Hey, people actually care about the Blackhawks now

August 12th, 2008 | Posted by PostmanE

Hockey isn’t exactly “back” in Chicago — it’s still here, to be sure, and thanks to young players, it’s experiencing a sudden surge in optimism. But it’s not all the way back, at least not yet.

Still, people in Chicago seem to be noticing the Blackhawks again, for a few reasons. One: Good young talent and an interesting team. Two: The Bulls were horrible to watch last year, and an $8 hockey ticket was a relative bargain. Three: Former Cubs marketing guru John McDonough is raising the team’s profile in the city little by little, whether through standard marketing (player outreach, team events) or through big coups like the planned game at Wrigley Field in January. After a few years of obsolescence, the Blackhawks are moving in the right direction.

At least it feels that way. Do the numbers match up? Are people buying more season ticket packages? Apparently it feels that way because it is that way:

Mike Kamarauskas’ predawn drive from Bartlett to the United Center to be at the front of the line to purchase Blackhawks tickets Monday was a first for him. It also marked the first time in recent memory Kamarauskas — or anyone else, for that matter — needed to arrive before sunrise to buy Hawks tickets.

“I wanted tickets for some of the premium games, and I knew I had to get out early,” said Kamarauskas, who established the head of the line at 5:30 a.m., 41/2 hours before single-game seats for the upcoming season went on sale. “I didn’t do it last year. I bought tickets the day of [games], and I bought tickets a few days or couple of weeks before the big games. I’m afraid they’re going to sell out this year.”

“Every single day, with everything we do, we need to make good impressions,” McDonough said as he worked the line under a sunny morning sky. “I met a gentleman in line who said it’s the first time he’s been back as a ticket-holder in 27 years. I hear more and more of that every day. Many of them are coming back.”

See? Hockey may suck sometimes, but some of its major problems — lack of scoring, broadcast difficulties — have been eliminated by new rules and the rise of HD television. In Chicago, ownership is no longer running the franchise as if its the 1930’s. Without getting too worked up, it’s fair to say hockey is making its push; the only uncertainty is whether that push will be a gentle nudge or a vicious shove.

Hey, looks like this Winter Classic thing is finally official

July 16th, 2008 | Posted by PostmanR

So, it was on. Then it was (maybe) off. Then I think it was on again, but no one really knew for sure. I think Sean Lennon wrote a song about this once. (BTW: that song is a good song.) But yeah: the Sun-Times — the same publication that reported it was on originally — is saying it’s back on like Donkey Kong. (American Pie reference. SO HIP.)

The details:

The worst-kept secret in Chicago sports is official as the Blackhawks are set to host the Detroit Red Wings on Jan. 1 at Wrigley Field.

The Hawks will make an announcement around noon today.

Hawks president John McDonough, who formerly held that position with the Cubs, and Rocky Wirtz continue to return the Blackhawks into prominence. The Hawks’ first-ever fan convention is this weekend.

It will be interesting to see if the Blackhawks do indeed become relevant again after this. The buzz started a bit last season and McDonough seems to be lining his ducks in a row nicely with both the fan convention and this coup. The man knows what he’s doing.

Now to score a ticket for this …

Patty Kane has hos in different hemispheres

May 22nd, 2008 | Posted by PostmanE

When you’re a young hockey star like Blackhawks stud Patrick Kane, you get to live life. Travel. See the sights. Survey women all over the world. You know, the things rap stars say they do when they’re pretending they have more money than they actually do. Your A&R’s not gonna cover that, son!

Anyway, Patrick Kane gets to really live that life. And he’s only 19. For most of us, that means learning about the female anatomy through studious, bleary-eyed observation of wild drunken college girls at grimy midwestern sports bars. Ooh, what’s that one doing? Kissing the other one? Does that mean they’re lesbians, or just really good friends? Conclusion: Maybe both! Kane’s not in college though, so he’s taking a more diversified approach:

You’ve played in a lot of different countries in this world … who’s got the best chicks?

Russia. If you go there, you’ll see the hottest chicks you’ll ever see. It’s not a great area but the girls down there, they’re pretty good.

You’ve played in Canada … how are Canadian ladies?

They’re pretty good. You know it’s funny - they know if you’re a hockey player. It’s pretty good. You don’t really have to initiate much out there, they’ll just come up and talk to you out there so it’s pretty cool.

What about the Euro girls? What about the Swedes and the Fins?

Yeah, the Swedes - they’re all blondes out there. If you like that, I’d head out there too, because they have some pretty good looking ones. I didn’t see too many in Finland that I really liked but I would probably have to say Sweden and Russia were the best for the European countries.

Everyone knows Sweden and Russia bring the heat, but Canada? Is Kane sure he was talking to females? Those weren’t just Canadian men with mullets, right? Because I can tell you from first hand experience: Canadian hockey fans are indistinguishable by sex. If you can’t recognize beer paunch vs. pregnancy, or notice hair length down to the centimeter, it can get pretty confusing.

Outdoor hockey inching closer for Hawks, Cha-city

May 21st, 2008 | Posted by PostmanR

I don’t claim to be a huge Hawks enthusiast in any regard, but I must admit if they score a game in Wrigley or Soldier Field next season, I am so totally there, man. And things are still looking pretty good on that tip.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said last week that the proposed game at Yankee Stadium isn’t as likely to happen because of a “variety of issues,” according to Newsday.

“There are some winterization issues, because it is an older stadium,” Bettman told reporters in a conference call. “… I don’t know whether or not they can be resolved.”

Chicago is considered one of the other finalists to be the host for the game, which was played for the first time on New Year’s Day at Buffalo’s Ralph Wilson Stadium.
[ … ]

McDonough has pitched the idea of playing the game at Wrigley Field, but Soldier Field would seem a better fit. McDonough, who said it’s possible a decision will be made in the first week of June, simply wants the game in Chicago and the location doesn’t matter.

My own self-serving, let’s get some drinks and go watch some hockey at Soldier Field WHOOOOing aside, this is just what the Blackhawks need. For a team that actually televises home games now, generated a decent buzz and some excitement about themselves this past season and have some great young talent, this can only help.

But yeah: HOCKEY AT WRIGLEY WHOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Jonathan Toews was excited

October 23rd, 2007 | Posted by PostmanR

Here’s Chicago Blackhawks rookie Jonathan Toews — who scored what the cool kids of 2002 would call a “dope” goal over the weekend — dropping the f-bomb during one of his Team Canada stints. Usually, when someones drops an f-bomb during an interview, it’s in anger or frustration.

Not young Jonathan here. He was just uber-pumped, bro.