The Chicago Blackhawks may be done playing this season, but numerous players from their roster are currently competing in the IIHF World Championships in Russia.
The tournament has hit its quarterfinal stage this week, and Thursday will see four different matchups. All four games will feature at least one player from the Blackhawks’ organization, and several players have shown that they are capable of producing on the world stage during this tournament.
Without further adieu, here is the list of players to watch for Blackhawks fans as the tournament moves to the knockout round on Thursday.
Czech Republic vs. Team USA – 8:15 a.m. NBCSN
While American-born star Patrick Kane skipped the tournament, two Blackhawks prospects have donned the red, white, and blue for this event. Tyler Motte, who just signed a three-year entry level deal with the Blackhawks this spring, has two assists so far in the tournament, and Vince Hinostroza, who played in seven games with the Hawks, has a goal and two assists for the American side.
Finland vs. Denmark – 8:15 a.m.
Finnish star Teuvo Teravainen isn’t participating in the tournament, but defensive prospect Ville Pokka is. Likely to get a crack at making the team’s roster next season, Pokka has been solid during this tournament, with two assists in seven games for the Finnish squad.
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Russia vs. Germany – 12:15 p.m.
Both teams in this game will have representatives from the Blackhawks, with Germany putting out defenseman Christian Ehrhoff. He has one goal in seven games so far for the Germans, who will be looking to pull an upset over the host Russians.
Unfortunately for Germany, Russia has been paced by another Blackhawks player, as star rookie Artemi Panarin has had a dominant tournament. He is currently second among all scorers in the event with 12 points for Russia, with five goals and seven assists to his credit. That goal total ranks him fourth among all goal scorers.
Canada vs. Sweden 12:15 p.m. NBCSN
In the fourth and final quarterfinal game of the day, Team Sweden will have one Blackhawks player on the ice, as defenseman Erik Gustafsson will don the blue and gold sweater. He has two assists in seven tournament games thus far for the Swedes, who will be looking to knock off tournament favorite Canada in the game.
