Old Style Sports

Photo courtesy of sportslogos.net

Did you guys know that the US has hockey? Actually, over 80 percent of NHL franchises are in North America. Amazing, right? Just in case you didn’t notice, I’m trying to drum up some support for this blog post about hockey. I could care just as little as you do.

Nonetheless, the NHL has recently introduced outdoor games as a way to increase interest for hockey games. Still not interested? Well, this time you should be. I’m the guy who always goes to the games just for the fights, but I’m definitely interested in catching a Blackhawks game at Wrigley Field - especially if it’s versus Detroit!

I’d consider lining up to buy tickets ahead of time - probably the only hockey game I’d be even remotely interested in seeing. And judging from this review of the Sabres vs. Penguins game this past year, it could be very lucrative, apart from popular. How’s that for innovation?

Good work, NHL.

So you’re bummed that the Blackhawks didn’t make the playoffs…  again. For the fifth season in a row, and the ninth time in ten years, your local hosers have failed to make it to the postseason.

The funny part thought is the love note posted on the home page of the Blackhawks’ Web site, signed by the president and chairman of the organization. According to them, there is quite a “buzz” surrounding the team. Well, that “buzz” hasn’t generated enough interest from this guy, who obviously isn’t a Chicago fan, but especially wouldn’t have the slightest interest in seeing a team that has failed to win the Stanley Cup in 47 years.

Because I am more knowledgeable about the pigskin, I have to compare them to the Bengals from the 1990s, who were consistently awful. Either way, I guess I should make some sort of point here.

Despite the Blackhawks’ awfulness, there will be a Chicago team in the playoffs this year. The Chicago Wolves will be competing for the Calder Cup when they meet with the Milwaukee Admirals on Wednesday. They are perennially competitive, and while I’m not sure how easy it is to make the playoffs, the Wolves have done it 12 of the last 13 years, according to Wikipedia. Yeah, that’s right - I quoted Wiki for some info.

I guess my point is - regardless of the difference in level of play, maybe the Blackhawks should look west over at the old Rosemont Horizon to see what those guys are doing right.

Or we could go another 47 years without a Stanley Cup.