Day 2 of the Tom Kurvers Prospect Showcase was intense, physical, and at times a little scary. The pace was faster, the battles heavier, and while the offense didn’t stand out, the competitiveness was obvious from start to finish.
The headlines belonged to a couple of injury scares, but there were also clear standouts — led once again by defenseman Sam Rinzel.
Scary Moments Steal the Headlines
The toughest moment of the day came early, when defenseman Ty Henry was hit and crashed hard into the boards. He stayed down holding his left leg, and trainers rushed in to help.
Henry needed assistance leaving the ice and did not return. After practice, IceHogs head coach Jared Nightingale said Henry was being evaluated for an ankle injury. No update yet, but from the way it looked, it didn’t seem good.
Later in the scrimmage, the physical play boiled over. Aidan Thompson — who played last season with the University of Denver (NCAA) and is a native of Fort Collins, Colorado — was right in the middle of the action.
Thompson spent most of the game throwing hits and taking them back.
On one shift, AJ Spellacy lined him up, then collided with Taige Harding. Harding lost his balance and, in the chaos, his skate came up and clipped Spellacy in the face. For a few seconds it looked frightening.
Luckily, Spellacy escaped with just a small cut on the side of his nose. He joked afterward that it only needed “a little glue.” Incredibly, he was back on the ice a few minutes later working on faceoffs.
After the scrimmage, Spellacy even had a quick word with Thompson, brushing it off as two competitors battling hard. It was a reminder of how fine the line is between intensity and danger at this level.
Standout of the Day: Sam Rinzel
Once again, the player everyone noticed was Sam Rinzel. At 6’4” with smooth skating and calm puck control, he already looks like a pro. Rinzel was a 2022 first-round pick (25th overall) by Chicago, and he continues to show why.
Rinzel used his body effectively, broke up plays with his reach, and wasn’t afraid to carry the puck out of danger.
What stands out is how much he resembles Moritz Seider at the same stage. The size, the poise, and the ability to dictate tempo are all there.
If he continues this trajectory, don’t be surprised if Rinzel forces his way into the Calder Trophy conversation this season.
Most experts still view Ivan Demidov as the favorite, but Chicago may end up with more than one rookie candidate in the race.
AJ Spellacy: Competitive Edge
Despite the scare, AJ Spellacy showed exactly what makes him valuable. He plays fast, physical, and isn’t afraid to go into the dirty areas.
After a strong development camp last year, Spellacy came back sharper, saying he worked over the summer on improving his shot and being stronger along the walls.
He believes his speed and forechecking can create opportunities for teammates, and he’s embraced the Hawks’ push to “play faster.” Spellacy said the competitive battles at camp are important: you fight hard on the ice, then shake hands off it.
That mindset will serve him well as he pushes for a pro role.
Oliver Moore: Demanding More of Himself
Oliver Moore continues to flash his trademark speed, but what stood out today was his frustration when he didn’t finish a scoring chance.
After a big save, he smacked his stick against the boards — proof of how badly he wants to execute.
Moore admitted he’s been working with the development staff on his finishing and wall play, knowing he could line up at either wing or center this season.
He also praised Rinzel, saying his fellow prospect “just keeps getting better.” That chemistry is good news for Chicago fans who are eager to see both players grow together in the organization.
Ryan Greene: The Smart Path
Ryan Greene centered a line with Thompson and Pridham, showing his solid two-way game.
After a strong NCAA career, Greene spent the summer training at Boston University with a group of pros, focusing on skill and conditioning.
He said his goal is to make the roster, but the best move for his development may be to start in Rockford.
The AHL grind — with its pace, physicality, and heavy schedule — would give Greene the foundation he needs before stepping into the NHL spotlight.
He has the tools to be a reliable middle-six center one day, but building confidence against pros in the AHL is the logical first step.
Nick Lardis: A Big Adjustment Ahead
Few prospects are being watched more closely than Nick Lardis. After scoring 71 goals in the OHL last season, fans want to see how his offense translates against stronger and more mature players.
The talent is undeniable, but the key will be the details: his board work, his pace without the puck, and his decision-making in both ends.
Coach Nightingale praised Lardis but reminded everyone that it’s a process:
“His talent is through the roof. It is an adjustment when you’re playing against men, bigger D-men. But he’s going to be a great project for us. We know it’s a process for younger forwards, but I’ve got a lot of high hopes for Nick.”
At 5’11” and 185 pounds, Lardis isn’t undersized, but the jump from juniors to the AHL is still massive. A third-round pick in 2023, he’s fortunate to have close friend Frank Nazar helping guide him through the transition.
Nazar went through the same transition last season and has been sharing advice on what it takes to succeed at the pro level.
If Lardis embraces that, he could quickly rise into a top role in Rockford and put himself on the NHL radar.
Day 2 Line Combinations
Forwards
- Vanacker – Moore – Lardis
- Thompson – Greene – Pridham
- Behm – Spellacy – Misiak
- Holmes – Gagnier – Israels
- Robinson (extra)
Defense
- Harding – Rinzel
- Kuzmin – Levshunov
- Henry – Mast
- Cumby – Bucheler
Goalies
- Berezhnoy
- Flores
Looking Ahead
The rookies return to the ice Friday, September 12 at 10 AM before their first tournament game Saturday night against the St. Louis Blues at 6 PM CT. The games will be streamed on NHL team websites and YouTube channels.
Day 2 had everything — speed, physicality, scares, and standout performances. With Rinzel looking NHL-ready, Spellacy showing grit, Moore pushing the pace, Greene preparing for his pro debut, and Lardis entering a critical development stage, the future in Chicago is not only exciting but also fiercely competitive.
⚡ Coach’s Take:
Day 2 was wild — scary moments, big battles, and standout performances. If you want to see it for yourself, check out my video highlights of Day 2, featuring the key moments and clips from the scrimmage.
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