollie (Moore) said, as a hockey player, you want to win. So that stings. But overall, it was an unbelievable first game.»
Head coach Anders Sorensen commented on their plays during their debut, and was quite impressed.
«(Rinzel) did a lot of good things. Oliver, too,» he said. «Under pressure made a lot of plays. Yeah, they were good.»
The jump from University hockey to the NHL in a matter of two days is quite the big one for the former first round picks, but they adjusted quite well in their debuts.
Moore and Rinzel face another tough challenge as they host the Colorado Avalanche on April 2nd at the United Center.
Previously on Chicago Hockey Insider
| POLL | ||
MARS 31 | 445 ANSWERS Chicago Blackhawks defenseman disappointed in teams loss during his NHL debut Do you think the Chicago Blackhawks should send down defenseman Sam Rinzel to the AHL? | ||
| Yes | 207 | 46.5 % |
| No, keep him in the NHL | 238 | 53.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
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