Making a decision to turn pro can be daunting enough, but mix in the range of emotions University of Minnesota teammates Sam Rinzel and Oliver Moore faced before signing with the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday.
Anger over controversial officiating that played a huge role in the Golden Gophers’ first-round exit from the NCAA Tournament on Thursday.
Anxiety over forfeiting their college eligibility to take a chance at the next level.
Melancholy over saying goodbye to teammates and campus life.
Excitement over achieving a lifelong pursuit of reaching the NHL.
“It was really hard, one of the hardest (decision) I’ve had to make,” said Rinzel, a defenseman. “It came down to talking to my parents a lot, not getting a whole bunch of sleep after the game. Just trying to put emotions aside and trying to find what’s best for me.”
He said he was emotional about the loss as he wrestled with the decision.
“I asked my mom, kind of asked what a ‘gut feeling’ was, because I thought (that) was kind of bullcrap,” Rinzel said. “She just said try to put emotions aside and just think what’s best for you.
“I feel like this decision was it.”
At least Rinzel had someone who could relate to what he was going through.
“Very similar,” said Moore, a forward. “We had a couple phone calls going back and forth. We were in the same boat. This is an emotional time, leaving those guys in college — some of your best friends. But I think both of us wanted to take the next step and be here, and we’re going to look back at it with no regrets.
“So we’re just happy to be here.”
Rinzel said it helped a little that Moore was making the same choice, but at the same time it’s difficult “when you got your best buddy also doing it.”
Gophers captain Jimmy Snuggerud decided to sign with the St. Louis Blues, but ultimately Rinzel had to focus on what would best serve him.
“I felt like it would be good to kind of take that next step and live out my dream,” he said. “Kind of just test myself a little bit. It was my dream. It’s every kid’s dream.
“When the opportunity comes in front of you, it’s hard to say no.”
The pair practiced with the Hawks for the first time as professionals Saturday at Fifth Third Arena.
“Good first day, they’re excited to be here, brought some energy, pace,” interim coach Anders Sorensen said.
He confirmed that Moore and Rinzel will make their NHL debuts Sunday against the Utah Hockey Club at the United Center. Sorensen advised they savor the moment.
“They’ve got to enjoy and trust their instincts and play,” he said. “We worked a little bit on our structure today and our concepts. So take that with you, but go play.”
Moore and Rinzel are just the latest in what has been an influx of prospects and call-ups to land in Chicago this season, reaching three-year, entry-level deals that each carry a $950,000 salary-cap hit through 2026-27.
The moves come on the heels of the Hawks calling up Kevin Korchinski on Thursday from Rockford. Korchinski, 20, played in Friday’s 5-3 home loss to the Vegas Golden Knights.
But Moore symbolically represents the genesis of the rebuild.
The 2023 first-round draft pick used to select him was part of the blockbuster Brandon Hagel trade with the Tampa Bay Lightning in March 2022 that all but signaled the end of the Patrick Kane-Jonathan Toews era and the start of the Hawks’ long-term reconstruction.
Rinzel’s pick came as part of a July 2022 trade with the Toronto Maple Leaf, who were looking to shed goalie Petr Mrázek’s contract. The Leafs spent the second-round pick they received in return on Fraser Minten.
With nine games remaining, it’s time for the ...
