Blackhawks Practice [Video & Photos]

As many of you know, I have been learning how to play hockey for a bit over a year now (and write about that on my “Hockey Noob” blog). This past Saturday, after my “Hockey 102” class was finished, the Chicago Blackhawks took to the ice for their team practice. Funny that, one minute the ice is full of guys who can barely shoot the puck, and then the next minute its full of pros making millions of dollars playing hockey.

I stuck around and shot some video (above, about 2:30). I also took some photos (below), which was tricky due to the glare from the glass — and the fact that the players move so darned fast. 08 - BickellLook, kids! It’s Bryan Bickell.I tried to snap a pic whenever a player was waiting his turn for a drill.

06 - Group and CoachPlayers and assistant coaches gather around to hear head coach Joel Quenneville (middle, with back to us) talk.

04 - SaadBrandon Saad (middle) and a few other ‘Hawks work on skating drills.

03 - SmithBen Smith waits his turn during a passing drill.

07 - Group Coach ExplainsCoach Quenneville (middle) diagrams a play.

01 - PassJohnny Oduya (left) and David Rundblad work on passing.

05 - Group against boardsDuncan Keith (right) and Brent Seabrook (second from right) prepare to do a defensive drill.

02 - ShawBlackhawks center Andrew Shaw.

Although this is not the first time the Blackhawks practiced immediately after my class, it was the first time I really stuck around and watched it for an hour. It is very humbling to see that these guys skate backwards faster than I can skate forwards.

At the same time, it is inspiring to see that a lot of the drills the ‘Hawks do are the very same ones I do in my hockey class — albeit, they do their drills a thousand times better.Watching the pros practice was a fun experience. ■

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Author: Sal Barry

Sal Barry is the editor and webmaster of Puck Junk. He is a freelance hockey writer, college professor and terrible hockey player. Follow him on Twitter @puckjunk

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