The Future's So Bright: Blackhawks Seeing Moves Pay Dividends

McDonough (r) Discusses Blackhawks During Appearance On CSN's "Chicago Tribune Live"

Blackhawks President John McDonough and Senior VP/Business Operations Jay Blunk appeared on CSN Chicago’s “Chicago Tribune Live” yesterday from United Center prior to the team’s Western Conference Semifinals Game Three against the Canucks, and Blunk said the franchise is “on the verge of maybe a great new era in Blackhawk hockey.” The team has undergone many off-ice changes since McDonough was hired in November ’07, and he said, “One of the things I’ve tried to do is be very respectful to what had gone on here before because there is no secret formula. There is no magic wand. This is a different approach. It’s a different era.” McDonough discussed the economy’s impact on the team and said, “We had to make a decision as an organization not being concerned about what’s going on in other markets. We froze season-ticket prices going into next year. Now people would say, ‘Well, the Blackhawks had a great season. They probably could have gotten away with raising season-tickets prices.’ But that’s not how we are going to do business going forward.” Meanwhile, Blunk said the Blackhawks want to get their players “to mainstream Chicago.” Blunk: “We want every one of our players recognized and basically hounded on Michigan Avenue when you see them” (“Chicago Tribune Live,” CSN Chicago, 5/5). Blackhawks GM Dale Tallon said, "We have come together to work really hard to try and turn this thing around. ... The fans have really enjoyed the process, and they see that we mean business" ("NHL Live," NHL Network, 5/5).

A MIGHTY WIND: In Toronto, Rosie DiManno notes the Blackhawks are "selling out home dates at the United Center, grabbing prominent placement in the sports pages and drawing enthusiastic fans at the sports bars around town." The team's product is "selling and that hadn't happened much in the last two decades, as this proud franchise sank over the horizon." However, "whether this is merely a temporary phenomenon, an aberration, remains to be seen," as the club remains "way down in the depth chart of local institutions behind the Cubs, the Bulls, the Bears and, when in the mood, the White Sox." However, the Blackhawks are "certainly the flavour of the month" (TORONTO STAR, 5/6).