Blackhawks Ticket Sales Soar; Fan Convention A Success

Winter Classic Announcement Boosts Blackhawks Ticket Sales

SKATING INTO THE SPOTLIGHT: In Illinois, Tim Sassone noted the Blackhawks "sold more than 8,000 passes for their first fan convention," with fans "crowding the lobby, a good six hours before the official start of the festivities." Blackhawks Chair Rocky Wirtz "admits he couldn't have envisioned things turning around as quickly as they have." Wirtz: "I never would have guessed this. When you can talk hockey in the summer on a 90-degree day, with two first-place [MLB] teams and the Bears coming to training camp, you know it's back" (Illinois DAILY HERALD, 7/19). In Chicago, Len Ziehm reported the Blackhawks "will offer to host the NHL draft," and Blackhawks President John McDonough at the convention said, "We'll make a heck of a run to get the All-Star Game." Ziehm: "Just a year ago, the Hawks weren't relevant in Chicago's sports landscape, and their chairman [late Owner Bill Wirtz] was a target for ridicule. Now -- in their offseason, no less -- they're vying for attention with two first-place [MLB] teams, and their new chairman [Rocky Wirtz]  is getting standing ovations" (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 7/20).

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