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Blackhawks Fri Sep 18 2009
Hawks host Training Camp fest as preseason begins
I know, I know...summer didn't even really begin, and we're just a week into the Good Jay/Bad Jay Bears season after giving up on the Cubs and Sox...how can I even be talking about hockey? Indian summer!
But sure enough, a new season beckons, one with heightened expectations. After last season's storybook saga, including the Winter Classic at Wrigley Field, a constantly sold out UC, the improbable run to the Conference Finals, and the high-profie signing of Marian Hossa, Hawks' fans hopes rest on nothing less than a Stanley Cup.
Granted, there was also the controversy surrounding the firing of GM Dale Tallon and promotion of Stan Bowman, the botched restricted free agent offers, Hossa's contract investigation and subsequent shoulder sugery (and Marty Havlat's malicious tweets), and of course, Patrick Kane's 20-cent adventure.
Of course, that eventful off-season matters little if the team gets off to a strong start, beginning with their opening season games in Helsinki against the Florida Panthers.
For those wanting to get a sneak peek behind the curtain as the team prepares for the upcoming season, check out the Blackhawks second annual Training Camp festival tomorrow morning. Along with a 10k skate, 5k race, and 3-on-3 tournament, the fest gives an open look at a Hawks practice on the United Center ice, beginning at 10:30 a.m. Coach Joel Quenneville wil be mic'd up as he leads the Hawks through drills and scrimmages, and at only $5, it's a great chance to see the team up close without paying triple digits for those 100-level seats.
If that's not enough and an actual game sounds more up to speed, tickets remain for the Blackhawks first exhibition at 7:30 Saturday against the Washington Capitals.
The Hawks also begin their 2nd season of full TV coverage on WGN and Comcast SportsNet (that still sounds weird to say); a full broadcast schedule can be found here.
The Hawks will be on national TV 13 times, with 4 NBC Sunday games and 9 games on Versus, including the Helsinki opener Oct. 2 at 11 a.m.
