5 Reasons for Chicago Blackhawks Fans to Be Excited for This Upcoming Season

The Chicago Blackhawks have been ensconced in Johnny's Ice House in downtown Chicago as individual players prepare for the official start of training camp.  It all gets underway on September 16th when the 'Hawks report to camp.

Any season is cause for excitement, of course. With the hope of a renewed commitment to a Stanley Cup, Blackhawks fans have a lot of reasons to be stoked for the beginning of the season.

Here are five sources of fuel for that growing excitement.

5. Party at the United Center

Fans will be flocking to the Madhouse Saturday for the start of the Blackhawks Training Camp Festival. Time to meet this year's hopefuls on and off the ice, as well as take a peek at practice, play some street hockey (or bags for the skating impaired), and maybe take home a Patrick Sharp bobble head.

In addition, you get to pow-wow with a host of other fans, which ultimately leads to more talk and anticipation of the approaching schedule.

4. The Promise of Competition

There are a lot of players competing in camp for roster spots next week.

It's always fun to see a young skater make an unexpected run and create talk of his making the team. The veterans have to show what they have left in the tank.

Who makes that run this fall? Do Marcus Kruger, Jeremy Morin and Ben Smith show enough to stick with the Blackhawks? Will a player like Jimmy Hayes or Brandon Saad come in and make some noise with the big boys?

It's all part of the fun of watching how things play out in training camp.

3. Baby Toews (and the Rest of the New Guys)

Fans will get to meet the newest addition to the 'Hawks family in training camp, along with all of GM Stan Bowman's summer acquisitions.

Ray Emery (who isn't signed but is making appearances with the club...hmmm) and Daniel Carcillo were at U.S. Cellular Field Saturday. Jamal Mayers showed up at the 'Hawks day at Wrigley Field last week. Steve Montador has been sighted around town as well.

Sean 'ODonnell, Andrew Brunette, Sami Lepisto, Alexander Salak...we'll be seeing the roster additions on the ice in a matter of days after hearing about them all summer long.

As for David Toews, I wouldn't expect him to break camp with the Blackhawks, but he'll likely draw the fans interest early in camp.

2. One Goal, Part II: Tazer's Revenge

It's not hard to imagine the captain working out this summer with one thing on his mind: re-establishing his team at the pinnacle of the hockey world.

Woe be to the rest of the Western Conference if Jonathan Toews comes to camp with a chip-on-his-shoulder attitude.

Patrick Kane showed up to 'Hawks Convention with a cast on his wrist but looked to be in fantastic shape otherwise. The word is he really worked hard in the offseason.

If reports are true that other Blackhawks displayed similar dedication, fans are right to be optimistic.

1. It's Not Last Season

The exodus of players, the third period debacles and the cup hangover that seemed to linger most of the season all are in the rear-view mirror.

Whether you're accepting an explanation or an excuse is moot. The slate is clean October 8th.

Ahead of us is a pristine 2011-12 campaign, free of such transgressions. It's time for the optimistic in all or us to shine.

The countdown continues...