Just Like Old Times.

On a cold and windy evening in November a ritual was once again brought back to life.  So what if it was just for one night.  The evening promised to be a great one filled with excitement for the present, anticipation for the future, and wonderful memories of the past. 

 Sunday November 16th at the United Center in Chicago, as the Chicago Blackhawks took on the San Jose Sharks, my brother and I did what we had done so many times before during the 80’s and 90’s.  We went to a Hawks game.

Going to a Chicago Blackhawks game for me while I lived in Chicago was something special every single night.  Since I have moved away I almost forgot what that feeling was like.  It didn’t take long however for the excitement to come back along with all the great memories of watching the Hawks.  This night though was going to be even more special as the Chicago Blackhawks honored one of their former stars, Jeremy Roenick. 

I remember his first shift as a Hawk in an exhibition game, and for some reason, he just caught my eye and when he ultimately came back and stuck with the team, he instantly became my favorite NHL player.  My life as a hockey fan and as a Chicago Blackhawk fan would never be the same.  JR was loaded with talent, could skate like the wind, and after then Head Coach Mike Keenan warned him about never missing a check again, Roenick also hit everything in sight.  He could score goals in bunches, make nifty passes, put the team on his shoulders when needed, and was always great with the media as well as the fans.  His outspoken behavior and brash demeanor took the city by storm. 

Roenick played for eight years in Chicago and put up some great numbers and never missed the playoffs as a member of the Hawks.  He even played in the Stanley Cup finals at the tender age of 21.  We know what happened back then and Roenick thought at the time that he’d get back some day.  Unfortunately he didn’t. 

Everyone wanted a happy ending here but we all know about fairy tales.  Things would never be the same in Chicago and for Roenick after Derian Hatcher stuck his knee out and JR tore his ACL to pieces.  His career was never quite the same and soon after he was traded to Phoenix for some russian blowhard and Craig Mills, and the Hawks suffered for years.

Things are different now for both the Hawks and JR.  He was welcomed back with open arms on this night and was honored with a special ceremony before the game and heartfelt tributes throughout.  You can go directly to the Blackhawks site and see some of the special videos for this game and see some of what I saw. 

It was truly a special night in front of the largest crowd ever at the UC.  On top of it the Hawks won, in overtime!  For me it was a great weekend as I got to see my family, the city, and my favorite team and player. 

Through it all JR and I proved one thing.  You can go home!

Enjoy this brief video of the pregame tribute.

I can’t say enough how special of a night this was and it was fitting that I was able to share it with my brother.  Just like old times.

Thanks for reading.

Cheers