WGN, Comcast deals make history for Hawks
As far as comebacks go, the one the Blackhawks have made on the Chicago sports scene this season goes beyond remarkable.
A team that was ignored and forgotten about on almost every level as recently as last September added to its momentum Tuesday by formally announcing all 82 games next season would be televised -- a first in franchise history.
As many as 20 games will be on Channel 9 as part of a three-year agreement announced at a United Center news conference. The majority of games will be televised by Comcast SportsNet.
The Hawks return to WGN-TV for the first time since the 1974-75 season, a move back to free television that should continue to elevate their profile locally.
"We have to be relevant in Chicago sports, and we believe we are starting that journey and are on our way to being there," Hawks chairman Rocky Wirtz said.
Television has been key to the Hawks' turnaround. Tonight's home game against Detroit will be the 12th shown by Comcast SportsNet since Wirtz abolished his late father's policy of not televising home games.
"It's nice for the players to go out and be recognized again," Wirtz said.
The deal with WGN is for local telecasts only. Hawks president John McDonough said the games would not be part of WGN's package as a superstation.
There was no mention made Tuesday of the broadcasting situation for next season. Current TV play-by-play man Dan Kelly is under contract for 2008-09, but there is no shortage of speculation about the possibility of Pat Foley being asked to return in some capacity, perhaps for the WGN games.
Having separate play-by-play announcers is how the Bulls do it, with Wayne Larrivee calling the games on Channels 9 and 26, and Tom Dore working for Comcast SportsNet.
For the Hawks, the TV deal with WGN and the expanding of Comcast SportsNet's schedule is another feather in the cap for McDonough and senior vice president of business operations Jay Blunk, both of whom have had the pedal to the metal since coming over from the Cubs.
"This is not just an announcement about broadcasting more games," McDonough said. "It's a commitment to our fans to try and televise more winning hockey games."
With two regular-season home games remaining, ticket sales at the UC are up 46 percent from last season, with the Hawks hoping for their 11th and 12th sellouts tonight against Detroit and Friday for Nashville.
"Our overall operation is getting better, but we have a lot of work to do and a long way to go," McDonough said. "However, we are making progress, and the most important part is on the ice with what these young men have accomplished. And we have greater heights looking forward."
General manager Dale Tallon played when the Hawks were last on WGN more than 30 years ago and understands the impact of having games on Channel 9.
"The last time we were on WGN, Jim West was calling one of my turnovers," joked Tallon. "But to be on WGN and to be on Comcast and have all the games televised, we're extremely excited.
"We're committed to winning and committed to winning the Stanley Cup. We will not let our fans down. They'll be able to see us play hard every night, and this is just the tip of the iceberg."
Starting times for next season's home games are being discussed, but McDonough said the team was leaning toward weekday faceoffs at 7:05 p.m.