The Blackhawks announced their Fan Salute program as an "expression of gratitude to the fans" in the wake of the lockout.

The Blackhawks will give away 1,000 autographed jerseys over the course of the 99-day season, along with 250 autographed pucks and 100 autographed sticks. There will also be giveaways for tickets in the 200-level, glass seats, postgame meet-and-greets with players, and a pregame dinner with a "Blackhawks Ambassador" in the Stadium Club.

All season ticket-holders and partial-plan holders are entered to win, and will also be issuewd gift certificates for team stores and concession stands.

"The Blackhawks are proud to offer a gesture of appreciation to our loyal and passionate fanbase through this unique program," said Executive Vice President Jay Blunk. "The entire organization has mobilized to offer Blackhawks fans a chance at connecting with our players through once-in-a-lifetime experiences at the United Center."

Other fans who want to enter can fill out an entry form on chicagoblackhawks.com beginning today. Thirty winners per game (home and away) will be announced on the website every game day throughout the season at noon.

Team owner Rocky Wirtz told the Sun-Times on Wednesday that the team was being "deliberatel" in its fan initiatives, and that's why the Hawks took longer to roll out their plan than many other teams.

"Everything they're going to do is going to be well thought-out and be innovative," Wirtz said. "I don't want to see a 'me, too.' I'd like to have the Hawks do innovative thinking and not just follow what everyone else is doing. It's being deliberate and making sure we have all the pieces put together."