The Resurgence of Hockey In Chicago Continues

Hockey in Chicago goes further back than the days of Bobby Hull, Stan Mikita, Denis Savard and old Chicago Stadium.

Those were the glory days of one of the National Hockey League's original six franchises, and they built around Hull--one of hockey's most distinguishable namesakes. But until recently, the Blackhawks have endured a stretch of lean years that has encompassed seven seasons, top-five draft picks and attendance that dipped into the 9,000s in the 22,000-seat United Center.

Now, it is safe to say the lean years have turned into a robust future.

Ohio hockey defenseman Steve Osacky grew up outside Chicago in Oak Forest, Ill., and he and his family are life long Blackhawks fans. They remember some of the good years, a lot of the bad, but are in the midst of their team's impressive run to the 2009 Western Conference finals against the Detroit Red Wings.

"A few years ago, there really wasn't an atmosphere at the United Center," Osacky said. "I mean, obviously we didn't have a good team to go watch, and the future didn't look so good.

"Now, there's a good group of young players that have taken the 'Hawks to another level and it's exciting for the city."

Chicago selected center Jonathan Toews out of the University of North Dakota in 2006 (3rd overall) and then drafted winger Patrick Kane with the #1 overall pick at the 2007 NHL draft in Columbus. The two have not only become good friends away from the rink, but have developed a Hull-Mikita-esque partnership on the ice. Kane flanks Toews on the team's top line, and together, they have electrified hockey fans in the Windy City.




The Blackhawks ushered over 1 million fans into the United Center this year, averaging more than 21,000 fans per game. A major factor to the resurrection of the Blackhawks has been owner/chairman Rocky Wirtz, who took control of the team's operations once his father (William) passed away. Immediately, the younger Wirtz demanded that all of the team's games be broadcast on local cable channel Comcast Sportsnet--unlike previous years when home games were blacked out.

"Just people being able to watch the team has helped a lot," Osacky said. "It was hard to follow them when the games weren't even on TV.

"What Rocky Wirtz has done is great. It's a young team that has benefited from the exposure."

Last year's Blackhawks finished just outside of the Stanley Cup playoff picture, but were one of the league's hottest teams down the stretch. Savard, then the head coach, led a fast-skating and relentless team that many assumed would carry the momentum into 2009.

But they did not.

The Hawks stumbled out of the gate, going 1-3 in their first four games. Savard was fired and veteran NHL coach Joel Quenneville stepped behind the bench after serving a short stint as a pro scout. From there, the team embraced his attacking philosophy and they took off. Chicago finished with over 100 points in the standings and grabbed home-ice advantage with the fourth seed in the Western Conference.

So, is hockey in Chicago "back?"

"I would say so," Osacky said with a smile.