Blackhawks Wed Jul 24 2013

Blackhawks Announce Panel For Weekend Convention

By Jim Crago

For those lucky enough to have a pass to the Blackhawks Convention this weekend (all passes are sold out), it's time to dust off your Stan Mikita jersey and bring an extra bag to store your collectables. The puck drops for the sixth-annual Convention Friday morning at the Chicago Hilton Hotel and will feature many of the members who helped bring home its fifth Stanley Cup in franchise history.

Earlier today the Blackhawks announced the official panels for the Convention, via its site. The bulk of the panels will take place in both the International and Continental Ballrooms with the weekend starting Friday, July 26, at 5:00pm, and the final set of events starting Sunday, July 28, at 9:30am.

If you've been going through withdrawal over not hearing enough Chelsea Dagger, or simply forgot just how handsome Patrick Sharp really is, then load up the family truckster and zip down Michigan Avenue to take in a variety of events, which includes an improv set with members of Second City to re-living the Stanley Cup Final with WGN-TV's Dan Roan. Consider it your own personal Methadone clinic, sure to ease the anxiety away.

The panel breakout is as follows:

Friday, July 26
Opening Ceremonies
International Ballroom: 5:00-6:00 p.m.
Master of Ceremonies Eddie Olczyk and the Blackhawks kick off a weekend in celebration of the 2013 Stanley Cup champions and their fans! Help us welcome the great Blackhawks of the past, present and future as we ring in the 2013 Blackhawks Convention.

Second City Performance
International Ballroom: 8:00-9:00 p.m.
For more than 50 years, The Second City has been a launching pad for all-time great comedians such as John Belushi, George Wendt and Shelley Long, as well as current stars Steve Carell, Stephen Colbert and Tina Fey. Now, two of Chicago's most famous franchises collide as Blackhawks players join the comedy troupe for an improv show unlike any other.

Saturday, July 27
Tales from the Cup Keepers
International Ballroom: 9:00-10:00 a.m.
From the tops of mountains to the bottom of players' swimming pools, the Stanley Cup has traveled the world dozens of times over. Accompanying and guarding hockey's ultimate prize are a group of tireless--and fearless--individuals in white gloves. Join host Chet Coppock along with "Cup Keepers" Phil Pritchard, Mike Bolt, Walter Neubrand and Howie Borrow, as well as Nick Leddy, as they discuss some of the Cup's greatest and most harrowing adventures.

We're Going Streaking!
International Ballroom: 10:15-11:15 a.m.
An amazing start to an historic season, the Blackhawks opened the 2012-13 campaign with a 24-game unbeaten streak, setting an NHL record in the process. Join Patrick Kane, Bryan Bickell, Head Coach Joel Quenneville and WGN Radio's Dave Kaplan as they discuss one of the most spectacular runs in league history, which served as the springboard for a championship season.

Chicago's Most Wanted
International Ballroom: 12:45-1:45 p.m.
The Blackhawks come from many different walks of life and from many different countries, but they play and win for the city of Chicago. Join CBS 2's Rob Johnson as he talks with Bryan Bickell, Patrick Sharp and Andrew Shaw about their adopted hometown and bringing the Cup back to Sweet Home Chicago.

The Men in the Masks
Continental Ballroom: 12:45-1:45 p.m.
Goaltending is one of the most crucial positions in all of sports, and having a great netminder between the pipes is a must for any team with championship aspirations. Pat Foley joins Corey Crawford, Murray Bannerman, Darren Pang and Tony Esposito as they talk about defending the net and being the backbone of the Blackhawks defense.

Inside the Blackhawks Locker Room
International Ballroom: 2:00-3:00 p.m.
The "home away from home" for the Blackhawks during the season, the dressing room is the place where teammates bond and championship-level team chemistry is formed. Jonathan Toews, Michal Rozival and Patrick Sharp share their stories from inside the dressing room, talk about team pranks and share the legend of the Championship Belt. Hosted by WGN Radio and Comcast SportsNet's Dave Kaplan.

Coach Q and His Crew
Continental Ballroom: 2:00-3:00 p.m.
With a combined six Stanley Cup rings between them, Blackhawks Head Coach Joel Quenneville and Assistant Coaches Mike Kitchen and Jamie Kompon have provided the Blackhawks with all of the guidance needed to contend for the Cup. Join us as they sit down with ABC 7's Ravi Baichwal and talk about leading a championship squad, along with the X's and O's that made the Blackhawks one of hockey's best teams.

Re-living the Stanley Cup Final
International Ballroom: 3:15-4:15 p.m.
On June 24, 2013, the Chicago Blackhawks made history, earning the franchise's fifth Stanley Cup championship and cementing their place in Chicago sports legend. Re-live the six games that led to the title with Team Captain Jonathan Toews, Conn Smythe Trophy winner Patrick Kane, Michal Handzus, Corey Crawford and WGN-TV's Dan Roan as they share stories from one of the most memorable Finals in NHL history.

Blackhawks Game Show
International Ballroom: 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Live from Chicago... It's the Blackhawks Game Show! Watch as your fellow Blackhawks fans compete in a variety of different challenges with current and former Blackhawks players, as well as members of The Second City.

Sunday, July 28
The Man-Child, the Mutt and Muzz
International Ballroom: 9:30-10:30 a.m.
No matter your age, every player on the team has to pull his weight to achieve the ultimate prize of a Stanley Cup championship. During some of the most critical moments, players like Brandon "Man-Child" Saad and Andrew Shaw (aka "Mutt") played key roles on the way to bringing the Cup back to Chicago. Host Troy "Muzz" Murray sits down with the young guns to talk about playing for Chicago's hottest team, the struggles of becoming NHL regulars and the best memories of their budding careers.

#OneGoal
International Ballroom: 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Thanks to social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, fans have a chance to interact with their favorite teams and athletes like never before. Join Andrew Shaw (@shawz15er), Brandon Bollig (@BBollig87) and Ben Smith (@benasmith12), along with Senior Director of New Media and Creative Services Adam Kempenaar, for a discussion on the emerging role of social media in sports.

Remember the Roar
Continental Ballroom: 10:15-11:15 a.m.
For 65 years, the Blackhawks and their fans called the old Chicago Stadium home. Team Historian Bob Verdi joins Blackhawks alumni Stu Grimson, Eric Daze, Wayne Presley, Steve Larmer, Keith Brown, Eric Nesterenko and Darcy Rota as they recall stories and moments from the heyday of "The Old Barn."