In Blackhawks' Star-Studded Cast, Brent Seabrook Goes Overlooked
By Chris Emma-
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Swarms of reporters and cameras packed the Blackhawks' cramped locker room like a herd of hyenas, waiting outside captain Jonathan Toews' locker.
Off the ice and in through the door came Patrick Kane. Suddenly, the herd flooded in the crowded quarters to get a few moments and some footage of Kane. After all, Toews and Kane have been the face of Chicago's rise to become hockey's model franchise.
Behind the herd, away from the spotlight, defenseman Brent Seabook sat in his locker stall and unstrapped his pads. One of the longest-tenured Blackhawks remains overlooked and under-appreciated. But building an all-star persona doesn't matter to Seabrook.
"I care about winning Stanley Cups," Seabook said.
Ten years into a career that includes two championships and an Olympic gold for his native Canada, Seabook will finally play in the NHL All-Star Game come Jan. 25 in Columbus. It's an honor that's long overdue.
In a locker room with names like Toews, Kane, Marian Hossa and more, his doesn't first come to mind. The popularity contest that is All-Star Game voting hadn't rewarded Seabrook for his work.
Until now, during a season in which Seabrook is a major reason the Blackhawks allow the second-fewest goals per game at 2.19.
"Within the locker room, I think he gets the credit," Patrick Sharp said. "We know how much he brings to us, on and off the ice."
The impact Seabrook has made on the organization is immeasurable. Ten years ago, he was working his way through Chicago's system, readying to join a team with little promise. The Blackhawks were then a bottom-dweller in the standings and an afterthought on the local sports scene.
During these dark days, Seabrook had no concept as to how bad it was, nor did he realize the success that would soon follow.
"I didn't know any better," Seabrook said. "You weren't complaining about the way things were done before. I was just excited to be on a plane and fly to a game, stay in nice hotels, things like that. To see what Rocky (Wirtz) has done with John (McDonough) and the rest of the management staff, I think it's been unbelievable to see the transformation here and to be a part of what is great hockey city and have the success we've had."
Because of this, Seabrook truly appreciates the Blackhawks organization. He's constantly reminding younger teammates — those who came to Chicago for wins and Cups — where the franchise once was.
Throughout Chicago, Blackhawks are celebrated by their loyal fans and respected throughout the hockey world. Seabrook is quick to point that out. Inside the locker room, he quite literally is the protector of logo — don't you dare step on it, or Seabrook will take charge.
"He wears it with pride," teammate Andrew Shaw said. "He's one of those guys that's been here from the start, he's been here for a long time — before the two Cups, before things were as good as they are now. He was here when they had 6,000 people in the crowd."
One of the originals to the Blackhawks' core, Seabrook is the pro's pro. He's a consistent leader and a trusted teammate.
Outside of Chicago, Seabrook hasn't garnered the notoriety of Toews or Kane. He's not the international star for which the Blackhawks are known. None of that matters, just as long as the organization is winning. Such a mindset is part of why Seabrook is so well respected -- at least by his team.
"I think everybody here on the team, in the organization knows what I bring," Seabrook said. "That's the way I like it."
Follow Chris on Twitter @CEmma670.