The Chicago Blackhawks lost to the Utah Hockey Club on Sunday at the United Center. Teams want to win no matter where they are in the standings, but player development is the most important thing right now.
Most of Chicago鈥檚 roster is 25 years old or younger which plays into that philosophy. By making their NHL debut on Sunday, Sam Rinzel and Oliver Moore made the Blackhawks even younger.
It was a good first game for both of them, and they had each other to make it even better. They were also glowing over the fact that tons of family and friends made the trip to see them play.
That support included their now former teammates at the University of Minnesota. They all just went through a tough loss together in the NCAA tournament, which is why Rinzel and Moore were able to get signed by the Blackhawks so soon.
Despite the tough ending to their season, they showed up in numbers to be there for their two friends who were taking major steps in their lives and careers.
Blackhawks on CHSN (@CHSN_Blackhawks) on XSome of Oliver Moore and Sam Rinzel鈥檚 former @GopherHockey teammates came out to the UC today to support them on their NHL debuts馃ス"I had seven family members and all of the [former teammates] that came out," Rinzel said after the game. "They were at the glass at warmups pounding, so it was fun to see".
You could see the jubilation in Rinzel's face when he was talking about his former teammates coming to see him make his NHL debut alongside Moore.
"I think around 15-20," Moore said when asked about people coming to support him. "Really good turnout. Obviously super grateful for them to be here. They mean the world to me and I'm excited to go see them."
Pro locker rooms are fun for players, but nothing beats a college team who had success together.
These guys had to make a long drive to Chicago from Minnesota to get there for this game. It was appreciated by both Moore and Rinzel. They will be friends for life no matter where their journeys take them.
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