Blackhawks Sign 2007 Pick Akim Aliu

[Thrillhouse]

The Chicago Blackhawks announced today the team has signed right wing Akim Aliu (6-3, 216) to a three-year contract.

Aliu, 19, ranked third on the Ontario Hockey League’s London Knights with a career-high 61 points (28 goals, 33 assists) and paced the squad with 133 penalty minutes in 60 regular-season games last season. Chicago’s third choice (56th overall) in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, Aliu also made his professional debut last year, posting two penalty minutes in two contests with the American Hockey League’s Rockford IceHogs after being signed to an Amateur Tryout Contract on April 4, 2008.

A native of Okene, Nigeria, Aliu notched 58 goals, 123 points and 316 penalty minutes in 160 career regular-season OHL tilts with the Windsor Spitfires (2005-06), Sudbury Wolves (2005-07) and Knights. He also chipped in 10 points (3 goals, 7 assists) and 72 penalty minutes in 32 postseason contests, which includes helping Sudbury reach the OHL Finals in 2007.

[Purely_Purinton]

Now that's a hockey name if I ever heard one!

[OHLTG_Dave]

In case people are interested, here's a bit on his background:

Windsor drafted him a few years back in the first round. He was known as a physical player who could put the puck in the net and dominate a game. The only knock on him was a potential attitude problem off the ice.

It didn't take long for that off-ice stuff to come to the surface. I'm sure most of you know about the Downie/Aliu situation, so I'll continue past that.

He was dealt to Sudbury and later dealt to London (rumours are he had the same issues in Sudbury as he did in Windsor). Since coming to London, he's been a force on the ice, but still has some off-ice stuff to work on. He's turned into a solid goal scorer and a very physical forward, when he wants to be. He's prone to taking stupid penalties, though, which cost the team. For instance, last season when he was with London, playing in Sudbury, a guy hit him from behind a bit (wasn't too bad, I've seen far worse). Aliu gets up and cold clocks the guy, dropping him. He's also been known to two-hand guys in the legs or wherever if he doesn't get his way.

That being said, IF he can keep his head on straight and focus on the game, he's got Bertuzzi potential, a force to be reckoned with. If he can't, though, he won't gain much respect at the pro level.

[Grittzkey]

Originally Posted by OHLTG_Dave

In case people are interested, here's a bit on his background:

Windsor drafted him a few years back in the first round. He was known as a physical player who could put the puck in the net and dominate a game. The only knock on him was a potential attitude problem off the ice.

It didn't take long for that off-ice stuff to come to the surface. I'm sure most of you know about the Downie/Aliu situation, so I'll continue past that.

He was dealt to Sudbury and later dealt to London (rumours are he had the same issues in Sudbury as he did in Windsor). Since coming to London, he's been a force on the ice, but still has some off-ice stuff to work on. He's turned into a solid goal scorer and a very physical forward, when he wants to be. He's prone to taking stupid penalties, though, which cost the team. For instance, last season when he was with London, playing in Sudbury, a guy hit him from behind a bit (wasn't too bad, I've seen far worse). Aliu gets up and cold clocks the guy, dropping him. He's also been known to two-hand guys in the legs or wherever if he doesn't get his way.

That being said, IF he can keep his head on straight and focus on the game, he's got Bertuzzi potential, a force to be reckoned with. If he can't, though, he won't gain much respect at the pro level.

Sounds awesome to me.

[Anthony19]

If Steve Downie could beat his ass what good is he to the Blackhawks?

[skacore]

Originally Posted by Anthony19

If Steve Downie could beat his ass what good is he to the Blackhawks?

He was 16, just a kid.

[dipandmitts]

Originally Posted by Anthony19

If Steve Downie could beat his ass what good is he to the Blackhawks?

it was his first season, there is a clip of it on youtube....

[chilly666]

yeah let me jump for joy for the signing of another punching bag for the ahl level at the end of the year.

[OHLTG_Dave]

Aliu isn't a punching bag, IF he does the job like he's supposed to. I've seen him destroy a guy, though the guy wasn't known for the fisticuffs. When he went up against 6'7 225lb Justin Wallingford, he actually held his own really well until Wallingford got his tree trunk for an arm loose and popped a couple good uppers.

[chilly666]

Originally Posted by OHLTG_Dave

Aliu isn't a punching bag, IF he does the job like he's supposed to. I've seen him destroy a guy, though the guy wasn't known for the fisticuffs. When he went up against 6'7 225lb Justin Wallingford, he actually held his own really well until Wallingford got his tree trunk for an arm loose and popped a couple good uppers.

that doesnt count though in my eyes. from what i heard at the prospects camp, he had a hard time with i wanna say dan bertram who isnt known for fighting at all cause he played at boston college

[FlagsFan]

YouTube - Aliu VS Downie Practise=FIGHT

YouTube - Akim Aliu Vs Justin Wallingford

YouTube - Matt Kennedy vs Akim Aliu

YouTube - Aliu v. Van Laren

[FlagsFan]

YouTube - Akim Aliu Vs Anthony Nigro

YouTube - Blackhawks Prospect Camp Hockey Fight...

YouTube - Weber v. Aliu

[Cat Smasher]

Originally Posted by Anthony19

If Steve Downie could beat his ass what good is he to the Blackhawks?

watch the fight...downie did no such thing....

[OHLTG_Dave]

Originally Posted by chilly666

that doesnt count though in my eyes. from what i heard at the prospects camp, he had a hard time with i wanna say dan bertram who isnt known for fighting at all cause he played at boston college

I should correct myself...Caputi, the guy he destroyed, is a legit middleweight, but doesn't have a great card. He's an "if I have to, why not" guy. Not good, not great, just kind of is.

Edit:

I just saw the McNeely fight...notice how Aliu hacks and slashes the guy until he's all but forced to go? That's pretty typical when he's in one of his moods. He CAN throw 'em, as was evident to an extent in the fight, but at the same time, the little guy definitely held his own.

[OLLBLUEEYZ]

The kid has energy... he can skate-fight-score-hit. Whats not to like Chilly?