Chicago Blackhawks

Kalynuk signs with NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks

July 17, 2020 By Bill Scott

Wyatt Kalynuk – Photo Courtesy of UWBadgers.com

Wisconsin junior defenseman Wyatt Kalynuk is forgoing his final year of collegiate eligibility after signing a two-year entry-level contract with the Chicago Blackhawks. The deal runs through 2021-22 with a $925,000 salary cap hit. The Blackhawks announced the signing on Thursday.

Kalynuk served as the Badgers team captain this past season and finished his college career with 19 goals, 59 assists and 78 points in 110 games played. He posted at least 25 points in each of his three seasons in Madison.

A first-team All-Big Ten defenseman in 2020, Kalynuk was a second-team All-Big Ten pick in 2019 after earning All-Big Ten Honorable Mention and getting to the All-Big Ten Freshman Team in 2018.

He was the team’s Spike Carlson/Chris Chelios Most Valuable Player in 2019.

Originally drafted 196th overall by the Philadelphia Flyers in the seventh round of the 2017 NHL Draft, Kalynuk signs with Chicago as a free agent. He joins sophomore defenseman K’Andre Miller (New York Rangers) and freshman forward Alex Turcotte (Los Angeles) as early departures from school who signed professional contracts since the end of the 2019-20 season.

Seven Badgers have played for Chicago all-time including Rene Bourque, Adam Burish, Chris Chelios, Vic Posa, Jack Skille, Gary Suter and most recently Jake Dowell.

Wisconsin-Notre Dame to play college hockey at the United Center

November 13, 2017 By Bill Scott

Notre Dame and Wisconsin men’s hockey teams will host the second game of their January series in Chicago on January 21, 2018 at the United Center. The game will face off at 2 p.m. CST and will air on NBCSN. It is part of a two-year game series deal where the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Wisconsin Badgers each play their home game matchup on neutral ground in Chicago.

Wisconsin head coach Tony Granato is excited about bringing arena experiences to his roster of athletes. “We had the pleasure of practicing at the United Center, and playing at Madison Square Garden and Joe Louis Arena last season, so we are looking forward to another game at an NHL arena again.

“When we get to play at special places like these, it gives our players and fans great experiences and a taste of what they will see at Frozen Fours. It also gives our players a chance to feel what it is like to play at the next level.

“We want to thank the Chicago Blackhawks for helping make this happen.”

General admission tickets for the January 21, 2018 game are available starting at 10 a.m. CST on Friday, November 17 and can be purchase online at unitedcenter.com, in person at the United Center Box Office or by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

Elliott leads Blues past defending champs

April 26, 2016 By Bill Scott

Brian Elliott

Former Wisconsin Badger goaltender Brian Elliott backstopped the St. Louis Blues to a 3-2, game seven victory over the defending NHL Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks on Monday night in St. Louis.

Elliott had 31 saves in goal, helping the Blues advance to the second round of the Western Conference playoffs against the Dallas Stars.

Troy Brouwer, who won a Stanley Cup with the Blackhawks, scored the game winner against his former team in the third period, slamming home his own rebound to break a 2-2 tie.

The Blackhawks trailed in the series 3-to-1 and captured two straight games to send the series back to St. Louis for game seven.

Chicago fell behind 2-0 before Marian Hossa cut the lead to 2-1 and Andrew Shaw sent one in off of a St. Louis defender to tie the game 2-2. It set up a wild third period finish that saw the Blues win their first playoff series since 2012.

AUDIO: Brian Elliott asked if he had anything to prove :17