CHICAGO (AP) — Welcome to the NHL, Frank Nazar.
Nazar scored on his first shot on goal in his debut with the Chicago Blackhawks in the team’s home finale against the Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday.
Wearing No. 91, a smiling Nazar got a big cheer from the early arriving fans when he took the ice for his solo rookie lap ahead of warmups. He centered a line with Jason Dickinson and Joey Anderson at the beginning of the game, but coach Luke Richardson said they might take a look at a couple different combinations.
After coming up empty on an early power-play opportunity, Nazar got a slick pass from Seth Jones and skated in on Pyotr Kochetkov for a breakaway. He beat Kochetkov on the goaltender’s stick side 10:05 into the first period, sending a charge through the United Center crowd.
The 20-year-old Nazar, one of Chicago’s top prospects, turned pro after Michigan lost 4-0 to Boston College in the Frozen Four on Thursday night. The 5-foot-10 forward agreed to a three-year contract that runs through the 2025-26 season at a $950,000 salary-cap hit.
Who is Abi Carter? Inside the American Idol winner's unconventional family life
Beijing film fest unveils jury, film lineup and key highlights
Minnesota Equal Rights Amendment fails in acrimonious end to legislative session
2nd Hong Kong pop culture festival to open on April 6
Coach vows to beat Singapore in World Cup qualifier
Amal Clooney played key role in ICC bid to request arrest warrants for Israeli PM and Hamas leader
Midweek games in hectic Premier League schedule