News & Views

A plethora of computer problems have have kept me from posting my recap about the 2010 Chicago Blackhawks Convention (aka “Hawks Con”).

Problem 1: My video editing software keeps crashing. Coincidentally, my girlfriend had the same problem with her video editing software too.

Problem 2: The flatbed scanner I ordered from NewEgg.com hasn’t arrived yet. My old scanner still works, but the scan quality sucks.

Problem 3: I’ve tried running MalwareBytes (a free malware-removal software) and my computer crashed.

Problem 4: I tried burning things to DVD–so as to free up some space on the hard drive–and that crashed my computer too.

Anyway, once I get to the bottom of these problems, expect a full day-by-day recap that will include video, scans of items I got autographed, a few cool stories and some neat purchases.

In other news, the Blackhawks signed Marty Turco, which means they won’t be re-signing Antti Niemi. They can’t afford him, since the Cup-winning goalie is set to make $2.75 million per year, thanks to his arbitration hearing.

What I don’t understand is, why did the ‘Hawks tie up $3.5 million per year re-signing defenseman Nicklas Hjalmarsson? Hjalmarsson was the 4th or 5th defender on the team, and had he gone to San Jose the Blackhawks would have had the money to re-sign Niemi AND get some compensation from the Sharks. I’d rather have a number one goalie for $2.75 mil than a 4th defender for $750,000 more. Plus, the ‘Hawks have a top defensive prospect in Nick Leddy, who left college after his freshman year to join the ‘Hawks this fall.

The Blackhawks still haven’t confirmed exactly WHO will be signing autographs at the 2010 Blackhawks Convention–or Hawks Con, as I’m gonna call it–this weekend. According to a source of mine, the team won’t let fans know until the convention actually starts on Friday. Continue reading “Who’s Signing ‘Graphs at the ‘Hawks Con?”

A few quick thoughts on what’s going down in HAWKeyTown…

Stanley Cup visiting Elmwood Park – The Stanley Cup will be in the Chicago suburb of Elmwood Park on Wednesday, July 28.. However, the Cup will be at a private event, held at First Security Bank. The Wirtz family owns First Security Bank.

Who’s Signing Autographs? – As of Tuesday, the Chicago Blackhawks still haven’t told us who will be signing autographs at the Blackhawks Convention this upcoming weekend. Sure, some are a given (Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Bobby Hull, Tony Esposito), but who else? Maybe I’ll just bring one card of every Blackhawk ever, just to be safe. The team did announce a pretty explicit autograph policy, though.

Training Camp Fest – On September 18, the Blackhawks will hold a Training Camp Festival. Seriously. For $5, you can watch the team practice. There is also a charity run/walk/skate event, and a 3-on-3 street hockey tournament. Tickets can be bought here.

Easy Come, Easy Go– Last month, the Chicago Blackhawks traded away three good players and a prospect for Marty Reasoner and Jeremy Morin. Last week, the ‘Hawks traded Reasoner to the Florida Panthers for Jeff Taffe. Guess Reasoner’s $1 million annual salary was taking up too much cap space. Funny, though, because the ‘Hawks made a big deal about acquiring Reasoner, going so far as to “Photoshop” him into the Indian-head sweater (above). But Reasoner’s subsequent trade to the Panthers was nary a mention on the ‘Hawks home page.

JR in the HOF – Former Chicago Blackhawk Jeremy Roenick was inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame last week. Roenick was a favorite player of mine, so I certainly hope that he will make it into the “real” Hall of Fame when he is eligible in 2012. For those who missed it, I posted a Career in Cards about Roneick earlier this month.

On Thursday, I received my passes to the third annual Chicago Blackhawks Convention–a full 8 days before the convention starts. Last year, I got the passes barely 2 days before the convention started. Of course, the team’s last-minute mailing practices last summer cost Dale Tallon his job.

Anyway, here is what the front of the pass looks like. As you can see, it has a large shiny object on it.

Yup, they put a HOLOGRAM sticker in the upper right corner. It really makes the pass feel both classy and official. Continue reading “2010 Blackhawks Convention – Passes”