“Something to get used to” – Frank Nazar excited to grow at Michigan ahead of spot with Chicago Blackhawks

Frank Nazar

American ice hockey centre Frank Nazar took it all in during the Chicago Blackhawks development camp last month. Picked with the No. 13 pick of the 2022 NHL Draft, the 18-year-old Nazar was moving away from the full cage he wore with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program the past two seasons.

“First time wearing a visor today,” he said with a laugh on July 11, as quoted by NHL.com. “So something to get used to.”

“I think it’s going to be great,” Nazar said. “I know a lot of people there, I skated with them so far this summer, knowing the coaches real well. Growing up, playing with [Michigan assistant coach Brandon] Naurato and skating with him and Matt Larke [NTDP development coach] who helps out too. I think it’s going to be a great opportunity and I’m going to make the most of it.”

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“Nazar is a real explosive skater”

The 5-foot-9, 175 pounds Nazar, who was third on the NTDP Under-18 team with 70 points (28 goals, 42 assists) in 56 games last season, said he’ll also be ready for a more physical game as he plays against the next level of competition.

Meanwhile, Adam Nightingale, who coached the Michigan native Nazar for two seasons at the NTDP, said the youngster already has made good strides in the sport.

Day 2 of USA’s evaluation camp is well underway. Frank Nazar III and Luke Hughes have been all over the ice this morning. pic.twitter.com/z95LVLBYUG
— Connor Earegood (@ConnorEaregood) July 25, 2022

“He’s a real explosive skater,” said Nightingale, now coach of the Michigan State University men’s hockey team. “That’s the one thing that really stands out.

“Where he really grew his game is his impact when he doesn’t have the puck, with his speed. That’s sometimes a challenge. He’s competitive, and you combine those two together, he’s obviously a really high-end prospect.”

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