Here Come the Hawks: Chicago Blackhawks Heating Up

Here come the Hawks? Sound familiar? It’s the official introduction of the Chicago Blackhawks. The song was written by J. Swayzee in 1968 and is still played today during the pre-game video. The lyrics proclaim to look out for the mighty Hawks; they are flying high and taking the attack.

After less than 10 games into the 2009-10 season the Blackhawks are certainly “taking the attack,” leading their division with a 5-2-1 record. Is that familiar? It shouldn’t be, the last time the Hawks won their division was the 1992-93 season, and they have only qualified for the playoffs twice since the 97-98 season.

They were swept in four games in the Stanley Cup finals of 91-92 to the Pittsburgh Penguins, and they haven’t won the Stanley Cup since 1961, which is currently the longest reigning title drought in the NHL.

The millennium has been particularly deficient for the Blackhawk franchise, other than a speedy first round exit in 2002, and last years playoff run, they have been far removed out of contention each season. A large portion of the Hawks deterioration has to be put on the shoulders of late owner Bill Wirtz.

In 2004 ESPN named the Blackhawks the worst franchise in sports; it was a statement that very few people could argue with. Wirtz raised ticket prices and wouldn’t allow home games to be televised; he was given the appropriate nickname of “Dollar Bill”.

Bill Wirtz passed away on September 26, 2007, coincidently around the same time the Blackhawk franchise was making significant changes within the organization.

Rocky Wirtz took over his Fathers duties after he died, his first act as owner was signing a TV deal to get Hawks games aired in the city of Chicago again; he also brought in former Chicago Cubs president John McDonough to take over the role as Chicago Blackhawks team president.

In addition, Rocky was able to bring back legendary Blackhawks players, Bobby Hull and Stan Mikita as the teams hockey ambassadors.

The Blackhawks drafted star players Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Cam Barker, and Brent Seabrook over the past few years, all of whom are under the age of 25. Veteran coach Joel Quenneville was hired to take over behind the bench early last season, and four time all-star Marian Hossa was signed to a 12 year deal this past summer.

Last year the Chicago Blackhawks led the league in home attendance, an incredible achievement considering the clubs woes the prior decade and a half.  

Two years ago the Hawks narrowly missed the playoffs by three points, last year they missed playing for the Stanley Cup by one series, this year they look to not only be named cup champions, they look to begin a dynasty, to become a portentous faction that wins, and wins with ease. After many years of worthless hockey in the city of Chicago, the fans finally have something to be excited for, and deservedly so.

Look out, "Here come the Hawks."

“Here Come the Hawks, the mighty Blackhawks”
“Take the attack, Yeah, and we'll back you Blackhawks”
“You're flyin' high now, so let's wrap it up”
“Let's go you Hawks, move off”
“Now all look out, Here Come the Hawks,”

“Here they come movin', weavin', flyin' high and throwin' spray,”
“Blades flashin' sticks crashin' tryin' for the play,”
“And the Blackhawks, take control,”
“There's a shot, AND A GOAL!”

“Here Come the Hawks, the mighty Blackhawks”