The Chicago Blackhawks have a lot of great young prospects. So much so that certain players can get lost in the shuffle of conversation on the topic. Two of them that are less likely to be forgotten are former first-round picks Sacha Boisvert and Marek Vanacker.
These two are both representing Team Canada and the Blackhawks at the World Junior Summer Showcase. Some of the best Canadian, American, Swedish, and Finnish prospects in the world are there doing their thing.
On Tuesday, Canada had a game where they iced a team wearing red to play against a team wearing white. Both Boisvert and Vanacker were on the red team.
Scott Wheeler, who does a great job covering NHL prospects for The Athletic, reported on the happenings in that matchup.
Scott Wheeler (@scottcwheeler) on X
Hello from Ridder Arena for the World Junior Summer Showcase’s 🔴 vs. ⚪️ game at 5:30 p.m. ET.
🇨🇦🔴 lines:
Boisvert - Catton - Martone
Reschny - Hage - Kindel
Beaudoin - Vanacker - Martin
Cootes
Schaefer - Brunicke
Aitcheson - Mews
Reid - Gill
George
Gardner
🇨🇦⚪️ lines:
To start the game, Boisvert started as the first line with Berkly Catton of the Seattle Kraken and Porter Martone of the Philadelphia Flyers. Vanacker was on the third line with Cole Beaudoin of the Utah Mammoth and Brady Martin of the Nashville Predators.
Boisvert collected an assist on a goal that gave the red team a 1-0 lead. Not long after that, Vanacker scored the goal that put them up 2-0. Eventually, the white team found their way back and had the game tied at three going into a shootout.
Scott Wheeler (@scottcwheeler) on X
Michael Hage (MTL) finishes off a nice play by Porter Martone (PHI) and Sascha Boisvert (CHI).
1-0 🇨🇦🔴
Scott Wheeler (@scottcwheeler) on X
Marek Vanacker (CHI) backdoor from Michael Hage (MTL) on a power play. Secondary assist to Henry Mews (CGY). Two points for Hage.
2-0 🇨🇦🔴
Boisvert was the last player to shoot for Team Red. He missed, which meant that they went 0-6 on their attempts. Team White won it on their final shot, the only goal they needed in the shootout.
Scott Wheeler (@scottcwheeler) on X
Shootout:
🔴
Hage (MTL): ❌
Schaefer (NYI): ❌
Catton (SJS): ❌
Martone (PHI): ❌
Reschny (CGY): ❌
Boisvert (CHI): ❌
⚪️
McKenna (2026): ❌
Misa (SJS): ❌
Carbonneau (STL): ❌
Ritchie (MIN): ❌
Dickinson (SJS): ❌
Carson Wetsch (SJS): ✅
Despite the loss, these two Blackhawks showed up well for their team. Certainly, they are being noticed by the management team at Hockey Canada. Ultimately, the goal is to make the team for the 2025-26 World Junior Championships. Both of these individuals possess the talent, pedigree, and desire necessary to be great enough to earn a spot.
One other player of note for the Blackhawks in this game is Gavin McKenna. He made it to the event just in time to participate as a member of the white team. McKenna didn’t record any points, but he is already being trusted to play on the top line and shoot first in the shootout. It’s only a matter of time before he makes his presence felt.
McKenna will be the number one pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. He’s also a lock to make the team in the winter. The Blackhawks’ interest in him will depend on their place in the standings during the upcoming season. There is a good chance that they will be in the mix. Regardless, tons of help are on the way in the form of prospects.
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