A Terrible Tragedy Strikes a Future Chicago Blackhawks Prospect
Photo credit: Dobber Prospects
The NHL Draft is a big date for many junior hockey players, who wish to see their dream realized and hard work pay off.
One of those players is the Chicago Steel's own Michael Hage, who is linked to the Chicago Blackhawks at 18th overall in the 2024 NHL Draft.
Hage is projected to be drafted outside of the top 10 of the 1st round but could prove to be a great selection, as his willpower to persevere has been defined by recent struggles.
Hage is originally from Mississauga, Ontario, and left home early to join the Chicago Steel in the USHL. He left home to excel in junior hockey in the USHL and accomplished that, but when he returned home for the Holiday the day in July ended in tragedy as his father Alan drowned during the festivities.
«He meant everything to me, he was my role model, someone I looked to my whole life,» said Hage, met at the NHL Prospect Evaluation Session (Combine) in Buffalo. «With him, it all started with hard work. He was someone who worked hard his whole life, and he wanted me to put effort into everything I did.
«His loss has obviously left a huge void in my life. » -Michael Hage
«His loss has obviously left a huge void in my life. » -Michael Hage
After the tragic event, he had to return to training to keep a sense of normalcy, while keeping his father in his memory. Not to mention the distance between himself and his family being an issue for the forward, he also suffered an injury to his shoulder during the first day of camp with the Steel, an unfortunate event.
He would come back stronger during the 2nd season of his career with the Chicago Steel.
Hage's Coach Mike Garman:
«A lot of people wouldn't have been able to deal with all that. We are talking about two very hard blows to bear [his injury and the loss of his father]. Everyone would have understood if the results hadn't been there, but Michael seemed to be improving thanks to all this. I couldn't have been more impressed with how he handled everything he had to go through. » -Mike Garman
Hage's career has improved since his first season when he would only play 13 games with the Steel.
During his second season in 2023-2024, he would push himself past all expectations, scoring 75 points( 33 G, 22 A) in 54 games.
His story would be a major factor in how clubs viewed him, including the Nashville Predators scout Jean-Phillip Glaude.
He has the traits many teams, including the Blackhawks, should covet as Captain of the Chicago Steel.
He is currently projected to go outside the first half of the first round in the 2024 NHL Draft, a perfect spot for the Blackhawks to swipe him up.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 22 | 97 ANSWERS A Terrible Tragedy Strikes a Future Chicago Blackhawks Prospect Should the Blackhawks draft Michael Hage? | ||
| Yes | 48 | 49.5 % |
| No | 49 | 50.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
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