DOCSLIB.ORG

From “Red Rising” to “One Goal” a Case Study of the Chicago Blackhawks’

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text

Load more

From “Red Rising” to “One Goal” A Case Study of the Chicago Blackhawks’ Organizational Resurgence from 2007-2009 In the early 2000’s, the Chicago Blackhawks had practically disappeared from the professional sports scene in Chicago. Ranked 29th out of 30 teams in the NHL in attendance, racking up $191 million dollars in losses, and blacked out from television, the Blackhawks were in desperate need of an entire organizational revolution. The team’s unique and dire situation was brought on by damaging human resource practices, a misguided fan philosophy, and a culture that valued making excuses and making money over winning a championship. Fans’ trust in the organization was at an all-time low. But, in 2007, a change in ownership led to a sweeping transformation in the organizational culture, bringing the fan’s needs back to the forefront. It was not one factor, but rather, the integrated cohesion of multiple actions, decisions, and initiatives focused around a central mission that led to the Blackhawks’ revolution. The franchise understood their position and their fans and created an organizational structure that supported each of these changes and new philosophies, transforming the Blackhawks from the second city’s fifth team into one of the most beloved sports franchises in Chicago. 4/9/2014 0 Table of Contents Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 1 Methods ........................................................................................................................................................ 2 Situation prior to 2007 .................................................................................................................................. 4 Undervaluation and Underutilization of Human Resources ..................................................................... 7 Poor Upper-Level Management and Hockey Operations Hiring Decisions .............................................. 8 Misguided fan philosophy ....................................................................................................................... 12 Lack of Success and a Lack of a Winning Philosophy .............................................................................. 18 Team Performance .............................................................................................................................. 18 Lack of a Winning Philosophy ............................................................................................................. 22 Outspoken and Stubborn on Controversial Matters .......................................................................... 27 Issues in the NHL ..................................................................................................................................... 32 The Resurgence ........................................................................................................................................... 37 Personnel Changes .................................................................................................................................. 39 Organizational Philosophy Changes ........................................................................................................ 43 Televising Games .................................................................................................................................... 50 Changes to the Team .............................................................................................................................. 59 Marketing Revolution ............................................................................................................................. 63 365 Day Marketing Strategy ............................................................................................................... 66 Creating an Atmosphere of Accessibility ............................................................................................ 76 Understanding the Fans ...................................................................................................................... 85 Respect for Tradition .............................................................................................................................. 89 The Winter Classic ................................................................................................................................... 96 Online Presence and New Media Trailblazing ...................................................................................... 100 Website and Social Media Strategy .................................................................................................. 100 Blackhawks TV ................................................................................................................................... 108 Discussion.................................................................................................................................................. 117 Conclusion ................................................................................................................................................. 129 Exhibits ...................................................................................................................................................... 149 1 Introduction In 2004, ESPN named the Chicago Blackhawks the worst franchise in all of professional sports. Once revered as a timeless Original Six team, with fans that literally shook the rafters of Chicago Stadium with their cheers, the Blackhawks were relegated to the Second City’s fifth team. With out-of-touch ownership, outdated organizational philosophies, and a brand and marketing strategy greatly in need of reinvention, the Blackhawks struggled through the lockout and the following season, recording near NHL-lows in attendance and TV ratings. Yet, in 2007, a change in personnel sparked a transition that would soon revamp the entire organization and bring the Blackhawks back to prominence in Chicago. This thesis takes the form of a case study, and has three parts. The first examines the desperate situation that the Blackhawks were in throughout the early 2000’s until mid-2007, providing context for the sweeping changes, and also exploring why certain strategic decisions turned out to detriment the organization. The second part focuses on the drastic strategic changes made during the transitional period from 2007 to 2009, when Rocky Wirtz and John McDonough took over the Blackhawks front office. These changes sparked more than a marketing revolution – it was an entire organizational reinvention that encompassed and involved every department. The analysis will endeavor to show how it is not one dominating factor, but rather, the integration of many smaller decisions that enable an organization to succeed. The third section will attempt to cohesively discuss and extend the effects of these individual changes on the entirety of the Blackhawks organization, and examine how the integration of fan-centered decisions has helped the Blackhawks to achieve and sustain high levels of fan satisfaction and engagement. 1 While this thesis is a case study – and therefore specific to a particular team under a unique set of circumstances, it could indicate areas for other struggling sport franchises to consider refurbishing. However, in examining the interplay and timing of each factor, it will also show the subjectivity that keeps sport marketing from morphing into true science. By examining each factor that went into the Chicago Blackhawks’ organizational and marketing resurgence, this thesis will bring better understanding of the critical importance of organizational and business strategy in turning around struggling franchises. Methods Taking the form of an extensive case study, this thesis was developed utilizing several research methods to gather and analyze information. Research began in the summer of 2012 and extended into the fall of 2013. In-person interviews were a primary form of research for this study. Over the summer of 2012, I visited the United Center and conducted several interviews with Blackhawks employees from a diverse range of departments. These interviews were scheduled and facilitated with the assistance of Human Resources Coordinator, Kyleen King. During my visit, I was able to interview representatives from the following departments: Ticket Sales and Service, Finance and Accounting, Marketing, Corporate Sponsorship, and Community Relations. The information gathered at this point served to help guide the direction of subsequent research, particularly in the analysis of relevant articles and press releases. Also in the summer of 2012, I was able to attend the Blackhawks Convention to conduct formal observations. My recordings were focused on the layout and the various offerings of the event. This process facilitated analysis of the Convention and its integration with the rest of the Blackhawks’ marketing strategy. Additionally, I was able to conduct informal interviews with Blackhawks personnel on site at the Convention. These 2 conversations were the basis for searching for additional research on topics like season ticket sales and community outreach programs. This study also utilized the analysis of primary sources such as newspaper articles and press releases from the years prior to and during the Blackhawks transformation. Specifically, newspaper analysis
Recommended publications
  • 1977-78 Topps Hockey Card Set Checklist

    1977-78 Topps Hockey Card Set Checklist

    1977-78 TOPPS HOCKEY CARD SET CHECKLIST 1 Marcel Dionne Goals Leaders 2 Tim Young Assists Leaders 3 Steve Shutt Scoring Leaders 4 Bob Gassoff Penalty Minute Leaders 5 Tom Williams Power Play Goals Leaders 6 Glenn "Chico" Resch Goals Against Average Leaders 7 Peter McNab Game-Winning Goal Leaders 8 Dunc Wilson Shutout Leaders 9 Brian Spencer 10 Denis Potvin Second Team All-Star 11 Nick Fotiu 12 Bob Murray 13 Pete LoPresti 14 J.-Bob Kelly 15 Rick MacLeish 16 Terry Harper 17 Willi Plett RC 18 Peter McNab 19 Wayne Thomas 20 Pierre Bouchard 21 Dennis Maruk 22 Mike Murphy 23 Cesare Maniago 24 Paul Gardner RC 25 Rod Gilbert 26 Orest Kindrachuk 27 Bill Hajt 28 John Davidson 29 Jean-Paul Parise 30 Larry Robinson First Team All-Star 31 Yvon Labre 32 Walt McKechnie 33 Rick Kehoe 34 Randy Holt RC 35 Garry Unger 36 Lou Nanne 37 Dan Bouchard 38 Darryl Sittler 39 Bob Murdoch 40 Jean Ratelle 41 Dave Maloney 42 Danny Gare Compliments of BaseballCardBinders.com© 2019 1 43 Jim Watson 44 Tom Williams 45 Serge Savard 46 Derek Sanderson 47 John Marks 48 Al Cameron RC 49 Dean Talafous 50 Glenn "Chico" Resch 51 Ron Schock 52 Gary Croteau 53 Gerry Meehan 54 Ed Staniowski 55 Phil Esposito 56 Dennis Ververgaert 57 Rick Wilson 58 Jim Lorentz 59 Bobby Schmautz 60 Guy Lapointe Second Team All-Star 61 Ivan Boldirev 62 Bob Nystrom 63 Rick Hampton 64 Jack Valiquette 65 Bernie Parent 66 Dave Burrows 67 Robert "Butch" Goring 68 Checklist 69 Murray Wilson 70 Ed Giacomin 71 Atlanta Flames Team Card 72 Boston Bruins Team Card 73 Buffalo Sabres Team Card 74 Chicago Blackhawks Team Card 75 Cleveland Barons Team Card 76 Colorado Rockies Team Card 77 Detroit Red Wings Team Card 78 Los Angeles Kings Team Card 79 Minnesota North Stars Team Card 80 Montreal Canadiens Team Card 81 New York Islanders Team Card 82 New York Rangers Team Card 83 Philadelphia Flyers Team Card 84 Pittsburgh Penguins Team Card 85 St.
  • CANADA Vs. SWEDEN/SUEDE

    CANADA Vs. SWEDEN/SUEDE

    Team Canada/ Équipe Canada GAME NOTES/ NOTES DE MATCH CANADA vs. SWEDEN/SUEDE GRAND FORKS, ND December 27, 2004/ 27 Décembre 2004 TEAM CANADA ROSTER ALIGNEMENT D’ÉQUIPE CANADA December 27, 2004/ 27 décembre 2004 CANADA # Goaltenders P S Birthdate Hometown Team League # Gardiens P L Naissance Ville d’origine Équipe Ligue 33 Jeff GLASS G L/G 11/19/85 Cochrane, AB Kootenay WHL 35 Réjean BEAUCHEMIN G L/G 05/03/85 Winnipeg, MB Prince Albert WHL # Players P S Birthdate Hometown Team League # Joueurs P L Naissance Ville d’origine Équipe Ligue 2 Brent SEABROOK D R/D 04/20/85 Tsawwassen, BC Lethbridge WHL 3 Dion PHANEUF D L/G 04/10/85 Edmonton, AB Red Deer WHL 4 Shawn BELLE D L/G 01/03/85 Edmonton, AB Tri-City WHL 6 Shea WEBER D R/D 08/14/85 Sicamous, BC Kelowna WHL 20 Danny SYVRET D L/G 06/13/85 Millgrove, ON London OHL 25 Cam BARKER D L/G 04/04/86 Winnipeg, MB Medicine Hat WHL 29 Braydon COBURN D L/G 02/27/85 Shaunavon, SK Portland WHL 7 Jeff CARTER F/A R/D 01/01/85 London, ON Sault Ste. Marie OHL 9 Sidney CROSBY F/A L/G 08/07/87 Cole Harbour, NS Rimouski LHJMQ 11 Colin FRASER F/A L/G 01/28/85 Surrey, BC Red Deer WHL 12 Anthony STEWART F/A R/D 01/05/85 Scarborough, ON Kingston OHL 14 Stephen DIXON F/A L/G 09/07/85 Halifax, NS Cape Breton LHJMQ 15 Ryan GETZLAF F/A R/D 05/10/85 Regina, SK Calgary WHL 17 Clarke MACARTHUR F/A L/G 04/06/85 Lloydminster, AB Medicine Hat WHL 18 Michael RICHARDS F/A L/G 02/11/85 Kenora, ON Kitchener OHL 19 Andrew LADD F/A L/G 12/12/85 Maple Ridge, BC Calgary AHL 21 Jeremy COLLITON F/A R/D 01/13/85 Blackie, AB Prince
  • P18 3.E$S 4 Layout 1

    P18 3.E$S 4 Layout 1

    THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017 SPORTS Nations turn to Plan B for hockey at Olympics with no NHL NEW YORL: The morning after the NHL is true even in European professional player pool “as deep as it has ever been,” Renney said. In a recent interview, Renney that. Assuming European leagues do give announced it wasn’t going to the 2018 leagues. and executive Jim Johannson - who could said Hockey Canada has already pursued players permission or stop their seasons, Olympics, some Americans playing in The result in coming months may be be tasked with putting the team together its Plan B and will be nimble enough to the player pool for the U.S., Canada and Europe started wondering if they should nations navigating a wild set of complica- - said the US will “have 25 great stories on adjust to any changes to rules concerning other countries could grow if potential keep their schedules open for next tions in putting their Olympic teams the ice in South Korea and will go to the eligible players. Two-time Canadian borderline NHL free agents choose to go February. “Myself and couple other together. If Patrick Kane, Jonathan Quick, Olympics with medal expectations.” Olympic gold-medal winner Jonathan abroad next season for a chance to play in Americans, Deron Quint and Dave Leggio, Jack Eichel and Auston Matthews aren’t Toews expects top junior and college and the Olympics. were joking around to not make any plans available, USA Hockey will likely look to GOLD-MEDAL EXPECTATIONS a lot of European players to make up Russia is likely to be the gold medal over the Olympic break next year because Americans playing Europe to fill the bulk Two-time defending Olympic champi- Canada’s roster.
  • Hockey Pools for Profit: a Simulation Based Player Selection Strategy

    Hockey Pools for Profit: a Simulation Based Player Selection Strategy

    HOCKEY POOLS FOR PROFIT: A SIMULATION BASED PLAYER SELECTION STRATEGY Amy E. Summers B.Sc., University of Northern British Columbia, 2003 A PROJECT SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTEROF SCIENCE in the Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science @ Amy E. Summers 2005 SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY Fall 2005 All rights reserved. This work may not be reproduced in whole or in part, by photocopy or other means, without the permission of the author APPROVAL Name: Amy E. Summers Degree: Master of Science Title of project: Hockey Pools for Profit: A Simulation Based Player Selection Strategy Examining Committee: Dr. Richard Lockhart Chair Dr. Tim Swartz Senior Supervisor Simon Fraser University Dr. Derek Bingham Supervisor Simon F'raser University Dr. Gary Parker External Examiner Simon Fraser University Date Approved: SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY PARTIAL COPYRIGHT LICENCE The author, whose copyright is declared on the title page of this work, has granted to Simon Fraser University the right to lend this thesis, project or extended essay to users of the Simon Fraser University Library, and to make partial or single copies only for such users or in response to a request from the library of any other university, or other educational institution, on its own behalf or for one of its users. The author has further granted permission to Simon Fraser University to keep or make a digital copy for use in its circulating collection. The author has further agreed that permission for multiple copying of this work for scholarly purposes may be granted by either the author or the Dean of Graduate Studies.
  • Nhl Media Directory 2011-12 Table of Contents Page Page Nhl Directory Nhl Media 1+/2I¿Fhv

    Nhl Media Directory 2011-12 Table of Contents Page Page Nhl Directory Nhl Media 1+/2I¿Fhv

    NHL MEDIA DIRECTORY 2011-12 TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE PAGE NHL DIRECTORY NHL MEDIA 1+/2I¿FHV ...........................................3 1+/FRP .............................................11 1+/([HFXWLYH .......................................4 1+/1HWZRUN .......................................11 1+/&RPPXQLFDWLRQV ............................4 1+/5DGLR ...........................................12 1+/*UHHQ ............................................6 1+/6WXGLRV ........................................12 NHL MEMBER CLUBS NHL MEDIA RESOURCES .................. 13 $QDKHLP'XFNV ...................................20 HOCKEY ORGANIZATIONS %RVWRQ%UXLQV ......................................27 %XIIDOR6DEUHV .....................................34 +RFNH\&DQDGD .................................260 &DOJDU\)ODPHV ...................................40 +RFNH\+DOORI)DPH .........................261 &DUROLQD+XUULFDQHV .............................46 1+/$OXPQL$VVRFLDWLRQ ........................7 &KLFDJR%ODFNKDZNV ...........................52 1+/%URDGFDVWHUV¶$VVRFLDWLRQ .........264 &RORUDGR$YDODQFKH ............................57 1+/3OD\HUV¶$VVRFLDWLRQ ....................17 &ROXPEXV%OXH-DFNHWV .......................66 3URIHVVLRQDO+RFNH\:ULWHUV¶ 'DOODV6WDUV .........................................72 $VVRFLDWLRQ ...................................263 'HWURLW5HG:LQJV ...............................78 86+RFNH\+DOORI)DPH0XVHXP ..261 (GPRQWRQ2LOHUV ..................................85 86$+RFNH\,QF ...............................262 )ORULGD3DQWKHUV ..................................92
  • Matt's Musings Block Party

    Matt's Musings Block Party

    Matt’s Musings Block Party Thankfully, Chris hasn’t figured out that he’s far too smart and informed to be wasting did the day he died, untouched and unoccupied. Apparently a homage to Arthur, Bill his name on us, so we’re glad to have him here again. Wirtz would have never approved of such a thing. Being now the first Wirtz family member to be resoundingly celebrated is In the November issue of Chicago Magazine, there was an article done by fitting Rocky just fine. Whether it’s putting himself front and center prior to puck drop Andreas Larsson on Rocky Wirtz and the Wirtz family that is worth going out of your for the home opener, glad-handing on the United Center concourse or watching just way to find. While containing some interesting facts and insight into the business of about every game from his usual perch in section 119, he’s embracing his newfound the Blackhawks this is more of a story about Rocky, his late-father Bill and Grandfa- notoriety with a frisky wide-smile that sometimes borders on giddiness. ther Arthur, and the association amongst those men than it is a chronicle of a hockey As mentioned in the article, it was his brother Peter who insisted the team organization. honor their father before last season’s home opening game with Detroit. The entire It’s been 17 months now since Rocky Wirtz, on his 55th birthday, an- Wirtz family stood in the 100-level center ice suite mortified as a large percentage nounced he would be taking over the Blackhawks and occupy the Chairman’s position of the 18,000 fans in attendance booed and shouted obscenities during a ceremony that had been vacated since Arthur M.
  • Teglia Favored Between the Pipes

    Teglia Favored Between the Pipes

    NEW ENGLAND’S LARGEST COLLEGE DAILY | INDEPENDENTLY SERVING THE UMASS COMMUNITY SINCE 1890 HIGH: 68 LOW: 45 www.DailyCollegian.com FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2011 Sizing up UMass Forwards anchor BY SCOTT COURNOYER Syner. “This year, we have more he’s going to do everything pos- BY SCOTT COURNOYER Syner, who scored nine goals last season. “This COLLEGIAN STAFF size and that’s only going to sible to prepare himself the best COLLEGIAN STAFF year, we have more size, and that’s only going to help. Hopefully, it will translate he can.” help. Hopefully it will translate in to good things To put it bluntly, the into good things for us.” Despite going through In 2010-2011, the Massachusetts hockey team, for us.” 2010-11 season for the because of its lack of physical size, relied on Sophomore Michael wh at Teglia called “rough, DEFENSE Massachusetts hockey team speed, quickness and good movement to dictate Pereira will also be looked bumpy roads” last season, the Last season, UMass ranked eighth in the was a campaign to forget. upon to help carry the load the tempo and pace of each game. sophomore worked relent- Hockey East for goals allowed (88). In part, it With 14 freshmen and five offensively. Pereira tied Hobbs This season, with the physical development was due to the defense, particularly, a lack of size contributing seniors depart- for the team-high in goals (12) lessly over the offseason to seen in returning players, as well as a bigger against bigger offensive threats. ed from ’09-10, along with last year, as well as posting 13 make leaps in his game.
  • 1965-66 Topps Hockey Card Set Checklist

    1965-66 Topps Hockey Card Set Checklist

    1965-66 TOPPS HOCKEY CARD SET CHECKLIST 1 Toe Blake 2 Gump Worsley 3 Jacques Laperriere 4 Jean Guy Talbot 5 Ted Harris 6 Jean Beliveau 7 Dick Duff 8 Claude Provost 9 Red Berenson 10 John Ferguson 11 Punch Imlach 12 Terry Sawchuk 13 Bob Baun 14 Kent Douglas 15 Red Kelly 16 Jim Pappin 17 Dave Keon 18 Bob Pulford 19 George Armstrong 20 Orland Kurtenbach 21 Ed Giacomin 22 Harry Howell 23 Rod Seiling 24 Mike McMahon 25 Jean Ratelle 26 Doug Robinson 27 Vic Hadfield 28 Garry Peters 29 Don Marshall 30 Bill Hicke 31 Gerry Cheevers 32 Leo Boivin 33 Albert Langlois 34 Murray Oliver 35 Tom Williams 36 Ron Schock 37 Ed Westfall 38 Gary Dornhoefer 39 Bob Dillabough 40 Paul Popeil 41 Sid Abel 42 Roger Crozier Compliments of BaseballCardBinders.com© 2019 1 43 Doug Barkley 44 Bill Gadsby 45 Bryan Watson 46 Bob McCord 47 Alex Delvecchio 48 Andy Bathgate 49 Norm Ullman 50 Ab McDonald 51 Paul Henderson 52 Pit Martin 53 Billy Harris 54 Billy Reay 55 Glenn Hall 56 Pierre Pilote 57 Al MacNeil 58 Camille Henry 59 Bobby Hull 60 Stan Mikita 61 Ken Wharram 62 Bill Hay 63 Fred Stanfield 64 Dennis Hull 65 Ken Hodge 66 Checklist 1-66 67 Charlie Hodge 68 Terry Harper 69 J.C Tremblay 70 Bobby Rousseau 71 Henri Richard 72 Dave Balon 73 Ralph Backstrom 74 Jim Roberts 75 Claude LaRose 76 Yvan Cournoyer (misspelled as Yvon on card) 77 Johnny Bower 78 Carl Brewer 79 Tim Horton 80 Marcel Pronovost 81 Frank Mahovlich 82 Ron Ellis 83 Larry Jeffrey 84 Pete Stemkowski 85 Eddie Joyal 86 Mike Walton 87 George Sullivan 88 Don Simmons 89 Jim Neilson (misspelled as Nielson on card)
  • 2011-12 Rochester Americans Media Guide (.Pdf)

    2011-12 Rochester Americans Media Guide (.Pdf)

    Rochester Americans Table of Contents Rochester Americans Personnel History Rochester Americans Staff Directory........................................................................................4 All-Time Records vs. Current AHL Clubs ..........................................................................203 Amerks 2011-12 Schedule ............................................................................................................5 All-Time Coaches .........................................................................................................................204 Amerks Executive Staff ....................................................................................................................6 Coaches Lifetime Records ......................................................................................................205 Amerks Hockey Department Staff ..........................................................................................10 Presidents & General Managers ...........................................................................................206 Amerks Front Office Personnel ................................................................................................ 17 All-Time Captains ..........................................................................................................................207 Affiliation Timeline ........................................................................................................................208 Players Amerks Firsts & Milestones

  • 2013 - 2014 Media Guide

    2013 - 2014 MEDIA GUIDE www.bcsfootball.org The Coaches’ Trophy Each year the winner of the BCS National Champi- onship Game is presented with The Coaches’ Trophy in an on-field ceremony after the game. The current presenting sponsor of the trophy is Dr Pepper. The Coaches’ Trophy is a trademark and copyright image owned by the American Football Coaches As- sociation. It has been awarded to the top team in the Coaches’ Poll since 1986. The USA Today Coaches’ Poll is one of the elements in the BCS Standings. The Trophy — valued at $30,000 — features a foot- ball made of Waterford® Crystal and an ebony base. The winning institution retains The Trophy for perma- nent display on campus. Any portrayal of The Coaches’ Trophy must be li- censed through the AFCA and must clearly indicate the AFCA’s ownership of The Coaches’ Trophy. Specific licensing information and criteria and a his- tory of The Coaches’ Trophy are available at www.championlicensing.com. TABLE OF CONTENTS AFCA Football Coaches’ Trophy ............................................IFC Table of Contents .........................................................................1 BCS Media Contacts/Governance Groups ...............................2-3 Important Dates ...........................................................................4 The 2013-14 Bowl Championship Series ...............................5-11 The BCS Standings ....................................................................12 College Football Playoff .......................................................13-14
  • View Program

    View Program

    23rd Annual SMITHERS CELEBRITY GOLF TOURNAMENT 2015 Contents Bulkley Valley Health Care & Hospital Foundation ........ 2 Message from the Chairmen ........................ 3 Tournament Rules ................................ 4 Calcutta Rules ................................... 5 rd On Course Activities ............................... 6 23 Annual Course map ..................................... 8 Schedule of Events ............................... 10 SMITHERS Sponsor Advertisers Index ......................... 11 Hole-in-One Sponsors. .11 Other Sponsors .................................. 11 CELEBRITY GOLF History of the Celebrity Golf Tournament .............. 12 Aaron Pritchett ............................. 14 Angus Reid ................................ 14 TOURNAMENT Bobby Orr ................................. 16 Brandon Manning ........................... 20 Chanel Beckenlehner ........................ 22 Charlie Simmer ............................. 22 August 13 – 15, 2015 Dan Hamhuis .............................. 24 Smithers Golf & Country Club Dennis Kearns .............................. 24 Faber Drive ................................ 26 Garret Stroshein ............................ 28 Geneviève Lacasse .......................... 28 Harold Snepsts ............................. 34 Jack McIlhargey ............................ 36 Jamie McCartney ............................ 36 Jeff Carlson, Steve Carlson, Dave Hanson ......... 38 Jessica Campbell ........................... 40 Jim Cotter ................................. 40 Jimmy Watson
  • Today's News Clips June 7, 2018

    Today's News Clips June 7, 2018

    Today’s News Clips June 7, 2018 Chicago Sun-Times Patrick Kane, 6 other Blackhawks set to play in Chicago summer hockey league Satchel Price June 6, 2018 Several Blackhawks players will be taking part in a new summer hockey league coming to Chicago in July. The Chicago Pro Hockey League announced its inaugural eight-game exhibition season Wednesday with planned participants including Patrick Kane, Alex DeBrincat, Nick Schmaltz and many others. Over 80 players from the NHL, AHL and ECHL are expected to be play in the games at MB Ice Arena, the new practice facility that the Hawks opened in January, as well as a large number of top amateurs from top college programs, junior teams and AAA programs. Kane and DeBrincat are set to play on the same team, continuing their partnership from Team USA’s run at the 2018 World Championships. Brandon Saad, Tommy Wingels and Ryan Hartman will also be teammates again, along with former Hawks forward Brandon Bollig. “The CPHL is a great opportunity for our Chicago-based players to participate in high-level games to supplement their summer training programs,” said Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman as part of the announcement. “I’m thrilled to see so many Chicago Blackhawks’ players involved, and also thrilled that our local hockey fans will be able to visit our new practice facility and see some great summer hockey.” The first game of the weekly CPHL season will be July 11 and tickets will be a delightfully cheap $5 each. There will also be games on July 18, July 25, Aug.