Blackhawks v Red Wings

Great presentation, not so great outcome. The Chicago Blackhawks have shown some drastic improvement this year. The team is playing well. The Red Wings just got the right bounces of the puck today. The weather wasn't a factor in the game like it was in the Buffalo - Pittsburgh game was last year. There was some wind, but it didn't seem to come into play. The snow held off, as did the sunshine, which some of the players were complaining about last year. It was nice to see the Cubs play host, bringing our Ryno, Billy Williams, Fergie Jenkins and crew to meet Hull, Mikita, Esposito for this event. Chicago celebs like Vince Vaughn were there too.
It was an interesting rendition of 'Take Me Out to the Ball Game' too.
I liked how they put up a banner around the ice rink that looked like the Wrigley Bricks. Pretty Cool. The throwback jerseys were nice, sure to be a top seller, at least in Chicago...Detroit's were pretty weak with the fancy English D.
The ice seemed to get beaten up faster than in the indoor rinks though, with snow/shavings piling up by the end of the periods. The camera views were a little off too, slightly too far away for my taste. Otherwise this was a great game.

Chicago Blackhawks to Play at Wrigley Field

There is a buzz around town that the Blackhawks will announce plans to play the Detroit Red Wings at Wrigley Field in the NHL's second outdoor Winter Classic.

Many believe it will be announced Friday, since Blackhawks Hall of Famers Bobby Hull, Stan Mikita and Tony Esposito will be at Wrigley Field for the Friday Cubs game and will sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" during the seventh inning stretch.

Previously NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said Chicago is the top runner.

On Jan 1, 2008 Buffalo played the first outdoor NHL game against the Pittsburgh Penguins, who defeated the Sabres 2-1 in a shootout.

Also Michigan has played Michigan State outdoors in the past in college pucks.

This will be a great thing for Wrigley. It can hold 41,000 in the stands, plus whatever field seats they add. Wrigley scored a hit 2 years ago when Jimmy Buffet played over the Labor Day weekend. Also, the Police sold out Wrigley Field last year on their reunion tour. The Blackhawks have made a turn around and look to have the building blocks of a good team to come, having missed the playoffs all but 1 of the last 10 years. They have 2 Calder candidates in Toews and Kane. Notwithstanding the great Red Wings - Blackhawks rivalry from the 80's and 90's. This all points to a great game and great promotion.....get your long underwear ready!

Tony Esposito NHL Alumni Signature Series Wine

I had the pleasure to meet Blackhawks great Tony Esposito this weekend at an autograph signing at the local Jewel by my home. Bobby Hull was to make an appearance as well, but he was under the weather, and hopefully he'll be back soon. Tony Esposito was signing on behalf of the NHL Alumni association new signature series wine collection. He was funny, cracked a few jokes. We talked a bit about the Blackhawks rookies Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews. He says Toews is the real deal, and said he was at the game when he got creamed in the corner and received 40 or so stitches afterwards. He thinks he'll be a star.
Oh, the wine, its a 2005 California Cabernet Sauvignon, pretty tasty too. They are only going for $14.99 with much of the proceeds going to that local players charity. They have 12 different NHL alumni sponsors, Mike Richter, Gordie Howe and Pat LaFontaine among them. Check them out.

Pat Foley Returns to Chicago Blackhawks

It was mentioned in the papers today that legendary Chicago Blackhawks announcer Pat Foley will return to the airwaves calling the games for the Chicago Blackhawks next year. It was stupid for the Hawks to cut ties with him 2 years ago, he is what kept the fans interested in the game....those great calls..."Baaaaaaaanermann with the save....." and just "Bellllll-fooooourr" to go along with "he shoots, he scoooooooores"

Good to have him back.