Colton Dach will make his highly anticipated NHL debut on January 3, 2025, against none other than his own brother, Kirby Dach, as the Chicago Blackhawks face off against the Montreal Canadiens at the United Center. The excitement surrounding this game is palpable, not only for the Dach family but for hockey fans as well, as it marks the first time the brothers take the ice against one another.
Colton Dach was recalled from the Rockford IceHogs after showing impressive performance at the AHL level, where he recorded 12 goals and 13 assists for 25 points this season. Having solidified his presence on the IceHogs roster, he was called up after the Blackhawks reassigned Joey Anderson, who struggled to find his footing within the NHL lineup. "Just surreal... sitting at home enjoying an off day, I get the phone call," Colton expressed, reflecting on the surprising news of his promotion.
The Blackhawks have faced significant challenges this season, posting just 12 wins and 24 losses, which puts them at the bottom of the Central Division and the entire league. With their performance lacking, the team hopes to inject some much-needed energy and skill through Dach's call-up. "He’s good around the walls," said Anders Sorensen, the IceHogs coach, highlighting Dach’s physical presence as beneficial for the NHL team struggling to score goals.
Kirby Dach, older than Colton by two years, has experienced his share of challenges, including being traded to the Canadiens after three seasons with the Blackhawks. Known for his playmaking ability, Kirby, who has 12 points this season, including five goals, has been attempting to carry on the family's hockey legacy. Historically, brothers have faced one another in the NHL before, but the Dach brothers share this moment with additional significance as they connect through family ties.
Both brothers are prepared for the game, albeit with mixed feelings. "Our family is super excited for this opportunity," Colton said, acknowledging the unique nature of their matchup. Their father, Dale Dach, will attend the game, adding to the familial atmosphere surrounding this showdown. Colton noted with humor, "No, I think my mom will want us to keep it family-friendly out there," indicating the light-hearted yet competitive spirit between the brothers.
This matchup promises to be memorable not just for the Dach family but for the Chicago hockey community, many of whom have followed their careers since they took different paths within the sport. Colton’s development has been promising, coming off a season where he scored 11 goals, and he is eager to show what he can contribute on the NHL stage. He mentioned his goal to embrace his role and be "a pest in front of the net" to create scoring opportunities.
The puck drops at the United Center at 8 p.m. ET, and fans are eager to witness the spectacle of this sibling rivalry as the Blackhawks look to turn their season around with Dach's debut. It remains to be seen if Colton can help his team find some rhythm and redeem themselves from their recent losing streak, which included damaging defeats like the 6-2 loss to the St. Louis Blues.
Overall, the Dach brothers competing against each other offers fans not only high-level hockey but also the heartwarming storyline of family, competition, and the aspirations of young players trying to make their mark on the NHL.