One last opportunity for Hawks to celebrate Cup
From the outside looking in, it may not seem like all that big a deal, especially since time with the president is limited to only a few minutes.
But going to the White House for the first time is a magical and memorable experience, and it’s not one the Blackhawks will soon forget after they are saluted Friday in Washington.
“I’ve been looking forward to it since I saw Washington on the schedule,” said Hawks winger Troy Brouwer. “We’re really focused on what we need to do in the playoff race right now and every game is so intense, but for a few hours I’m going to enjoy it.”
The Hawks have earned this traditional sports celebration with the work they put in a year ago, so they ought to enjoy every minute of it.
“For most people, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and the guys deserve it,” Hawks president John McDonough said. “It’s a great honor to be asked to the White House.”
You don’t have to be an American — and there are only a few on the Hawks — or a student of history to appreciate it, but if you are it’s one of those posthole moments with images burned into memory forever.
My first of six trips was with the White Sox in 2006, but each visit since has brought memorable moments and pictures by the dozens, from the Rose Garden to the South Lawn to the Oval Office.
From the portraits in the Cross Hall to the fireplace in the Diplomatic Reception Room and the magnificence of the South Portico, every inch of the first family’s home is historically significant and carries a special story.
“I’ll have my camera going the entire time,” said Buffalo native Patrick Kane. “It’s going to be very cool.”
To their credit, the Hawks have not allowed themselves the opportunity to celebrate their Stanley Cup victory since this season began, but this is one last chance to remember what they did.
And one last chance for Hawks fans to celebrate the victory many waited a lifetime to experience.
Nebraska changes
The offensive coaching shake-up at Nebraska, with Bo Pelini recently naming Tim Beck his offensive coordinator, happens just in time for the Huskers to join the Big Ten.
Nebraska was 38th in scoring offense in 2010 and eighth in the nation defensively at 17 points per game. However, after they started 9-1, the Huskers finished 1-3, scoring 33 points total in those 3 defeats.
It was worse in 2009 when Nebraska was second in defense at 11.2 points per game behind national champ Alabama (11.0), but the offense was 80th at 24.5 points per game.
That season the Huskers went 10-4 and lost three games by a total of 4 points, averaging 11 points scored in 4 defeats.
The 2009 squad didn’t get a lot of recognition until it lost the Big 12 title game to No. 3 Texas, 13-12. The Longhorns went on to lose the national title game to Alabama.
Basically, Nebraska was a couple of field goals away from playing in the championship game two years ago, and it wasn’t much different last season.
The defense has been that good, and the offense that bad, but they will have a new offensive coordinator in 2011.
With all that’s going on at Ohio State, and what’s probably coming, it’s possible Nebraska will be favored to win the Big Ten in its first year in the conference.
The good guys
The Wolves will wear green jerseys at their next three home games starting Friday and then auction and raffle off the sweaters as part of their 15th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Fundraiser. For more info, visit chicagowolves.com.
Make me laugh
Some of David Letterman’s Top Ten Things You Don’t Want to Hear During Spring Training:
“My fastball is up to 43 miles per hour.”
“Instead of Tommy John surgery, I had Elton John surgery.”
“I could watch you squat for hours.”
“Run for your lives! Sabathia’s eating again!”
“Welcome to the Mets!”
“Why is Tommy Lasorda naked?”
Patience or patients?
Miami Herald’s Greg Cote: “The (Florida) Panthers’ recent fire sale is an indication of continuing efforts to build for the future. The club has now been building for the future for approximately the past 15 years in a systematic, top-secret plan that is targeted to reach fruition at some undetermined point, although delays are possible.”
As catch can
E-mailer Rick Aronow: “Aramis Ramirez is quoted as saying that he’d like to use the element of surprise to steal bases. Using that theory, will he actually catch the ball this season?”
And finally …
Omaha World-Herald’s Brad Dickson: “On the ‘Today Show,’ Charlie Sheen quoted Allen Iverson. Only Sheen can possibly appear more stable by quoting Iverson.”
ŸListen to Barry Rozner from 9 a.m. to noon Sundays on the Score’s “Hit and Run” show at WSCR 670-AM.