Hawks Hockey Hoiden

All morning, the local hockeyverse has been batting around this little gem, “Hockey etiquette for the new Blackhawks fan” from Jay Zawaski of AM 670’s “The Score.”  Apparently folks think it’s quite clever, so I thought I’d add my two cents.  While some of the recommendations for fans at the United Center are good ones, like #1’s “Wait for a whistle,” others are a bit elitist.  Perhaps Mr. Zawaski could remember that not everyone has been raised on hockey since they were a fetus; some of us need a little help.  (more…)

You had to be at the Hawks/Wild game tonight to truly appreciate how lousy and yet bizarre the officiating was.  On some of those calls I was left wondering what in the world the refs were thinking.  Perhaps I shouldn’t complain though because it was the only real spark in a game where both teams were bumbling about.  (more…)

Between periods at the United Center last night, the Blackhawks had something that looked like the Sausage Race which the Milwaukee Brewers have during their 7th inning stretch. Am I right? Were those supposed to be sausages? Maybe since this is Chicago, they’re brats…or kielbasas. It was funnier than the Brewers’ Sausage Race though with those top-heavy sausages slipping and tumbling on the ice. I laughed so hard I snorted a little beer up my nose!

Editor’s note: Luckily I taped this game so that I was able to rewind and play the goal in the first period that was at first credited to Kris Versteeg, but which was actually tipped in by Jonathan Toews. Seems Toews was too modest to tell Versteeg that Versteeg had the assist, not the goal.

Going to the United Center is always interesting. Getting there during rush hour (which if you’re not familiar with Chicago is from about 3:30-7:30 p.m. or later in bad weather), especially in weather below 0 degrees Fahrenheit, is a hassle. But once you’re there, it’s like magic. And, it was Patrick Sharp bobblehead night, which placated all the fancicles that streamed into the UC (including yours truly). They were nice bobbleheads too, not the cheap kind. Thanks to AT&T and the Blackhawks for those, because hey, who doesn’t love bobbleheads? And who doesn’t love taking in a game between Original Six teams? (more…)