Marek Vanacker

Last updated
Marek Vanacker
Born (2006-04-12) April 12, 2006 (age 19)
Delhi, Ontario, Canada
Height 6 ft 1 in (185 cm)
Weight 174 lb (79 kg; 12 st 6 lb)
Position Left wing
Shoots Left
NHL team (P)
Cur. team
Chicago Blackhawks
Brantford Bulldogs  (OHL)
NHL draft 27th overall, 2024
Chicago Blackhawks

Marek Vanacker (born April 12, 2006) is a Canadian ice hockey left winger who plays for the Brantford Bulldogs in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and is a prospect within the Chicago Blackhawks organization of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected 27th overall by the Blackhawks in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft.

Contents

Playing career

On April 20, 2022, Vanacker was selected 23rd overall by the Hamilton Bulldogs in the 2022 OHL Draft [1] and signed with the team on May 21, 2022. [2] In his rookie 2022–23 season, he tallied four goals and 12 assists over 55 games with the Brantford Bulldogs. The following year, 2023–24, he enjoyed a breakout season, posting 36 goals, 46 assists, 22 power‑play points, and five shorthanded goals in 68 regular‑season games. He finished as the team's leader in both goals and total points and ranked second in assists. In the playoffs, he added three goals and four assists across six games. [3]

On June 28, 2024, Vanacker's strong junior performance and offensive upside led to him being selected 27th overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in the first round of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. [4] [5] After several weeks of evaluation and negotiations, the Blackhawks officially signed him on August 5, 2024, to a standard three‑year entry‑level contract. [6]

International play

Medal record
Representing Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg  Canada
Men's ice hockey
World U18 Championships
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg 2024 Finland

On April 16, 2024, Vanacker earned the honour of being selected to join Canada's under-18 national team for the prestigious 2024 IIHF World U18 Championships. [7] Throughout the tournament, he contributed one goal in six games, demonstrating his skill and versatility as a forward. More importantly, Vanacker's consistent play helped Canada navigate through tough competition, culminating in the team winning the gold medal. [8]

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

Regular season Playoffs
Season TeamLeagueGP G A Pts PIM GPGAPtsPIM
2021–22 Brantford 99ers OJHL 20110
2022–23 Hamilton Bulldogs OHL 55412162060000
2023–24 Brantford BulldogsOHL683646825563472
2024–25 Brantford BulldogsOHL45241842361165118
OHL totals168647614011123991810

International

YearTeamEventResultGPGAPtsPIM
2022 Canada Black U17 4th70332
2024 Canada U18 Gold medal icon.svg61012
Junior totals131344

References

  1. Henry, Jordan (May 10, 2022). "##OHLDraft Introductions: 23rd Overall Pick Marek Vanacker (Hamilton Bulldogs)". chl.ca. Retrieved June 28, 2024.
  2. "Hamilton Bulldogs Sign Marek Vanacker". chl.ca. May 21, 2022. Retrieved June 28, 2024.
  3. Baum, Carter (June 28, 2024). "DRAFT: What the Experts Say About Marek Vanacker". NHL.com. Retrieved June 28, 2024.
  4. "RELEASE: Blackhawks Select Levshunov, Boisvert and Vanacker in First Round". NHL.com. June 28, 2024. Retrieved June 28, 2024.
  5. Pope, Ben (June 28, 2024). "Blackhawks add to draft haul, taking forwards Sacha Boisvert and Marek Vanacker with 18th and 27th picks". Chicago Sun-Times . Retrieved June 28, 2024.
  6. "Blackhawks sign Marek Vanacker to entry-level deal". Chicago Blackhawks. August 5, 2024. Retrieved August 5, 2024.
  7. "Marek Vanacker Named to Team Canada for U18 World Championship". chl.ca. April 16, 2024. Retrieved June 28, 2024.
  8. Aykroyd, Lucas (May 4, 2024). "McKenna sparks Canada to gold". IIHF.com. Retrieved June 28, 2024.
Awards and achievements
Preceded by Chicago Blawkhawks first-round draft pick
2024
Succeeded by