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Louis living out hometown dream

CHICAGO -- Chicago Blackhawks prospect Anthony Louis is likely years away from having a chance to play alongside his favorite player Patrick Kane, but for one day Louis looked and played a bit like Kane.

Louis, a 5-foot-7, 145-pound forward, was one of the stars of Wednesday's scrimmage during the third day of the Blackhawks Prospect Camp at Johnny's IceHouse West. Louis scored a goal off a backhanded shot and showed some creativity and skill while his team, Team A, lost to Team B 5-4 during the camp's first scrimmage.

"I felt good out there in my first game in a Blackhawks uniform," Louis said.

Louis' camp experience and being drafted by the Blackhawks in the sixth round in this year's draft is especially unique for him because he grew in the Chicago suburb of Winfield, Ill. and has been a lifelong Blackhawks fan.

"It's been awesome, especially since it's my hometown," Louis said. "It's been a dream come true to come here and play for the Chicago Blackhawks and be a part of the organization and try to earn a spot on the team. I grew up watching the Blackhawks all my life."

Being from Chicago and a sub 6-foot player, Louis has found it only natural to idolize Kane and his skill set.

"Lately, I've been looking up to Patrick Kane," Louis said. "He's a similar player to me. He's a quick, smaller guy."

Louis is signed to play at Miami (Ohio) next season after spending the last two years with the U.S. National Team Development Program. He attended Wheaton North High School as a freshman and sophomore.

Chelios' son proud: Jake Chelios, who will be a senior defenseman at Michigan State next season, said Wednesday he congratulated his father Chris by phone Tuesday after hearing about him being elected into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

"Obviously, he's really excited about it," Jake said. "It's a huge honor. It's probably one of the best things you can do in sports. He got the call, and I called him after and congratulated him. It was a pretty crazy day for him all day; his phone blowing up. Waiting for four years after you're done playing, then he gets all this excitement back, it's good for him."

Jake was invited by the Blackhawks to their prospect camp for the second consecutive year. His older brother Dean is attending the Detroit Red Wings' prospect camp.

"It's one of the [most fun] camps I hear you can go to," Jake said. "I'm glad to be back. I'm glad they invited me back. It's a good experience.

"[What I'm trying to do is] just the same thing every time I come into camp, just learn. Got a lot of great staff here whether it's college coaches, AHL, NHL and even a couple of junior coaches are here. Just take as much away from it as you can. It's more of a learning experience for me going back to school next year."

Team B beats Team A: Team B defeated Team A 5-4 in the scrimmage behind goals from Quinn Gould, Philip Danault, Dan Christensen, Justin Holl and John Hayden. Louis, Grayson Downing, Chris McCarthy and Robin Press scored goals for Team A.

Team B goaltender Matt Tomkins made 16 saves during a scoreless first period. He allowed one goal in a 1 ½ periods of work.