Oliver Moore, Sam Rinzel to make Blackhawks debuts Sunday vs Utah

Two more key pieces of the Blackhawks’ future are in the fold. Defenseman Sam Rinzel and forward Oliver Moore, both of the University of Minnesota, signed their entry-level deals on Saturday and will make their NHL debuts on Sunday at the United Center.

“Excitement. Emotion. Gratitude,” Moore said when asked what he’s feeling heading into his first game. “It’s a reflection of the people that have helped me get to this point today. It’s a miracle to play in the NHL. So many things have to go right. I’m just excited for tomorrow.”

“Obviously, there’s going to be nerves,” Rinzel said. “I just want to do everything assertively. Be confident. I know my abilities. I know what I’m capable of.”

At Saturdays’ practice, Moore was left wing on a line with Joe Veleno and Nick Foligno, while Rinzel was paired with Wyatt Kaiser. Rinzel also lined up opposite Kevin Korchinski on the right point of the Blackhawks’ second power-play unit.

Anders Sörensen praised the skating and poise of both players.

“Oliver, really, like a buzzsaw out there,” Sörensen said. “He seemed to have a really strong stick…firm stick. Really good habits already. Passes are hard…gets off his stick quick. Sam, you noticed the skating…like shot out of a cannon a couple of times. Same thing, though. I thought his habits were really good for a first day.”

Both Rinzel and Moore feel they’re ready for the NHL, and said while it was a difficult decision to leave the University of Minnesota, they knew it was their time.

“For me, it was my all-around game,” Moore said. “I feel like I was starting to dominate in a lot of facets of the game, personally. I’m going to get a lot of reps here, wherever they play me.”

“One of the hardest [decisions] I’ve ever had to make,” Rinzel said. “Just trying to put emotions aside and find what’s best for me. My two years at Minnesota were the best of my life.”

Moore, Rinzel, and the Blackhawks, who now feature 17 players 25 years old or younger, will face the Utah Hockey Club on Sunday at 3 p.m. at the United Center.

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