Thursday, April 23, 2009

More the same in the AHL

You think the opportunity to play in the AHL after a player's junior season is over would be a privilege. For Chicago prospects Kyle Beach and Akim Aliu, they have decided to continue to do what they have done in juniors.

The two have been kicked off the Rockford IceHogs for the remainder of the playoff series against the Milwaukee Admirals.

News flash, noticeably absent from last night's game was Blackhawks prospects Akim Aliu and Kyle Beach. Apparently both received disciplinary actions from the IceHogs front office. There is a code of conduct that is expected of the players by both the IceHogs and the Blackhawks. The IceHogs sent Beach & Aliu home for the remainder of the Milwaukee series. It is unknown if they will be returning this post season, should the IceHogs move on in the playoffs."

Hopefully this is a lesson for them because the precedent has been set for them at the professional level. The Chicago organization isn't going to let them do what they have been in juniors. They have to realize they won't be able to put themselves above the team.

Don't they want to show the parent club what they can do at the next level? The least they have could have done was blend in with the team and do what the coaches ask. It would show Dave Tallon and company you are mature and if the coaches sit you out for the game (using it as example about any player coming from juniors), you swallow your ego and learn from the press box.

What's concerning for Aliu is he can be in the AHL next season. He has to show Chicago he can dig himself out of the hole this summer during their development and training camps. If he doesn't he can count himself in the OHL for his overage season.

Beach looks like he's on his way to be a bust if he continues this path. Sure he has the skills but I think his attitude will keep him out of a regular spot in the NHL. I want to hold off my judgement because he's still a teenager.

Next year will tell us a lot on his future as a pro. The first thing will be how he handles the selection process for the World Junior Team. It will start in July with the development camp, November with the ADT Challenge, and obviously December with the training camp and the selection of the team.

If he can get by without stirring the pot in some fashion I have hope for him. The other thing will be on the ice. He can't get himself into a situation which will cost him a few games.

That's My Take

(Nathan also is a writer for Maineiacs Post to Post and the Maine Hockey Journal. He can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

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