ROCKFORD, Ill. — As Kevin Korchinski skated up the left side of the ice through the neutral zone during a Rockford IceHogs power play on Saturday, he noticed that a Grand Rapids Griffins forward was cheating and anticipating a drop pass.
Gaining some momentum, Korchinski veered to his right, finding space among three defenders near the opponent’s blue line. As the defenders closed in, he swiftly transitioned the puck from his forehand to his backhand and cut back to his left. Approaching the offensive zone, Korchinski intended to pass to his teammate in the left corner, but an unexpected turn of events unfolded.
“Their D-man caught an edge and kind of gave me a treat,” Korchinski remarked later.
With renewed energy, Korchinski sped past the stumbling defenseman and unleashed a shot off his forehand while in motion from the lower left circle. The puck ricocheted off the goalie and came back to Korchinski, who deftly slipped it through the goalie’s legs and into the net.
This play mirrored the skillset Korchinski displayed as a defenseman in the Western Hockey League, which led the Chicago Blackhawks to select him No. 7 overall in the 2022 NHL Draft. It also exemplified the kind of move Korchinski rarely executed last season as the youngest regular defenseman in the NHL.
Having turned 20 in June, Korchinski aspires to be in the NHL, like any player, and he expressed disappointment at not being there. However, he recognizes the broader context that led the Blackhawks to assign him to the AHL to start this season. He has come to realize that he strayed from the player he was in the past, and he is optimistic that his time with the IceHogs will help him regain that form.
“In junior, and throughout my development, I always aimed to join the rush,” Korchinski explained. “Last year, I think I was too passive, overly focused on my own zone, which hindered my gameplay. Tonight, my goal is to be aggressive, regardless of whether I make mistakes, to create opportunities and give my team the best chance to succeed.”
Had it been an option, the Blackhawks likely would have sent Korchinski to Rockford last season. However, due to him being 19 years old and drafted from the CHL, he was only allowed to either play in the NHL or return to the WHL. Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson believed Korchinski would benefit more from staying in the NHL, as he was already exhibiting NHL-level traits, gaining experience at the top tier, and working closely with coaches and development staff.
The previous season did not unfold as smoothly as hoped for Korchinski. Adjusting to the challenges of defending in the NHL proved more difficult than anticipated. He faced issues with maintaining gaps and keeping offensive players to the perimeter. The absence of Connor Murphy due to injury also left fewer experienced players for the younger defensemen to partner with. As a result, Korchinski’s primary defensive partner became Jaycob Megna, who was claimed off waivers mid-season. During their time together on the ice at five-on-five, the Blackhawks were outscored 24-10. Combined with the team’s offensive struggles, Korchinski’s confidence and offensive mindset diminished. Additionally, he experienced the loss of his father during the season.
Davidson does not regret Korchinski’s presence in the NHL instead of returning him to junior hockey, though he acknowledges that it was not an ideal developmental year.
“We placed high expectations on him last year, and due to injuries, he had to step into situations whether he felt prepared or not,” Davidson commented. “For his age and experience level, I think he actually performed admirably, especially considering how challenging it was for our team at times with limited puck possession. I commend him for handling such a heavy workload, which might have been more than what is typical for a player his age. Unfortunately, we were in a situation where this was unavoidable due to injuries. If circumstances had been different, I believe he would have benefited from playing one level down. However, given the scenario, I think he made the most of last year.”
Now
Rockford is an option that Davidson has chosen to pursue. During the Blackhawks’ preseason, Korchinski exhibited some of the same tendencies that concerned the management, prompting Davidson to assign him to Rockford. Like all players who join the IceHogs, Korchinski will follow a customized development plan designed specifically for him.
He will collaborate with IceHogs coach Anders Sorensen and his staff, as well as with Blackhawks assistant general manager Mark Eaton and his team. Additionally, he will receive personalized mentorship from Blackhawks advisor and former NHL defenseman Brian Campbell, who started visiting Korchinski in Rockford immediately after the assignment. Their sessions involve analyzing game footage and discussing Korchinski’s habits, with Campbell sharing insights from his own experiences.
Since the beginning of their meetings, Korchinski has participated in two games. He was called up to compete in the Blackhawks’ final preseason game and subsequently made his debut with the IceHogs on Saturday. Encouraging signs were evident in both outings. His defensive gaps were tighter, which allowed him to minimize defensive responsibilities and spend more time in the offensive zone. He called for the puck more often, utilized his skating skills more effectively, and appeared more engaged throughout both games.
“After training with Soupy (Campbell) for just a couple of games and reviewing video together, it has been fantastic,” Korchinski remarked. “Having someone like him, who’s won Cups and has played countless games, he understands the game exceptionally well and can provide guidance for me to improve as a player. I’m really excited. This year is going to be incredible.”
Similar to his power-play goal on Saturday, Korchinski is aiming to regain his aggressiveness with the puck. Playing in Rockford gives him the freedom to test his boundaries without the pressure of making mistakes. His playing time and opportunities won’t be affected by any missteps. Moreover, he isn’t faced with the scrutiny of 18,000 fans or the presence of seasoned NHL veterans on the bench.
“I believe that’s one of the most significant differences between the AHL and the NHL,” Sorensen noted. “Here, you get a bit more leeway in certain situations. We want to be respectful to the group since everything done affects the team. However, I do think that this so-called freedom benefits players. Our primary mantra as a team is to encourage creativity. There will be times when we turn the puck over, but it’s essential to be part of the process to recover it as swiftly as possible. I believe this approach helps young players immensely.”
Korchinski will play on the IceHogs’ top power-play unit and will log significant minutes. In the IceHogs’ season opener, he played nearly 24 minutes, a feat he achieved in the NHL last season only four times.
Moreover, Korchinski will have increased opportunities to analyze game footage and practice between games. With a schedule involving two or three games followed by a week of practice, the Blackhawks are optimistic that this time will enable him to evaluate his performance and make necessary adjustments—a luxury that’s often unavailable in the NHL.
One key area Sorensen plans to focus on with Korchinski during practices and games is enhancing his offensive skating ability and encouraging him to engage with the defense more actively.
“I want him to adopt a more aggressive style of play,” Sorensen expressed. “He has the potential to be a player like (Cale) Makar or (Quinn) Hughes, able to challenge opposing wingers and forwards. We want him to adopt a downhill offensive approach, as that’s when he performs at his best. We aim to instill this mindset and provide support as a group, but that’s where we’ll give him more freedom because we want to see him return to that level of play that we know he possesses.”
GOOOAAAAL & Kevin Korchinski wants to hear ya 😮💨
Hogs 2 – Griffins 0 <a href="https://t.co/9XCyypZ
— Rockford IceHogs (@goicehogs) October 13, 2024
Korchinski is beginning to embrace that mindset.
“The most important thing is that if I make a mistake, I want it to be due to aggression and a genuine effort to make the right play rather than being passive,” Korchinski stated. “Mistakes stemming from gripping the stick too tightly or lacking confidence only hinder the game. For me, whether it’s a good play or a bad play, I just need to reset for the next shift, give my all, and aim for success on each subsequent play.”
Davidson has aspirations for Korchinski to be able to contribute in all situations within the NHL. He aims to build a sense of trust in Korchinski during any phase of the game, while still emphasizing the importance of Korchinski’s defensive skills in Rockford. However, Davidson also recognizes that Korchinski must pose an offensive threat at the NHL level. This is precisely why the Blackhawks selected him early in the draft; they envisioned him as a potential game-changer with his skating and offensive abilities.
Re-establishing Korchinski’s confidence could lead to significant progress.
“Our goal is to help him regain the confidence he demonstrated in junior hockey, and that process will take time, especially in the professional arena,” Davidson explained. “We want to see him making plays with the puck. He needs to utilize his skating to create opportunities, join the offensive rush, and effectively transition the puck rather than constantly defending against relentless waves of opposing players.”
“There are also subtle nuances to defending at the pro level against skilled, experienced players — he will learn this daily in practice and when he returns to the bench. Ultimately, building overall confidence will enable him to assert himself in the game, rather than simply trying to avoid making mistakes.”
While Korchinski would relish the opportunity to play with the Blackhawks, he maintains a laid-back demeanor and enjoys his time with the IceHogs. Being around peers his age allows for a shared experience. He and Colton Dach were teammates in the WHL, and he and Samuel Savoie shared an apartment in Chicago during part of last season. They are supporting each other in their journey and striving for collective success.
“You witnessed it firsthand with Korch’s goal; it was quite a remarkable moment,” Dach remarked following the IceHogs’ victory on Saturday. “His talent is truly exceptional. Everyone recognizes that we have the potential to form a special group and embark on a lengthy journey. We just need to focus on the finer details and develop good habits; that’s where our success will stem from.”
Korchinski also emphasized the importance of those details. He aspires to return to the NHL soon but is committed to making the most of his time in Rockford.
“It involves learning all the nuances and being able to break them down to elevate my game,” Korchinski noted. “I’m aware of where I stand; I want to become the best hockey player I can be, and my experience here will only contribute to that growth. It won’t hinder my progress.”
“I understand that hockey is a business, and at my age, development is crucial. My goal is to improve continuously. I can’t be complacent with last year’s performance. I view it as a privilege to play hockey and get compensated for it, whether in the NHL or elsewhere. For me, no matter where I am playing, it’s a privilege, and I’m having the time of my life.”
(Photo: Rashaad Robinson / Rockford IceHogs)
Kevin Korchinski’s Journey: Rediscovering Confidence and Creativity in Rockford
The Early Days: A Look Back at Kevin’s Roots
Kevin Korchinski, a talented individual from Rockford, faced numerous challenges throughout his life that tested his confidence and creativity. Growing up in a close-knit community, he was surrounded by supportive friends and family who encouraged him to pursue his passions. However, as he navigated through the complexities of adolescence, he encountered setbacks that led to a struggle with self-esteem and artistic expression.
Rebuilding Confidence: Key Milestones
Rediscovering confidence is a journey that often involves several key milestones. For Kevin Korchinski, these milestones were crucial in transforming his mindset and rebuilding his creative spirit.
- Seeking Support: Kevin reached out to mentors and friends who provided the encouragement he needed during challenging times.
- Exploring New Mediums: By experimenting with different artistic mediums, Kevin was able to find his unique voice and style.
- Setting Achievable Goals: Establishing small, realistic goals helped Kevin track his progress and celebrate successes along the way.
- Participating in Local Events: Engaging with the Rockford community through local art fairs and exhibitions rekindled Kevin’s passion and provided valuable feedback from peers.
Creative Outlets: Finding Passion in Art
Artistic expression played a pivotal role in Kevin’s journey towards self-discovery. By engaging in various creative outlets, he was able to channel his emotions and experiences into tangible creations. Some of the prominent forms of expression he pursued included:
- Painting: Using acrylics and watercolors, Kevin created stunning landscapes that reflected his surroundings in Rockford.
- Music: Embracing his love for music, Kevin began composing original songs that conveyed his feelings and experiences.
- Writing: Through poetry and short stories, Kevin explored themes of identity, resilience, and hope.
Benefits of Rediscovering Confidence and Creativity
Reclaiming confidence and creativity can have profound effects on an individual’s overall well-being. Here are some notable benefits:
- Enhanced Self-Esteem: Engaging in creative activities boosts self-worth and fosters a positive self-image.
- Improved Mental Health: Creative expression acts as a therapeutic outlet, reducing stress and anxiety.
- Stronger Community Connections: Participating in local art initiatives fosters relationships and collaborations, enriching personal and professional networks.
- Increased Problem-Solving Skills: Creativity encourages innovative thinking, allowing individuals to approach challenges with a fresh perspective.
Practical Tips for Rediscovering Your Creative Side
If you’re looking to follow in Kevin’s footsteps and reignite your confidence and creativity, consider these practical tips:
- Start Small: Choose a manageable project that excites you, whether it’s a painting, a song, or a poem.
- Join a Group: Look for local classes or workshops to meet like-minded individuals who share your interests.
- Create a Routine: Dedicate specific times each week for creative activities to establish a habit.
- Stay Open-Minded: Be willing to explore new techniques and styles; experimentation can lead to unexpected joy.
Case Study: Kevin’s Impact in the Rockford Community
Kevin Korchinski’s transformation has not only impacted his life but also the Rockford community as a whole. Here’s a closer look at his contributions:
Community Art Projects
Kevin initiated several community art projects aimed at engaging residents and promoting creativity across all age groups. Notable projects include:
| Project Name | Description | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Rockford Mural Initiative | A collaborative mural project involving local artists and residents. | Transformed public spaces and fostered community pride. |
| Youth Art Workshops | Workshops focused on creativity for children and teens. | Increased youth engagement and self-expression. |
| Annual Art Fair | Showcasing local talent and providing a platform for emerging artists. | Strengthened local art community and encouraged new collaborations. |
Firsthand Experience: Kevin’s Personal Insights
In a recent interview, Kevin shared insights into his journey:
“Rediscovering my confidence was an emotional rollercoaster. There were days when I doubted myself, but the support I found in Rockford was invaluable. The community became my canvas, and through art, I could express everything I was feeling. It was liberating!”
Overcoming Challenges
Kevin emphasized the importance of perseverance. He recalls moments of failure but insists that each setback served as a lesson:
- Embrace Failure: Kevin believes that failure is essential for growth; it’s an opportunity to learn and adapt.
- Stay Committed: Consistency in pursuing creative passions enabled him to build confidence over time.
The Role of Community Support
Kevin credits his success to the strong network of support found in Rockford. Community members rallied around him, providing encouragement and feedback that fueled his creative journey. Some ways the community supported Kevin include:
- Networking Opportunities: Local events allowed Kevin to connect with other artists and potential collaborators.
- Mentorship Programs: Experienced artists offered guidance, sharing valuable insights about overcoming creative blocks.
- Public Exhibitions: Opportunities to display his work gave Kevin the confidence to share his art with a wider audience.
Inspiring Others: Kevin’s Message
Today, Kevin Korchinski stands as a beacon of hope for many aspiring artists in Rockford. His journey illustrates that with determination, support, and creativity, anyone can overcome their struggles and rediscover their passions. Kevin emphasizes the following message:
“Never underestimate the power of community and creativity. They can heal, inspire, and transform lives.”
