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The Chicago Blackhawks’ First-Round Picks: Where Are They Now?

By Andrew Stille

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - JUNE 21: Kirby Dach reacts after being selected third overall by the Chicago Blackhawks during the first round of the 2019 NHL Draft at Rogers Arena on June 21, 2019 in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - JUNE 21: Kirby Dach reacts after being selected third overall by the Chicago Blackhawks during the first round of the 2019 NHL Draft at Rogers Arena on June 21, 2019 in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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Kyle Beach

Kyle Beach was the 11th overall selection at the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. He spent the next two years developing in the WHL and had a season-best point total of 86 in 68 games. He was called up to the NHL for the 2010 playoffs before spending his career in the AHL. Unfortunately, he could never find his stride at an NHL level, even when he was eventually traded to the New York Rangers in 2013 for Brandon Mashinter.

While a variety of variables were in play with Beach’s development, there is no doubt that the events of his encounter with then video coach, Brad Aldrich, caused him to stagnate. Going through a situation as traumatic as he did with limited support from the organization, it is no surprise that Beach’s experience with professional hockey was extremely warped at a young age.

Beach is a very special case compared to the other first-round picks in the aforementioned time period. There were severe outside conditions that contributed to his growth as a prospect. While Beach is no longer a professional hockey player in the NHL, he continues to play for EHC Erfurt in Oberliga (Germany3). More importantly, he has become a beacon of courage and inspiration for individuals all over the globe, especially in the hockey world.

Beach’s best year was the 2010-11 season, where he put up 36 points in 71 games with the Rockford IceHogs in the AHL.

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