Shaw Back With IceHogs 10/02/12
By: Scott Leber
Updated: October 2, 2012
Rockford, Illinois-Thanks to the NHL lockout Andrew Shaw is back with the IceHogs. Odds are he would have been with the Blackhawks right now.
Shaw was called up to the Blackhawks early last January, and he made a major contribution. His play at the NHL level was a surprise to everyone including him since Shaw was only a 20 year old in his first pro season of hockey.
"I didn't expect it to happen that quickly," said Shaw to WTVO. "Coming into the year I wasn't even on an NHL contract. That was my goal. I was working to get that contract."
Shaw caught the Blackhawks eye because of his work ethic, and his willingness to do the less glamorous things on the ice.
"Going to the net, going to dirty areas. They kept telling me they didn't have guys to do it, so I thought you know I'll try to be that guy," said Shaw. "I just went to the net and good things came for me."
Shaw tallied 23 points in 37 games with the Blackhawks. At 20 years old he was making an impact in the best hockey league in the world. But he's smart enough to know he still has a lot to learn.
"I'm still young. I'm still learning," said Shaw. "This camp will hopefully help me out to learn a little bit more, critique my game how they want me to play, and I think in a few years I'll be completely NHL ready."
Shaw is disappointed about the lockout, but he feels fortunate to be able to play in Rockford while the veteran Blackhawks are skating on their own with no game action in sight.
"The best way to get in shape is to play games. Hopefully the lockout ends soon here, and hopefully I'm in the best shape I can be in and start off hot."
Shaw was called up to the Blackhawks early last January, and he made a major contribution. His play at the NHL level was a surprise to everyone including him since Shaw was only a 20 year old in his first pro season of hockey.
"I didn't expect it to happen that quickly," said Shaw to WTVO. "Coming into the year I wasn't even on an NHL contract. That was my goal. I was working to get that contract."
Shaw caught the Blackhawks eye because of his work ethic, and his willingness to do the less glamorous things on the ice.
"Going to the net, going to dirty areas. They kept telling me they didn't have guys to do it, so I thought you know I'll try to be that guy," said Shaw. "I just went to the net and good things came for me."
Shaw tallied 23 points in 37 games with the Blackhawks. At 20 years old he was making an impact in the best hockey league in the world. But he's smart enough to know he still has a lot to learn.
"I'm still young. I'm still learning," said Shaw. "This camp will hopefully help me out to learn a little bit more, critique my game how they want me to play, and I think in a few years I'll be completely NHL ready."
Shaw is disappointed about the lockout, but he feels fortunate to be able to play in Rockford while the veteran Blackhawks are skating on their own with no game action in sight.
"The best way to get in shape is to play games. Hopefully the lockout ends soon here, and hopefully I'm in the best shape I can be in and start off hot."
