Future prospect of the Blackhawks suffers tragedy
Photo credit: FloHockey
NHL draft spotlight: Michael Hage's journey of resilience and triumph.
The journey to the NHL is fraught with both dreams and adversities, a path well-trodden by aspiring hockey stars like Michael Hage of the Chicago Steel.
With the 2024 NHL Draft on the horizon, Hage is a prominent figure, projected to join the ranks of the Chicago Blackhawks as their 18th overall pick.
Despite expectations placing him outside the top ten of the first round, Hage's narrative of perseverance and talent makes him a standout candidate.
Born in Mississauga, Ontario, Hage's hockey aspirations led him to the United States Hockey League (USHL), where he honed his skills with the Chicago Steel.
However, his journey took a tragic turn last July when his father, Alan, unexpectedly passed away during a holiday gathering. This loss profoundly impacted Hage, thrusting him into the harsh realities of life's fragility.
« He meant everything to me, he was my role model, someone I looked to my whole life, » said Hage, 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
« 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
Despite the immense personal loss and the additional challenge of a shoulder injury at the onset of training camp with the Steel, Hage's resolve did not waver.
His ability to maintain a sense of normalcy and focus on his career objectives through training was nothing short of remarkable.
Hage returned to play with an unmatched vigor in his second season, achieving an impressive tally of 75 points (33 goals, 22 assists) across 54 games. His coach, Mike Garman, praised his resilience:
« 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
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 personal and athletic growth has not only shaped his character but also his appeal to major NHL teams. As the captain of the Chicago Steel, his leadership on and off the ice is evident.
Scouts, including Jean-Phillip Glaude from the Nashville Predators, have noted his commendable traits, which are highly sought after in the NHL.
Projected to be selected in the latter half of the first round, Hage's position in the draft is a prime opportunity for the Blackhawks to secure a player of his caliber.
His journey, marked by significant personal trials and professional triumphs, underscores the profound resilience and dedication required to ascend in the world of professional hockey.
| POLL | ||
22 JUIN | 54 ANSWERS Future prospect of the Blackhawks suffers tragedy Should the Blackhawks draft Michael Hage? | ||
| Yes | 29 | 53.7 % |
| No | 25 | 46.3 % |
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