Blackhawks bring Roadwatch party to Libertyville
The Libertyville Sports Complex turned into the "United Center North" as 500 fans, dressed in their favorite Blackhawks apparel, attended the 2016 Chicago Blackhawks TV Roadwatch Party Friday, April 1.
For the sixth year in a row, the Blackhawks brought their official Roadwatch party to Libertyville as fans watched the game against the Winnipeg Jets on a giant screen TV. The Hawks won 5-4 in overtime.
The Roadwatch party was a star-studded event as Blackhawks celebrities in attendance included the Hawks Ice Crew, TommyHawk the mascot, and radio legend Chet Coppock, who served as master of ceremonies. And the LSC crowd roared like United Center crowds as Blackhawks soloist Jim Cornelison made a special appearance and took the stage to sing the national anthem.
The highlight was the special guest of the evening, legendary Blackhawks Hall of Fame player Bobby Hull. In pregame festivities, the crowd saluted Hull with a 60-second standing ovation.
Connie Kowal, sports complex director, presented Hull with a giant "Thank You Bobby" card to thank the "Golden Jet" for all the thrills, memories, and great performances he has given Chicago fans in his illustrious career.
During the game, Hull signed autographs for hundreds of fans, while they signed his thank-you card. Kowal will deliver the signed card to Hull and the Blackhawks at the United Center during the upcoming NHL playoffs.
Each fan attending the event received a free DVD of the Blackhawks movie "Hat Trick," about the 2015 Stanley Cup championship season. The event also included raffles, giveaways, floor hockey for kids, concessions, and the singing of "Chelsea Dagger" after each of the five Blackhawks goals.
"It was another magic night for this year's Blackhawks Roadwatch Party at the Libertyville Sports Complex," Kowal said.
"We are so proud of our great relationship with the Blackhawks, and very appreciative that the Hawks bring their Roadwatch party to the LSC each year. Fans from Libertyville, and all over Lake County, attend this event each year. And many families now make the Blackhawks Roadwatch Party at the LSC their family's annual Blackhawks party.
"The LSC literally becomes the UC-North. It was a great night, everyone had fun, and the Blackhawks won. And now we'll be cheering on the Blackhawks in the NHL playoffs as they defend their Stanley Cup championship."