The Chicago Blackhawks are set to open their 2026 Prospect Showcase this week, with two practices, a morning skate and a pair of games against the St. Louis Blues on the schedule.
The group gets started Friday, Sept. 11 with a 10 a.m. practice at Blackhawks Ice Center - Rink 1. Another practice follows Saturday, Sept. 12 at the same time and place, then Sunday, Sept. 13 brings a 10 a.m. morning skate at Blackhawks Ice Center - Rink 1.
The showcase shifts into game mode on Monday, Sept. 14, when the Blackhawks face the Blues at 6 p.m. at Blackhawks Ice Center - USG Arena. The teams meet again Tuesday, Sept. 15, with puck drop set for 4 p.m. at the same venue.
Chicago’s prospect roster includes a mix of players coming from junior hockey, college and the pro ranks. Among the forwards listed are Noah Aboflan, Sacha Boisvert, Chase DaFoe, Jiri Felcman, Rowan Henderson, Parker Holmes, Marcus Joughin, Paul Ludwinski, Martin Misiak, Ryan Roobroeck, AJ Spellacy, Marek Vanacker and Aiden Young.
The blue line group features Hayden Barch, Ashton Cumby, Jake Furlong, Lachlan Getz, Taige Harding, Ty Henry and Brayden Hislop, while the goaltenders are Adam Gajan and Jason Schaubel.
Boisvert is listed with Chicago (NHL) and Boston University (NCAA), while several others arrive with recent stops in the AHL, ECHL, OHL, WHL and NCAA. Gajan’s résumé also includes Slovakia at the Olympic Games and the World Championship.
Fans can attend the practices for free at Blackhawks Ice Center, formerly Fifth Third Arena, at 1801 W. Jackson Boulevard, two blocks south of the United Center. Tickets for the games are available for $10, including taxes and fees, through Ticketmaster, and seating will be general admission.
Last year’s scrimmages were streamed live on the Blackhawks’ official website and the Blackhawks app, but there has not been official confirmation that will happen again this year.
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