In his clear and concise response, Kevin Korchinski addressed the query. But there’s no doubt that every Chicago Blackhawks supporter following eyes on the seventh overall pick in 2022 is wondering: where does he see himself this year?
Even better, could he picture himself in October in Chicago? Korchinski remarked, “I think for me it’s taking it day by day.” “I’m just trying to get better as much as I can in preparation for training camp and giving it my all. With my improvements this season alone, I believe I’ve made some progress.
Korchinski responds with a “aw shucks”-like gesture, although his game is anything but aw shucks. The 19-year-old scored 73 points (11-62) in 54 games, winning the Western Hockey League championship and a gold medal at the World Junior Championships. He and fellow Blackhawks prospects Nolan Allan and Colton Dach came up short in the Memorial Cup final by a single game. Whatever his starting point, the momentum will undoubtedly take him to Chicago.
As his career progresses, Korchinski increases his mental and physical toughness
Being a teenager and participating in high-pressure games is a real stroke of luck. But three of them in a row? none more significant than the World Juniors, where Korchinski won the gold medal alongside his Seattle teammates and fellow Blackhawk Connor Bedard. Seattle then defeated Winnipeg in the Western Hockey League Final by a score of 16-3. Despite the 5-0 defeat in the Memorial Cup Final, the lessons were the best kind of exercise.
According to Korchinski, there is “obviously a lot of pressure” and one must trust one’s preparation and method. “You work hard all year to prepare for those times. Once you reach those times, you just kind of go and put your best foot forward, letting your preparation go and playing your game as you normally would. This is when you put your heart and soul into the game.
You shouldn’t kind of overthink things because if you do, you won’t put your best foot forward. You won’t participate in your game. Play your best game, give up something for the team, and do whatever it takes to prevail in those situations.
The coaching staff can obviously see the results of the physical training. Korchinski was “thicker” when Anders Sorensen first met him at training camp, according to the head coach of the Rockford IceHogs. Only giggling came from Korchinski.
Yes, I’ve been working out and have added a little weight, but not enough to make me feel sluggish. stated Korchinski. Whether it’s nutrition or just exercise, I’ve been working at home. This summer, I want to gain some weight in order to feel stronger at training camp and be able to fight with males. Korchinski is definitely on the correct track in terms of both his mental and physical development.
The Blackhawks gain from Seattle and World Cup victories as well
When Sorensen was questioned what the lessons Korchinski, Dach, and Allan took away from their time in Seattle, he mentioned how they were looking forward to the season they had but were nonetheless upset by how it plainly ended. But Sorensen emphasized that the important thing was how victory spreads and creates a foundation for the future.
These are extremely good habits to have, in my opinion, when you come from a winning atmosphere like they do, Sorensen said. “If you’re used to winning and are a part of it, those kinds of programs have standards. So, in my opinion, it’s excellent for us too to come from those programs. Korchinski seems to be developing all the positive habits that are helping his workflow. As the adage goes, habits develop character. His road to Chicago appears to be being marked by such behaviors, possibly as early as this October.