Hawks raising season-ticket prices for 2010-11
Blackhawks season-ticket holders found out Friday there's a price to pay for success.
In a letter interesting in its timing sent to season-ticket holders, they were informed their tickets for the 2010-11 season would increase by an average of 20 percent.
The cost of most season-tickets will go up $10, though some in the 300 level increased by $11. The cheapest seat in the 300 level will go up from $15 to $20.
The prices for Hawks season tickets this season ranked 18th out of the 30 NHL teams.
The Hawks pointed out that even though they have eliminated the discount for legacy customers, all season-ticket holders still would receive up to 50 percent off single-game ticket pricing from 2009-10.
In the letter to season-ticket holders, Chris Werner, senior executive director for ticketing and business development, wrote: "Season-ticket prices for the 2010-11 season were reviewed at great length to provide the lowest possible expense to fans while still affording the ability to present a world-class NHL product."
Werner also thanked the fans for their support, adding they helped make it possible to pursue "high-demand free agents," and sign Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane and Duncan Keith to long-term contracts.
Sopel honored: The Chicago chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers Association has made defenseman Brent Sopel the Hawks' nominee for the Masterton Trophy, which goes annually to the NHL player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.
The 33-year-old Sopel last season missed 51 games because of injuries, including elbow surgery, but has worked his way back into a key role on the Hawks' defense as a penalty-killer and shot blocker.
"Last year was a tough year, but injuries do happen and surgeries and those type of things," Sopel said. "I've been around a long time. Mentally, I had my wife and kids pushing me along, keeping my spirits up. As a player, all you want to do is play. When you're out for 50-odd games and the playoffs, it's very frustrating.
"I wanted to come in (during) the summer and work hard and come into training camp with a great attitude and show them that I still can play, even though I am getting a little older - real, real old compared to these guys on this team."