And is sporting a stitch mustache.

After (probably) suffering some really awful jet lag, Patrick Kane, the Chicago Blackhawks’ resident little shit, returned to practice with the rest of the team earlier today.

» Continue reading “Fresh Brew: Kane Returns”

Photo: Bridget Samuels/flickr

As first reported by Chris Kuc, Patrick Sharp and his wife, Abby, are the proud parents of a baby girl, Madelyn Grace Sharp. According to Adam Jahns, Abby went into labor during the Islanders game. I’m guessing she was as stressed out over that game as the rest of Blackhawks nation.

Congrats to the Sharps. We wish you all the best.

And now — the link dump.

» Continue reading “Your Daily Cup: It’s A Girl For The Sharps!”

The legend himself.

It’s the tenth anniversary of the September 11th attacks.

I’m not incredibly eloquent when it comes to serious subjects like this, so I’m not even going to try. Instead, here’s Jim Cornelison, the Blackhawks’ anthem singer, singing the National Anthem at the Bears game earlier today.

» Continue reading “Jim Cornelison Sings The National Anthem At The Bears Game”

Pictured: A BAMF. (Photo: Mishmash87/flickr)

If you didn’t hear last night or this morning, United States Navy SEALS killed Osama bin Laden.

Let’s just say that it was a pretty huge deal.

Or a really huge deal.

Amongst the celebration and contemplation over this historic event, some Blackhawks fans lamented the fact that the ‘Hawks were bounced out of the playoffs so soon. Wouldn’t it be awesome if  Jim Cornelison could do his rousing version of the National Anthem that always gets people out of their seats and cheering? Could you imagine the roar that would occur so soon after a defining event in the nation’s history?

(Remember, the cheering for the National Anthem at Blackhawks games — though it had happened before — became a tradition after the 1991 All-Star Game, which was held soon after the beginning of the first Gulf War.)

Fortunately for us, there is still one team in the playoffs at the United Center.

Here’s the scoop from Chicago Breaking Sports:

“The Chicago Bulls will turn to a familiar voice to set the proper mood Monday before Game 1 vs. the Atlanta Hawks: Jim Cornelison will sing the national anthem.

Cornelison, the Chicago Blackhawks’ mainstay who also sang for the Chicago Bears during last season’s NFL playoffs, will be singing before a Bulls game for the first time.

Cornelison often sings side-by-side with veterans of the U.S. armed forces during his performances, which should have a special significance Monday in the wake of the news of Osama bid Laden’s death.”

Some people might be upset that the Blackhawks are sharing Jim Cornelison with the rest of Chicago (like the mouthbreather reader who commented on the Chicago Breaking Sports article, saying that it “diminished” a Blackhawks tradition), but I think it’s an exciting way to show fans of other Chicago sports what Blackhawks fans get to experience every single game at the United Center.

Let’s just hope the Bulls fans in attendance tonight do the tradition proud. Get up and cheer loudly, guys!

The Bulls-Hawks game begins at 8pm EDT/7pm CDT on TNT. I have been told that they will be airing the National Anthem before the game. Even if you’re not a basketball fan, you’ll want to tune in for this.

The scene outside my window.

Before I wait for the lake effect snow to end and then attempt to dig a tunnel to the car, here are some Blackhawks-related articles from around the web:

Here’s a nice little story about Jim Cornelison, the Blackhawks’ anthem singer. (ChicagoMag.com)

According to Jesse Rogers, The Blackhawks were snowed in last night. They’re practicing at Nationwide Arena in Columbus before they attempt to fly back to Chicago. (ESPN Chicago)

Here are the post-game videos from CSN Chicago: Joel Quenneville, Marty Turco, Jonathan Toews

I know that the results of this CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada/NHLPA poll have gotten around the web, but here are some Blackhawks-relevant results:

• The Blackhawks ranked second (tied with the Vancouver Canucks) as the team players would most like to play on.
• The United Center ranked third as the favorite rink players like to play in.
• Coach Q ranked fifth as the coach players would most like to play for.
• Duncan Keith was ranked fifth as the toughest defenseman to play against and fourth as the league’s best skater.
• Jonathan Toews was ranked fourth as the active player they would select to start a franchise.
• Patrick Sharp was ranked as the third most underrated player.