Chicago native Povorozniouk influenced by Blackhawks’ CHL experience

Sam Povorozniouk was 15 years old when his hometown Chicago Blackhawks hoisted the Stanley Cup in 2010. The young forward was playing for Team Illinois that year and would suit up for the junior A Chicago Steel the following season.

And while skating in the hockey-rich Windy City was fun, Povorozniouk recalls looking at the careers of the Blackhawks’ players from the 2010 championship team. He noted stars such as Patrick Kane, Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook had honed their skills in the CHL en route to the NHL.

Playing at the major junior level became his goal.

“When you take that major junior path, it makes you want to work harder and get to where they are,” Povorozniouk said.

The first step was getting drafted by the OHL’s Sarnia Sting in 2011. He joined the club that fall and remained in the OHL until the Sea Dogs signed him as a free agent in the summer of 2015.

The overager from the Windy City is enjoying a career year in the Port City. Povorozniouk began the month of March tied for the team lead in goals (32) and his 51 points ranked fourth in team scoring for a surging Sea Dogs squad that owned a four-point lead over the Moncton Wildcats for first place in the Maritimes Division.

Povorozniouk’s efforts have played a major role in Saint John’s second-half success. His wrister from the slot is one of the club’s most dangerous weapons.

“Lately, I’ve been trying to shoot as much as I can instead of trying to do something extra to make it look nice, unless it’s needed, Povorozniouk said. “Confidence is a huge thing and I feel good out there. When I get the puck, I’m not nervous. If I miss the net, I’ll just try again. I feel comfortable when I have the puck.”

Povorozniouk said his production stems from a conversation he had earlier this season with head coach Danny Flynn.

“After the first half, we had a little talk after practice and he just told me that I should shoot more than I pass,” Povorozniouk said. “I took that to heart and I’ve been trying to shoot as much as I can. If it’s a good opportunity, I’ll definitely take it.”

During Povorozniouk’s OHL career, his Blackhawks continued to win, capturing Stanley Cups in both 2013 and 2015. And in fairness, the star-studded Chicago lineup also boasted players with NCAA college experience.

Keith played for Michigan State before joining the WHL’s Kelowna Rockets, Patrick Sharp starred at the University of Vermont and Jonathan Toews was a standout at the University of North Dakota. But the majority of the Blackhawks played in the CHL, and regardless of how many, Povorozniouk wanted to experience the parallels between major junior and the pro game.

“I like how professional it is, from equipment to staff to how you’re treated outside the rink and inside the rink,” he said. “It’s just so close to being an NHL player. It’s the best development there is.”

Flynn said Povorozniouk has also enjoyed success in the classroom.

“He’s rolled up his sleeves and gone to work academically,” the bench boss said. “The 20-year-olds are such an important part of your team, both on and off the ice, and he’s come here and given us a real fine season. He’s been a real good addition to our team.

“We were fortunate to get him from the OHL in the summer. This is his fifth year in the Canadian Hockey League and he’s hungry for playoff success. The first step was to have a real good regular season and he’s certainly done that.”

Saint John’s other sniper from Chicago is Detroit Red Wings prospect Adam Marsh, one of several impact free agents signed by general manager Darrell Young.

“The draft is always going to be your lifeline, but it’s a huge addition to your team if you can bring in a quality free agent,” Flynn said. “If you look at the top teams across the country, virtually every one of them drafts well, but they also hit a home run once in a while in the free agent market.”

Although Povorozniouk hopes the Sea Dogs make a championship run, he knows his CHL career is winding down. And he wants to put his five years of experience to good use.

“Everyone wants to go to the NHL, but there’s always stepping stones,” Povorozniouk said. “Hopefully I’ll play pro somewhere.”

But for now, the winger from the Windy City is savoring the current campaign.

“I haven’t been on a team this good in my junior career,” Povorozniouk said. “The group of guys in the locker room is really close. It’s as if we grew up together. When the team is doing this well, you come to the rink happy and you leave the rink happy.”