Delhi native Marek Vanacker, a forward with the Brantford Bulldogs, signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Chicago Blackhawks.
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The contract, with a $975,000 salary cap, runs through the 2026-27 season.
Eighteen-year-old Vanacker posted regular season career highs in games played (68), goals (36), assists (46) and points (82) with the OHL’s Bulldogs during the 2023-24 season.
His 36 goals and 82 points each led all Brantford skaters, while his 46 assists ranked second on the club,” said a news release issued by the Blackhawks.
Vanacker also posted seven points (three goals, four assists) in six OHL postseason games in 2023-24. His four assists and seven points each shared second among all team skaters.
He has completed 123 Ontario Hockey League regular season games with the Bulldogs from 2022-24, totaling 98 points (40 goals, 58 assists) and made two trips to the OHL playoffs, compiling seven points (three goals, four assists) in 12 games .
Internationally, Vanacker helped Team Canada to a gold medal at the 2024 IIHF U18 World Championship, recording one goal in six games.
The six-foot-one, 178-pound forward was originally drafted by the Blackhawks in the first round (27th overall) of the 2024 NHL Draft.
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