Night takes on special significance for Chicago Blackhawks
Once a year the Chicago Blackhawks - just like the NHL's other 30 teams - select a home game on their schedule to raise money for the Hockey Fights Cancer charitable initiative.
This year, though, that day took on extra special meaning with one of their own in Eddie Olczyk fighting colon cancer.
Olczyk, whom the Hawks drafted third in 1984 and who has been in their broadcast booth since the 2006-07 season, has managed to call a handful of games this season.
He was at Monday's pregame Purple Carpet event in the United Center Atrium and dropped a ceremonial first puck with 9-year-old Lauren Graver from Mount Prospect. She is battling rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare muscle-based cancer.
"I decided to set some goals for myself, which I think is really important," Olczyk said on NBC Sports Chicago before the game. "When I started my treatment on September 11th, I was like, 'Ok, let's get to the calendar. … I think I can maybe do these games in a month.
"Then we got the Breeders' Cup the first week of November and then it's Thanksgiving. And my daughter's going to graduate from Alabama. And then it's going be Christmas.
"And then I'm only going to have four (treatments) left. I think what that has done for me is I see that carrot … and I attain those goals."
Five other kids who are battling cancer were honored on the ice, and the Hawks also played a video tribute to Olcyzk during the first period.
"Eddie's been awesome to us, been awesome to me, personally, ever since I came into the league," Patrick Kane said. "Obviously, tough news when you hear that about Edzo, but it seems like he's been doing good and been fighting it really hard. …
"We know he's battling and some days might be tougher than others, but he seems to show up and be around the rink and talk hockey with the guys. So it's fun to see him around, and he's a great man."
Blackhawks players wore lavender warmup jerseys that would later be autographed and auctioned off online. Coaches and broadcasters wore lavender ties, which also will be auctioned off and accompanied with an autographed photo.
To bid on items, visit chicagoblackhawks.com through noon Monday, Dec. 11.
Fans also received purple "I Fight For" placards in which they were able to write in people they know who are fighting cancer.
Facing old friends:
Dennis Rasmussen squared off against former Blackhawks teammates for the first time since leaving as a free agent in the off-season to sign a one-year deal with Anaheim. Rasmussen spent plenty of time in a bottom-six forward role with the Hawks the last two seasons, but he often couldn't crack the lineup after both trade deadlines passed and other forwards were brought on board.
Rasmussen said he never got a concrete answer as to why the Hawks didn't want him back.
"Not really, nope. I'm happy for my time here," said Rasmussen, who was able to go to dinner with fellow Swede Gustav Forsling on Sunday. "It was great teammates, great city, great coaching staff and organization."
Busy stretch:
With the Hawks beginning a five-games-in-seven-days stretch Monday, watch for backup goalie Anton Forsberg to start in Nashville on Tuesday, then again either Saturday at Dallas or at home against the Los Angeles Kings on Sunday.
Coach Joel Quenneville said he will address getting in little-used defensemen Jordan Oesterle and Michal Kempny or forward Tanner Kero later in the week.
As for asking 35-year-old Patrick Sharp, 34-year-old Duncan Keith or 32-year-old Brent Seabrook if they need a night off?
"I don't think you don't get volunteers in that way," Quenneville said. "Sometimes you've got to do what you think is best for the group. But I think everybody wants to play and everybody wants to play more."
This is the first time the Hawks have had five games in seven days since December 2013.