Wirtz Encouraged By Blackhawks' Progress, Return To Profitability

Wirtz Says Blackhawks Among Top 10 Revenue Producers

FAN FEEDBACK: In Chicago, Len Ziehm wrote the response to McDonough was the "most interesting reaction during the opening night of the Blackhawks Convention," as he was greeted with a "chorus of boos, a sure indication the club's most loyal supporters didn't like the firing" of Tallon. Tallon, who has been retained as Senior Advisor of Hockey Operations, "wasn't included in the rousing introductions of players, staffers and alumni" (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 7/18). McDonough said of the reaction, "I absolutely understand. I think I would have booed had I been a fan." McDonough added, "It doesn't feel good. When we made this decision to do this in advance of the convention, we knew exactly what was coming. It's not what you want to hear. I would say I've been fortunate in my sports career that I haven't heard much of it. I've certainly never had anything like that, but I think I have very, very thick skin" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 7/19). ESPNCHICAGO.com's Melissa Isaacson wrote while McDonough said that he "expected some tough moments in the question-and-answer sessions Saturday, you got the feeling that was not what he expected" (ESPNCHICAGO.com, 7/18). ESPNCHICAGO.com's Al Cimaglia wrote, "No matter whether the Hawks take the next step forward or slip back, a main goal for [McDonough] will be to keep fans interested -- even if they don't make the playoffs. Judging from the level of fan and media attention these days, hockey has become a relevant sport in Chicago once again." Cimaglia: "McDonough walks the fine line of a team official who quickly admits that he doesn't have a strong understanding of hockey, but yet is at the forefront of key franchise decisions. That's a tough spot. McDonough will take boos in stride, especially if the franchise continues to prosper. As far as the marketing and advertising world is concerned, any reaction is better than none" (ESPNCHICAGO.com, 7/18).

CONSPIRACY THEORY: In Boston, Kevin Paul Dupont cited sources as saying that it would have been the responsibility of Blackhawks Assistant GM Stan Bowman, who has been promoted to GM to replace Tallon, to "mail out the qualifying offers to the Blackhawks' free agents." One GM said, "Think about that. Bowman screws it up, they fire Dale, and then they make (Bowman) the boss. Does that make any sense?" (BOSTON GLOBE, 7/19).

Print This Article