How you can meet the Blackhawks in Vernon Hills
Fresh off their Stanley Cup victory, nine Chicago Blackhawks will sign autographs for fans in Vernon Hills over the next four days.
Patrick Sharp, Corey Crawford and Marian Hossa are among the stars who'll scrawl their names on photographs, pucks and other items - for fees ranging from $39 to $99 per item.
The athletes will appear, in pairs for the most part, between Friday and Tuesday courtesy of Sideline Sports Marketing & Memorabilia, a store at the Westfield Hawthorn mall.
The marketing firm handles endorsement deals and off-ice public appearances for some of the players, company President Wayne Jett said.
"They want to get out to the fans," Jett said. "They love the fans in Chicago."
With hundreds of Blackhawks boosters expected for each visit, the Hawks will sign autographs on a stage in an open area near Macy's, Jett said.
Teuvo Teravainen and Marian Hossa are up first. They'll both appear from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday.
On Saturday, Patrick Sharp and Kris Versteeg will be at the mall from 10 a.m. to noon. Brandon Saad will appear from 2 to 4 p.m.
On Monday, Corey Crawford and Scott Darling will sign from 6 to 8 p.m.
And finally on Tuesday, Andrew Shaw and Trevor Van Riemsdyk will greet fans from 6 to 8 p.m.
Vernon Hills police and Sideline employees will provide security to keep the events orderly, Jett said.
Jett expects to sell more than 700 tickets for each player. Each ticket is good for one autograph.
Prices vary based on the popularity of the players.
Photographs, miniature hockey helmets and other merchandise suitable for autographs will be for sale, too.
Tickets can be purchased at sidelinememorabilia.com.
For more information, call (847) 247-5116 or email sidelinemktg@gmail.com.