Chicago Blackhawks Notes: 'Hawks Out and About After Big Win in Denver

Campbell and Versteeg Sign Autographs in Chicago

Less than 16 hours after putting the finishing touches on a defeat of the Colorado Avalanche in Denver, the Blackhawks were out and about throughout the Chicagoland area today.

Patrick Sharp signed autographs at the Grant's Appliances in Aurora, IL today, and Bobby Hull signed copies of the new book One Goal: Chicago's Resurgent Blackhawks (which everyone should really check out) at the Borders in Oak Brook.

The biggest signing of the afternoon, however, came at the newly anointed Blackhawks Store on Michigan Ave. in Chicago. Brian Campbell and Kris Versteeg signed autographs for fans and generally seemed to be in good spirits.

The Ice Crew was also in attendance at the event, and the whole atmosphere was laid back and easy-going. The fans I encountered at the event were extremely friendly and were very excited to meet the Blackhawks players.

This year's event may not have trumped the one last year that featured Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews in either publicity or people in attendance, but it certainly was yet another reminder of the relevance that the Hawks are achieving in this city.

What especially impressed me was the number of kids and parents in attendance. The key to growing any sport's fan base is to get kids involved at an early age, and events like this and the "Shoot the Puck to Wrigley" promotion are excellent ways of getting the youth involved.

Another thing that is contributing mightily to the youth influx in Hawkdom is the fact that all games are on television now. During this time of year, kids are forced indoors early by darkness and cold, and until this year the only option they really had for sports entertainment was either ESPN or Bulls games.

Now, kids are watching the Blackhawks, and they are bugging their parents to take them to games, buy them merchandise, and sign them up for youth hockey leagues. This is really similar to the explosion in popularity that Blackhawk hockey experienced in the mid-50's, and hopefully the end result will be the same (Stanley Cup Championship).

Did the 'Hawks Really Attend Dale Tallon's Father's Wake?

This question was addressed in a recent article in the Chicago Daily Heard. The full article can be found here.

Interesting tidbits from the article include dispelling the myth that the team travelled on rickety buses (they travelled on warm coach buses), and there also was not a formal vote taken to cancel their charter flight and go to the wake.

The other main facts of the story, however, were mostly the same. If you want to find the full story, go here.

James Wisniewski Lights It Up In Rehab Stint

Speaking of the Wiz, James Wisniewski, who is on loan to the Rockford IceHogs and is expected to rejoin the Hawks lineup soon, pulled off a career first on Saturday: He got his first professional hat trick.

He scored three goals in the Hogs' 7-2 victory over the Chicago Wolves on Saturday night. He also helped the Hogs break their run of bad luck on the power play, potting their first extra-man tally in 28 attempts.

The Blackhawks will host the Columbus Blue Jackets Sunday night at 6 PM at the United Center. The first 5,000 fans through the turnstiles will receive a limited edition "Vote Kaner" poster, courtesy of the Blackhawks.