McDonough mum on Hawks-Wings game at Wrigley

With rumors swirling that the Chicago Blackhawks will be hosting the Detroit Red Wings at Wrigley Field on New Year's Day, there wasn't a better opportunity to find out the definitive answer than Tuesday morning at Chandler's Banquets at the Schaumburg Golf Club, where Blackhawks president John McDonough was on hand as the guest of honor for the monthly Schaumburg Business Association breakfast.

Although there was innuendo, some knowing looks and some feel-good laughter when the topic was broached, in the end, McDonough wouldn't bite when asked about the outdoor game, preferring to let the National Hockey League make the official announcement in a week or so.

"Certainly we've had great discussions with the NHL," McDonough said. "I think Chicago would be a great destination for that outdoor game.

More Coverage Links One-on-one with Blackhawks' McDonough [07/08/08]

"When a decision is rendered, we'll let everybody know."

That the Hawks are even in position to participate in such a showcase event for the NHL should come as no surprise to those who have witnessed the complete retooling of a franchise that was down and out just a few years ago.

After 25 years across town with the Cubs, where he created the Cubs Convention, Beanie Babies days and the seventh-inning stretch and other marketing successes, McDonough is at it again with the Hawks. In less than a year, he has ensured all Hawks games will be televised, welcomed back former greats like Stan Mikita, Bobby Hull and Tony Esposito, and brought back popular announcer Pat Foley.

"It's been a crazy 7 months," McDonough said, "But very rewarding."

Those at the breakfast hoping to hear McDonough blow his own horn concerning all the positive changes were in the wrong place.

"Everybody in this room is witnessing history today," McDonough said. "You are looking at a gentleman who has been with two teams that have not won a championship in 147 years.

"That keeps things in proper perspective."

Instead, McDonough credited the Blackhawks turnaround to chairman Rocky Wirtz, general manager Dale Tallon and head coach Denis Savard. The focus, he said, is still on getting back to the playoffs, playing good hockey and winning the Stanley Cup.

"It's time for the Blackhawks not to be relevant, but to be prominent.

Mike Spellman will have more on McDonough later today at dailyherald.com and in Wednesday's Daily Herald.