One goalie in the Chicago Blackhawks organization is delivering, and that is Rockford IceHog, Collin Delia.
The Rockford IceHogs are trying to make a playoff run and if they qualify for the Calder Cup Playoffs, Delia deserves some of the credit.
The 23-year-old started out playing college puck at Merrimack College for three seasons. Collin then signed with the Blackhawks last July. What impacted the signing was Delia’s junior season at Merrimack. During the year, Delia had .927 save percentage in 21 games and an eye-catching performance at a prospect camp prior to the signing.
But, similar to the Blackhawks, Delia's season didn’t get off to a good start either. Delia played 10 games with a 1-7-2 record, 4.12 goals-against average and .887 save percentage.
After his rough patch, Delia made 16 starts for Rockford with an 11-2-3 record since January 6. This past week, Delia played back-to-back games where he made a total of 71 saves allowing only one goal. After this performance, Delia earned AHL Player of the Week honors.
The Ice Hogs have won five of their last seven games with Delia in the net. Rockford now stands two points behind the Grand Rapids Griffins as they fight for a playoff spot. If indeed the IceHogs do make it, Delia will surely be in the net, which means he will get more game and postseason experience, along with other prospects like Gustav Forsling, Anthony Louis and Luc Snuggerud. In terms of the big picture, Delia’s development and saves like this have given the Blackhawks an AHL goaltender worth watching.
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