Full Court Press

I'm ready to buy tickets and watch these guys.....they're feaking good

After nearly ten years of anger and, later, complete indifference towards the Hawks, I got season tickets in the upper deck a few weeks ago. I'm glad I did. There was a nice crowd last night, with the walk-up ticket line 75 feet long. I got goose bumps as the fans loudly cheered the Anthem from start to finish just like the old days and it seemed to energize the boys as they come out firing with one flurry after another in the Blues zone.

Patrick Kane and Johnny Toews are the real deal -- smooth, fast, and instinctive, with obvious god-given superstar talent. And they have plenty of talent -- both young and veteran -- around them. That's why the buzz at the UC is starting to feel the same as at the old barn in the early 80's when Savard, Larmer, etc were just starting to make names for themselves.

I can't wait to be there as part of a loud and boisterous sell-out crowd -- hopefully as soon as the Detroit game Sunday. I hope fans don't prove the old man right and stay home just because that game is on TV.

It feels great to care about hockey again. It's great to be at Hawks games again. It's great to know he have an up and coming team. It's great to watch these kids play.

The Blackhawks, indeed, are back. And the ROAR is almost back too.

I'm very excited to see how this season plays out. Playoffs here we come, baby!!!!!

Always been a Hawks fan, I admit I was losing interest in last decade. This year?, what a team to watch; bought the NHL package just for the Hawks.

Yes.

Kane and Toews will become as recognized as Roenick and Chelios very shortly. Kids will now be able to watch Chicago hockey on television (Great ghosts of Lord Stanley! It's true!), and a new generation of die-hard Chicago Blackhawks fans will be treated to great hockey in one of the best atmospheres in sportsworld- 'Hawk fans are among the best in the business.

Grew up 2 miles away from the old stadium, and a quick, safe bus ride down Damen allowed me the luxury of being the recipient of some of the most amazing opportunities a teenage kid could be allowed. Every time a dad on the block couldn't make an event they'd hand the tickets over to me, slap me some exact change bus fare, some spending cash, and of course one or two of their kids, and we'd mosey on down to the Stadium to watch the event. It also helped to be big for my age, and the late sixties, early seventies, had a lot to do with it also.

Well as luck had it, the busiest of those dads had season tickets for the Hawks. Esposito, Hull, Hall, Mikita, White, Stapleton etc. Playoffs pretty much guaranteed EVERY YEAR. This inner city kid was hooked and stood with the team, and the tickets, right thru Savard.

This years team has relit the fire. I waited almost twenty years to have this feeling about hockey again. Being the ONLY kid on the block to play hockey at the park in figure skates and no other equipment showed my passion was watching the Hawks luster, not committed to playing the game itself, but baby faced Kane and Toews are awesome and we finally brought back 'SPEED KILLS' to the ice.

Go get em' Rocky!

The Hawks' popularity will see a huge resurgence once they start televising all their home games next year. It's time to bring the next generation to the ice. As a life-long Hawks fan, I can't wait. Lay in the hockey sticks, Gunzo's!

I agree, the Blackhawks and the Illini are rolling which is something not said around here for a long time. Hope it is a yearly thing and I look forward to more TV coverage for both of these HOME teams.

Unfortunately, I haven't seen them except for a few Sportscenter/Hockey Channel highlights as I live in Seattle. Nevertheless, I listen to a lot of games on the net and have been following them in any other way that I can via websites, articles, etc.

My dad, who's still a Chicagoan and had given up on the 'Hawks, says they look nothing as they have for years. This is a team on the rise. Even if they don't make the playoffs this year, he and I expect a powerhouse in the making for years to come fueled in large part by Kane and Toews, but also a solid core of defensemen led by Seabrook and Keith. This is also no "quick fix" bandaid in the making. If Havlat returns to form, this team could even advance beyond the first round this year! Next year? Who knows?

It would be great to see a return to the Days of Glory. I think it would be a shame if people refuse to come along for the ride just because of an ongoing grudge. This is clearly "new management."

Edward

I have been a long time Hawk fan and this team is looking like Hawk teams of Past. They are quick, het, and are exciting to watch. After years of hearing the Hawks cannot draft look at them now. Wait until the rest of the Killer "B's" come up from Rockford.

Absolutely the Hawks are back. Hawk fans have been waiting years for any little sign of hope that things were going to improve at some point, something we knew was never going to happen under the Dollar Bill/Pulford regime. Now, with the two rookies exciting play and Rocky's willingness to make 21st Century decisions regarding the marketing and promotion of this beloved franchise, I think we're finally going to see the Hawk's return to relevance, and maybe even the playoffs too! It's been a long time coming, that's for sure. ROCKY! ROCKY! ROCKY!...

I am no where near a hawks fan, but I remember the hey-days. They are not back to that, but they are certainly headed in that direction. Listened to the new Wirtz owner (i think Bobby) on ESPN 1000 last week and he was as candid and excited as every. He answered all those questions about previous administrations with honesty. He said he didn't understand why his father never moved foward with televised games, etc. He said all thats in the past and he is moving the hawks forward full throttle. They have an exciting young core which I keep hearing about and they are winning. Youth, winning, TV exposure by a storied franchise. Sounds like a winning combination to me.

Hi Fans!! I love in Ottawa Ontario, Canada where the Senator's play but I have been a fan of the Hawks all of my life dating back to the 1970's and I am so excited about this team!!! Everyone use to make jokes about the team and owner and I'm so proud of the Team and can't wait to prove to all of the hockey world just how great this team is and will get!!!! I'm sure fans across the U.S and Canada will soon jump on the bandwagon and Love these Hawks.
I have always been a fan come win or lose so it's so sweet to se them getting alot of attention now.
I can't wait until they win the Stanley Cup as I will be making a trip from Ottawa to see "my Hawks"
Go Hawks Go, Cheers Gary Webber

The Blackhawks?

Lolololololololol-ROFLMAO!!!

Dollar Bill did everything within his power to alienate what was once a large and multi-generational fan base; and with a great deal of success I might add.

Needless to say, The Blackhawks, (much like their former owner) have assumed room temperature.

Indeed they are! I grew up playing hockey in the Chicagoland area. Being a Blackhawks fan came with the territory. I grew up going to games at the Stadium. What a place to see a game that was! The highlight of those years was getting to see the 'Hawks beat the Wayne Gretzky led Oilers.

Things were fine in the early '90s... a Stanley Cup finals that didn't go quite the way the 'Hawks wanted, but the team was very good. I moved out of the state for a while, but have been back since 2001. Unfortunately, there wasn't much to watch as far as the 'Hawks were concerned. So I kind of stopped watching. It was quite sad really, not really caring to watch the sport that I loved. But this is different! Kane and Toews, along with the rest of this good group of players, is making me watch! I've been so excited by these guys that I actually picked up my stick and started playing again myself.

I went to the game last night against St. Louis and had a blast. People, for $15 you aren't going to see a more exciting, entertaining game in this town. And for those of you out there you say it's hard to watch the games on tv because you can't follow the puck, watching in person you'll have no problem following the game! Do yourselves a favor and tune in at 6:00 pm on Sunday to watch this exciting young team try and knock off the Red Wings for the third time this year... Detroit only HAS two losses all year, yup, to your Chicago Blackhawks. Better yet, buy a ticket and take your son or daughter, maybe your date. You WILL have fun, I guarantee it!

Blackhawks..........blackhawks..........blackhawks.......... the word has lost all meaning to me.

15 games does not a season - or believer - make. Show me a full season.

Reason the Black Hawks do not have a larger following is that they moved to cable TV too soon.

Those of us who cannot afford cable all the time can't follow the Hawks. Also and mainly, as the Hawks have not been that good for a while, less children growing up are interested in them because there are other teams to watch, like the Cubs, the Bears and the Sox. I member the Hawk team of early 1970 with Hall, Mikita, Chico Maki, etc. After that, I remember nothing because they went on cable TV.

David sez: "15 games does not a season - or believer - make. Show me a full season."

Not enough.

Show me ALL the home games on TV, exorcise the Ghost of Dollar Bill from the United Center, bring back Bobby Hull to anchor the first line, and throw in a Stanley Cup while you're at it.

That just might do it for me.

who are these 'Blackhawks' you speak of. A Chicago team eh? What sport is this...? GOOOOOOOOO WOOOOOLVES!! ICEHOGS TOOOOO!!!!!

Here in the South (Arkansas to be exact) it's a tough time trying to follow hockey. I can't watch games on my local cable outlet with the exception of the Stars games on Fox Sports Southwest, of course, I could care less about Dallas.

I am constantly online, keeping up with scores, stats and news. It's the only way I can obtain much of the information I desire unless I was to sit at my local Buffalo Wild Wings for hours upon end and watch every game that comes across. (Not that it would be a bad thing)

With that being said, I have followed the Hawks since 1994. All of my family is from the Chicagoland area (with the exception of myself and my two siblings) so I feel connected in a sense, even though I am displaced from the area.

After ten years of mediocre management, the change has finally come about. I've always loved "the team," but like many of you, I've never been a fan of the management.

Until now.

Rocky Wirtz is a god-send. I know it's only been a month since he's taken over the reins, but this gentleman is actually WANTING to help propel this organization to the next level. You can see it in the changes he's already made and feel it throughout the fan base.

Morale is up, spirits are up and the Hawks are up in the standings! LET'S GO HAWKS!!!

I've been to all the home games this year and the atmosphere is great. It's nice to see Rocky allowing the GM and coaches do their jobs without constantly pulling back on the reins. What we see on the ice is not a fluke, these kids are the real deal. Plus, the veterans like Lang, Lapointe and Williams are guiding these kids right down the path of winning and professionalism. Dale also has more talent down on the farm, in Rockford. We'll see what happens around the 50th game, or so. Remember, Kaner and Taver never played as many games as they will play this year. Sometimes you go through a let down for awhile in the middle of a long season. I think we'll make the playoffs and set this town on fire!!

What a win over the hated Redwings! 3-0 against the best team in the West, at least, means a lot to the Hawks. Confidence is building which will help team chemistry. It is understandable why people are not ready to buy into the New Blackhawks. Take it from a player, coach and a Blackhawk fan since 1957, they are for real. This team is headed in the right direction in the new NHL which values skill over plodding clutch and grab hockey. Toews and Kane are skilled players and are leading the charge. The hockey world is beginning to talk about this team. Jump on the band wagon if you fell off as a Hawk fan for a number of years. It will be an exciting season and they will make the playoffs.With the goaltending that we have, who knows what will happen in March and April and maybe May! Go Hawks!

I don't understand why they gave Pat Foley the night off on the biggest telecast of the year? Is he sick? Is it serious? Maybe we should take up a collection.

Oh right. He doesn't work here anymore because they, you know, didn't want him. Putting the games back on is a great first step (step 1A: refunding payments for the insulting HAWKVISION, I thought they should have charged all the attendees PPV at dollar Bill's funeral) but now go get the voice of the Blackhawks back. I don't care if he has another job somewhere else, bring a thick contract, a bucket of money and show him the designs of the statue you're building for him outside of the UC. Tell him it's time to come home, things are going to be better again.

Yes, it is understandable that some folks are skeptical. However, think back to 1994 and the baseball strike that ruined the World Series. Most Sox fans really thought that our team would have won it all that year. Even we, in all our negative cynicism, eventually came back.

It's obvious that a lot of younger folks just don't care about hockey, perhaps in part because few are able to play it, while a lot of the older set just won't give it another chance. I have a message for both age groups:

To the young: Hockey is a fast-paced sport that will now express itself very well with HD TV. The current rules of the game also allow talent to prevail. Some of the young may have watched some hockey with the "clutch and grab," center-ice trap of the '90s and early '00s and were bored to tears (as was I!). The game is far different today! The 'Hawks fit wonderfully into today's game. They have speed, talent, play-making, shot-making along with and exciting brand of sound hitting, checking and goaltending. Also, the 'Hawks may still have the best uniforms in all of sport in the opinion of a great many.

To the older skeptics: You have to listen to the plethora of hockey experts that understand how "for real" and building-for-the-long-haul the Blackhawks are with a slew of talent waiting in the wings at Rockford. Moreover, why push aside the only success story in town right now when they are clearly "under new management"? Climb aboard! You won't be sorry!

i got some super tickets to the hawks this year. i took my older son who is a big fan. i was was pretty much ehhh. well after watching kane , toews , sharp , i'm hooked . these guys are awesome. i hope they continue to improve. as for going to the u.c. i love it. i always thought the old stadium was a DUMP. i think many who cry for the old barn are blinded by faulty nostalgia. i hadn't been to a game for a while , and what struck me the most was how little time the players had to create before someone was on top of them , like right now in their face. THAT does not translate well to T.V. i would always GO to a hockey game , rather than watch on T.V. . maybe not bears .

When I was a kid, I was a Blackhawks fan during the tail end of the Hull-Mikita glory years. Then things faded, and then faded to black during the blackout years. Like most Chicagoans, I understood the late Mr. Wirtz' reasoning; and yet like most Chicagoans, I disagreed with his conclusions and actions regarding telecasts. For thousands and thousands of would-be fans, the Hawks have been out of sight and therefore out of mind for a long, long time---which in part explains the popularity of the minor-league Wolves.

So when the young Mr. Wirtz (well, young in spirit!) recently announced that the Hawks are coming back to TV, I knew (in an intellectual sense) that it would be a good thing for the franchise and for the city.

But I have to say I wasn't prepared for the visceral reaction I had when I saw the telecast.

Without a doubt, Sunday's TV event was the most fun and excitement I've had watching a Chicago sports telecast in years, possibly going all the way back to January of 1986.

The rich red of the home uniforms, the multi-colored majesty of the team emblem at center ice (especially as seen in the overhead camera shot), the fun and flashing red/white/blue lights racing around the stadium (sorry, I'm showing my age by not saying United Center), the awe-inspiring Paul Robeson-like voice of the man who sang the National Anthem, the youthful yet gritty faces of the Hawks players, the clever miking of the players by Comcast, the fun of the new Hawks TV commercials, the roar of the fans in a packed house, the sight of multi-generational clusters of fans in Hawks jerseys, the sound of the fog horn when the Hawks put the puck in the net, the Cup-quality on-ice play of the Blackhawks---all combined to make the game something I felt in my bones. Wow!

Today I did something I've never done in my life---go out and buy a Hawks jersey. And I'm going to the website to see about buying tix, because like every Chicagoan, I know that as fun as the Hawks are on TV, nothing can match seeing them up close.

Over the years, I had forgotten how exciting the Hawks can be; and I certainly didn't know what an exciting young team they currently are. So thanks, young Mr. Wirtz, for reminding all Chicagoans of the Blackhawks' glory and for bringing it to our living rooms! In one bold stroke, you've transformed the Hawks into the hottest sports franchise in town!

Could we interest Rocky Wirtz in buying the Cubs?

All this early excitement is not the same without Pat Foley - please, bring him back!

Dennis R, your comments were a really good read. You can really tell the passion and love are coming back to this once proud franchise by speaking with fans just like yourself. I'm excited not only for this season, but for the seasons ahead.

8th place (right now) in the conference doesn't mean they are back. It just means teams are worse them. If they move up to 5th-6th then we can say they're back.

The NHL has a lot of parity right now. We will see teams bunch up probably to the end of the season. 5th to 10th place usually does find a teams fluctuating back and forth. The Hawks will make the playoffs come Spring and the chase for Lord Stanley's Cup. By the way, the Blackhawks are big news in Canada: When that happens, something good is going on. Let's get ourselves out to the UC and have some fun!