My thoughts on the Blackhawks

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 I have been a Chicago sports fan my entire life and that doesn't change when it comes to hockey. Except this passion comes a little closer to home than most. The Chicago Blackhawks minor league team, the Rockford Ice Hogs, are based out of my hometown. During my childhood I remember going to Ice Hog games being the highlight of my week. My connection to hockey is natural and I've always associated it with good times. It helped that a majority of my younger years the Blackhawks were really good. Winning three Stanley Cups in six years is nothing but impressive. 

However, all good things must come to an end. While the main core of players is still around, the team hasn't made it past the first round of the playoffs in five years. But this year is showing some promise. Most people, myself included, thought this year would be another year wasted after two of their best players Toews and Dach went out hurt. However this team is full of guys wanting to prove they have what it takes. After the long period of winning, the roster has gone through almost a complete overhaul and is now filled with young/unproven players that are hungry. 

The year is early on and their current record of 8-5-4 is not necessarily good but it's providing hope. Hope that these young guys will fill the roles that need to be filled in order for this team to return to success. If nothing else, at least this team is fun to watch and not as awful as we all thought they would be. 


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