Young Blackhawks Defenseman Overcomes Physical Weakness with Clever Use of Brainpower
Rookie defenseman Sam Rinzel has been impressing coaches and fans alike since being recalled to Chicago from the AHL just two games ago. Despite entering the season at only 195 pounds, Rinzel's determination to improve his physical stature - now hovering around 195-200 pounds, according to Hawks coach Jeff Blashill - hasn't hindered his ability to excel on the ice.
Blashill acknowledges that Rinzel still has a ways to go in terms of reaching peak strength, but notes that using one's "brain" is crucial when undersized. "Any time you're undersized in any way... you have to use your brain," he said.
This approach allows younger defensemen like Rinzel and fellow prospect Artyom Levshunov to develop strategies for combatting their size disadvantages. For Rinzel, it's about being strategically positioned before engaging opponents physically, utilizing his stick and body positioning to create advantageous situations. This approach has been influenced by studying elite players such as Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski, whose intelligent playmaking skills have catapulted him to stardom.
"Nothing's super flashy with [Werenski]," Rinzel noted. "But he's so effective with his skating and stick and how he's able to effortlessly break the puck out, skate up the ice, kick it and drive the net." By studying players like Werenski and adapting these skills to his own game, Rinzel has been able to make a significant impact on the ice.
Levshunov, who was recalled alongside Rinzel after a performance-related removal from the lineup, is currently undergoing an individual program to address foundational aspects of his game. The Hawks are working to build upon Levshunov's strength, which is not as concerning - in fact, he's been praised for his physical prowess - but rather his ability to process situations quickly and remember his position within the team's structure.
While it may take time for both Rinzel and Levshunov to refine their skills, Blackhawks coaches are confident that with continued development and practice, they'll be able to overcome their physical weaknesses and become valuable contributors to the team.
Rookie defenseman Sam Rinzel has been impressing coaches and fans alike since being recalled to Chicago from the AHL just two games ago. Despite entering the season at only 195 pounds, Rinzel's determination to improve his physical stature - now hovering around 195-200 pounds, according to Hawks coach Jeff Blashill - hasn't hindered his ability to excel on the ice.
Blashill acknowledges that Rinzel still has a ways to go in terms of reaching peak strength, but notes that using one's "brain" is crucial when undersized. "Any time you're undersized in any way... you have to use your brain," he said.
This approach allows younger defensemen like Rinzel and fellow prospect Artyom Levshunov to develop strategies for combatting their size disadvantages. For Rinzel, it's about being strategically positioned before engaging opponents physically, utilizing his stick and body positioning to create advantageous situations. This approach has been influenced by studying elite players such as Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski, whose intelligent playmaking skills have catapulted him to stardom.
"Nothing's super flashy with [Werenski]," Rinzel noted. "But he's so effective with his skating and stick and how he's able to effortlessly break the puck out, skate up the ice, kick it and drive the net." By studying players like Werenski and adapting these skills to his own game, Rinzel has been able to make a significant impact on the ice.
Levshunov, who was recalled alongside Rinzel after a performance-related removal from the lineup, is currently undergoing an individual program to address foundational aspects of his game. The Hawks are working to build upon Levshunov's strength, which is not as concerning - in fact, he's been praised for his physical prowess - but rather his ability to process situations quickly and remember his position within the team's structure.
While it may take time for both Rinzel and Levshunov to refine their skills, Blackhawks coaches are confident that with continued development and practice, they'll be able to overcome their physical weaknesses and become valuable contributors to the team.
Anyway, I guess what's cool about Sam Rinzel is that he's not just relying on brute strength like most defensemen. His brains are actually doing the work for him! 
It's awesome to see younger players like him and Artyom Levshunov getting coached up by guys who know how to use their heads on the ice. But, can we please get a better search function around here? I swear, I've been searching for hours for this article and it still doesn't show up in my threads... 
The way Rinzel studies elite players & adapts their skills 2 his own game is pure genius! And let's not 4get about Artyom Levshunov, he's also makin' progress & lookin' sharp 
I think these young defensemen r the future of hockey & it's gonna be lit to watch them crush it on the ice 
he's all about using his noodle instead of relying on brawn! I mean, who needs to weigh 200 pounds when you can outsmart 'em? 
just watch some Werenski highlights and Rinzel is over it. And Levshunov's got this whole memory thing going on like a supercomputer 
. It's gonna be fun watching these young bucks grow into their roles, maybe we'll even get to see them break out some fancy stickhandling moves! 
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. Sam Rinzel's strategy is all about positioning and using his stick to outsmart opponents, it's so refreshing to see a player think ahead instead of just relying on physical strength 
️. The fact that Levshunov is focusing on quick processing and remembering his place in the team structure shows he's got a great work ethic and will definitely be worth keeping an eye on 
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. The fact that they're not trying to force him into being someone he's not, but rather focusing on what makes him unique and valuable as a player, is really admirable.
gotta love how he's studying elite players like werenski and adapting their skills to his own style it's all about being strategic on the ice and not trying to go toe-to-toe with bigger guys 
anymore than Sam Rinzel's got to deal with his physical weakness on the ice... I mean, if he can use that "brain" of his to outsmart opponents, then maybe we can figure out how to make this platform not lag behind every few seconds? 
It's like, come on guys, prioritize your users over your outdated software 
. And what's next, are they gonna tell us to just "think our way out" of penalties? 