Back home after a wonderful trip to 'Hicag.

Lifetime Bears and Hawks FREAK and got to see my first ever games at SF and UC.
Loved walking into the Soldier Field on a beautiful fall day, alongside thousands of 'my people'...all heading into the same cathedral. Tremendous natural high.

Soldier Field is obviously magnificent. It was everything i hoped for and more...the tough loss aside. The tributes to the veterans, the beautifully-choreographed flyover by two WW2 planes, the passionate fans and all the SWAG they were wearing.

Saw so many cool fashion statements by said fans. Jerseys, jackets, hats, shirts, hoodies, HOLY SHHHHHHHHHHHIT...Bears fans LOVE THAT TEAM.
Had nosebleeds way up in section 431...row 33...needed oxygen to make that hike...but the view was super.

Didn't drink much at the football game...had one hot chocolate that came with a shot and that was it. The hike down from our seats to fight washroom lines was not appealing.

Got to the UC around 5 pm when the doors opened. Major shoutout to RickJ for hooking me up with a pair. And as he touted...the buffet dinner at the Stadium Club was DEE-LISH'OUS. Thanks Rick



Got to the seats in the 200 level to the left of Oil goal with about 10 minutes left in the warmup. Sound system was blaring rocking stuff during that.
Cornelison was BRILLIANT as usual, but that team history piece that runs prior to the anthem had me in tears. All the HISTORY, ALL THE NAMES...many i rooted for...and visuals were very moving. THAT'S MY TEAM...OUR TEAM...encapsulated beautifully....all...with the stitching of The Chief emblem woven throughout. I'd seen it before, but in that setting...it was very emotional.

Game was solid, except for the Hawks being pretty poor defensively. They got lucky Edmonton didn't take advantage of several good chances or it could have easily been a loss.

Few observations.

-Toews and Andrew Ference had bad blood, probably dating to the Cup Final last year. Tazer gave the Oilers' captain a pretty good shove after one scrum early in the game. And later, wisely declined an invite from Ference to throw down late in the 3rd.

-Kaner's PRETTY GOOD...kid has the biscuit on a string...a LOT. So glad we never traded him, especially when many including myself advocated it. He's a beauty.

-Keith had several more point shots blocked. He was teed up beautifully from about 20 feet out and appeared to miss high AGAIN...might have gone off the crossbar. I was cursing his futility as a shooter most of the night, but it was nice to see him get off the schnide and score what i think proved to be the GWG.

-Lastly, the Hawks organization is a tightly run ship to be sure and that is evident also in the HIGHLY FREQUENT appearances of the between whistles ice cleaning crew. Ice Girls are HOT but that crew probably came out 3-5 times a period and it seemed it a bit much.....until i realized...that a fast, puck possession team like ours, truly benefits from the cleanest sheet they can get. Pretty smart thing actually.

Back home after a wonderful trip to 'Hicag.

Lifetime Bears and Hawks FREAK and got to see my first ever games at SF and UC.
Loved walking into the Soldier Field on a beautiful fall day, alongside thousands of 'my people'...all heading into the same cathedral. Tremendous natural high.

Soldier Field is obviously magnificent. It was everything i hoped for and more...the tough loss aside. The tributes to the veterans, the beautifully-choreographed flyover by two WW2 planes, the passionate fans and all the SWAG they were wearing.

Saw so many cool fashion statements by said fans. Jerseys, jackets, hats, shirts, hoodies, HOLY SHHHHHHHHHHHIT...Bears fans LOVE THAT TEAM.
Had nosebleeds way up in section 431...row 33...needed oxygen to make that hike...but the view was super.

Didn't drink much at the football game...had one hot chocolate that came with a shot and that was it. The hike down from our seats to fight washroom lines was not appealing.

Got to the UC around 5 pm when the doors opened. Major shoutout to RickJ for hooking me up with a pair. And as he touted...the buffet dinner at the Stadium Club was DEE-LISH'OUS. Thanks Rick



Got to the seats in the 200 level to the left of Oil goal with about 10 minutes left in the warmup. Sound system was blaring rocking stuff during that.
Cornelison was BRILLIANT as usual, but that team history piece that runs prior to the anthem had me in tears. All the HISTORY, ALL THE NAMES...many i rooted for...and visuals were very moving. THAT'S MY TEAM...OUR TEAM...encapsulated beautifully....all...with the stitching of The Chief emblem woven throughout. I'd seen it before, but in that setting...it was very emotional.

Game was solid, except for the Hawks being pretty poor defensively. They got lucky Edmonton didn't take advantage of several good chances or it could have easily been a loss.

Few observations.

-Toews and Andrew Ference had bad blood, probably dating to the Cup Final last year. Tazer gave the Oilers' captain a pretty good shove after one scrum early in the game. And later, wisely declined an invite from Ference to throw down late in the 3rd.

-Kaner's PRETTY GOOD...kid has the biscuit on a string...a LOT. So glad we never traded him, especially when many including myself advocated it. He's a beauty.

-Keith had several more point shots blocked. He was teed up beautifully from about 20 feet out and appeared to miss high AGAIN...might have gone off the crossbar. I was cursing his futility as a shooter most of the night, but it was nice to see him get off the schnide and score what i think proved to be the GWG.

-Lastly, the Hawks organization is a tightly run ship to be sure and that is evident also in the HIGHLY FREQUENT appearances of the between whistles ice cleaning crew. Ice Girls are HOT but that crew probably came out 3-5 times a period and it seemed it a bit much.....until i realized...that a fast, puck possession team like ours, truly benefits from the cleanest sheet they can get. Pretty smart thing actually.
- philco28

glad to see you enjoyed your time Phil. Looks like you had great seats at the UC. 200 levels reminds me of the 1st balcony at the Stadium which IMO were the best seats in the house.

The opening montage with Lloyd Petit's voice is the best part.

First and foremost Chicago is and probably always will be Bears' city.

Back home after a wonderful trip to 'Hicag.

Lifetime Bears and Hawks FREAK and got to see my first ever games at SF and UC.
Loved walking into the Soldier Field on a beautiful fall day, alongside thousands of 'my people'...all heading into the same cathedral. Tremendous natural high.

Soldier Field is obviously magnificent. It was everything i hoped for and more...the tough loss aside. The tributes to the veterans, the beautifully-choreographed flyover by two WW2 planes, the passionate fans and all the SWAG they were wearing.

Saw so many cool fashion statements by said fans. Jerseys, jackets, hats, shirts, hoodies, HOLY SHHHHHHHHHHHIT...Bears fans LOVE THAT TEAM.
Had nosebleeds way up in section 431...row 33...needed oxygen to make that hike...but the view was super.

Didn't drink much at the football game...had one hot chocolate that came with a shot and that was it. The hike down from our seats to fight washroom lines was not appealing.

Got to the UC around 5 pm when the doors opened. Major shoutout to RickJ for hooking me up with a pair. And as he touted...the buffet dinner at the Stadium Club was DEE-LISH'OUS. Thanks Rick



Got to the seats in the 200 level to the left of Oil goal with about 10 minutes left in the warmup. Sound system was blaring rocking stuff during that.
Cornelison was BRILLIANT as usual, but that team history piece that runs prior to the anthem had me in tears. All the HISTORY, ALL THE NAMES...many i rooted for...and visuals were very moving. THAT'S MY TEAM...OUR TEAM...encapsulated beautifully....all...with the stitching of The Chief emblem woven throughout. I'd seen it before, but in that setting...it was very emotional.

Game was solid, except for the Hawks being pretty poor defensively. They got lucky Edmonton didn't take advantage of several good chances or it could have easily been a loss.

Few observations.

-Toews and Andrew Ference had bad blood, probably dating to the Cup Final last year. Tazer gave the Oilers' captain a pretty good shove after one scrum early in the game. And later, wisely declined an invite from Ference to throw down late in the 3rd.

-Kaner's PRETTY GOOD...kid has the biscuit on a string...a LOT. So glad we never traded him, especially when many including myself advocated it. He's a beauty.

-Keith had several more point shots blocked. He was teed up beautifully from about 20 feet out and appeared to miss high AGAIN...might have gone off the crossbar. I was cursing his futility as a shooter most of the night, but it was nice to see him get off the schnide and score what i think proved to be the GWG.

-Lastly, the Hawks organization is a tightly run ship to be sure and that is evident also in the HIGHLY FREQUENT appearances of the between whistles ice cleaning crew. Ice Girls are HOT but that crew probably came out 3-5 times a period and it seemed it a bit much.....until i realized...that a fast, puck possession team like ours, truly benefits from the cleanest sheet they can get. Pretty smart thing actually.
- philco28

Glad to hear u had a good time phil...If you don't mind me asking, how much did you pay for 200 level seats? I'm gonna be goin back home to Chicago for 2 weeks later this month(Thanksgiving) and am hoping to take the Mrs. to a Hawks game
...That is if tickets aren't too expensive...working on a tight budget...can anyone recommend a place to rent a car from?

Glad to hear u had a good time phil...If you don't mind me asking, how much did you pay for 200 level seats? I'm gonna be goin back home to Chicago for 2 weeks later this month(Thanksgiving) and am hoping to take the Mrs. to a Hawks game
...That is if tickets aren't too expensive...working on a tight budget...can anyone recommend a place to rent a car from?
- captainserious

Shoutout to Elbows....thanks for the kind words and to you Captain


I'll pm the deets on the tix...we didn't rent a car...just cabbed it around town.

Couple things about Chicago cabs.

1. They're EXTREMELY CHEAP in price compared to rip off artists here in Toronto, at least that's my view.

2. Hailing a cab in Chicago can be quite difficult, especially after large crowds are letting out from a game. Had a helluva time after both games, finding a cab.
Finally got one after the Bears game about 45 minutes and 15 blocks of walking back in the downtown direction. Cabbie was funny though...he said he passed by several sets of Lions' fans and pretended not to see them. Don't blame him...lot of those a-holes were strutting around like they won the Super Bowl. And now i realize why so many of them were riding around in Ricksha's and not cabs

=============================

Just had a chance to watch the post game interviews from the Oiler game.

1. Kinda sensed that Crow scared one reporter when buddy used the words 'tough game' in his question. Crow's response is interesting. Happens around the :40 second mark.

2. Duncs can be a little funny with the media too and he showed it again, right at the end of his interview with an interesting wrap line to his answer.

3. And in Saad's interview...you can see a shirtless Duncs in the background photo bombing the interview by flexing.... :

Shoutout to Elbows....thanks for the kind words and to you Captain


I'll pm the deets on the tix...we didn't rent a car...just cabbed it around town.

Couple things about Chicago cabs.

1. They're EXTREMELY CHEAP in price compared to rip off artists here in Toronto, at least that's my view.

2. Hailing a cab in Chicago can be quite difficult, especially after large crowds are letting out from a game. Had a helluva time after both games, finding a cab.
Finally got one after the Bears game about 45 minutes and 15 blocks of walking back in the downtown direction. Cabbie was funny though...he said he passed by several sets of Lions' fans and pretended not to see them. Don't blame him...lot of those a-holes were strutting around like they won the Super Bowl. And now i realize why so many of them were riding around in Ricksha's and not cabs

=============================

Just had a chance to watch the post game interviews from the Oiler game.

1. Kinda sensed that Crow scared one reporter when buddy used the words 'tough game' in his question. Crow's response is interesting. Happens around the :40 second mark.

2. Duncs can be a little funny with the media too and he showed it again, right at the end of his interview with an interesting wrap line to his answer.

3. And in Saad's interview...you can see a shirtless Duncs in the background photo bombing the interview by flexing.... :
- philco28

got a link to the interview?

Back home after a wonderful trip to 'Hicag.

Lifetime Bears and Hawks FREAK and got to see my first ever games at SF and UC.
Loved walking into the Soldier Field on a beautiful fall day, alongside thousands of 'my people'...all heading into the same cathedral. Tremendous natural high.

Soldier Field is obviously magnificent. It was everything i hoped for and more...the tough loss aside. The tributes to the veterans, the beautifully-choreographed flyover by two WW2 planes, the passionate fans and all the SWAG they were wearing.

Saw so many cool fashion statements by said fans. Jerseys, jackets, hats, shirts, hoodies, HOLY SHHHHHHHHHHHIT...Bears fans LOVE THAT TEAM.
Had nosebleeds way up in section 431...row 33...needed oxygen to make that hike...but the view was super.

Didn't drink much at the football game...had one hot chocolate that came with a shot and that was it. The hike down from our seats to fight washroom lines was not appealing.

Got to the UC around 5 pm when the doors opened. Major shoutout to RickJ for hooking me up with a pair. And as he touted...the buffet dinner at the Stadium Club was DEE-LISH'OUS. Thanks Rick



Got to the seats in the 200 level to the left of Oil goal with about 10 minutes left in the warmup. Sound system was blaring rocking stuff during that.
Cornelison was BRILLIANT as usual, but that team history piece that runs prior to the anthem had me in tears. All the HISTORY, ALL THE NAMES...many i rooted for...and visuals were very moving. THAT'S MY TEAM...OUR TEAM...encapsulated beautifully....all...with the stitching of The Chief emblem woven throughout. I'd seen it before, but in that setting...it was very emotional.

Game was solid, except for the Hawks being pretty poor defensively. They got lucky Edmonton didn't take advantage of several good chances or it could have easily been a loss.

Few observations.

-Toews and Andrew Ference had bad blood, probably dating to the Cup Final last year. Tazer gave the Oilers' captain a pretty good shove after one scrum early in the game. And later, wisely declined an invite from Ference to throw down late in the 3rd.

-Kaner's PRETTY GOOD...kid has the biscuit on a string...a LOT. So glad we never traded him, especially when many including myself advocated it. He's a beauty.

-Keith had several more point shots blocked. He was teed up beautifully from about 20 feet out and appeared to miss high AGAIN...might have gone off the crossbar. I was cursing his futility as a shooter most of the night, but it was nice to see him get off the schnide and score what i think proved to be the GWG.

-Lastly, the Hawks organization is a tightly run ship to be sure and that is evident also in the HIGHLY FREQUENT appearances of the between whistles ice cleaning crew. Ice Girls are HOT but that crew probably came out 3-5 times a period and it seemed it a bit much.....until i realized...that a fast, puck possession team like ours, truly benefits from the cleanest sheet they can get. Pretty smart thing actually.
- philco28

Obviously you behaved yourself at the game because I did not receive a call from the customer service rep advising me that my season seats were being revoked immediately. Glad you enjoyed.

Shoutout to Elbows....thanks for the kind words and to you Captain


I'll pm the deets on the tix...we didn't rent a car...just cabbed it around town.

Couple things about Chicago cabs.

1. They're EXTREMELY CHEAP in price compared to rip off artists here in Toronto, at least that's my view.

2. Hailing a cab in Chicago can be quite difficult, especially after large crowds are letting out from a game. Had a helluva time after both games, finding a cab.
Finally got one after the Bears game about 45 minutes and 15 blocks of walking back in the downtown direction. Cabbie was funny though...he said he passed by several sets of Lions' fans and pretended not to see them. Don't blame him...lot of those a-holes were strutting around like they won the Super Bowl. And now i realize why so many of them were riding around in Ricksha's and not cabs

=============================

Just had a chance to watch the post game interviews from the Oiler game.

1. Kinda sensed that Crow scared one reporter when buddy used the words 'tough game' in his question. Crow's response is interesting. Happens around the :40 second mark.

2. Duncs can be a little funny with the media too and he showed it again, right at the end of his interview with an interesting wrap line to his answer.

3. And in Saad's interview...you can see a shirtless Duncs in the background photo bombing the interview by flexing.... :
- philco28

Thanks for the pm phil,gonna read it right after this message...I would cab it in Chicago, but gonna be there 2 weeks,and i have a lot of friends and family i want to see...plus the Mrs.has never been there,so gonna have a lot of sight seeing to do: Millenium Park,Museum of Science and Industry,Shedd Aquarium,Skydeck,Navy Pier, and obviously wanna get a pic of us two standing next to the Hull and Mikita statues

I dated his cousin in high school.....solely for Hawk tickets I must admit....hey I was 17...it was great going to all the games in 92 and meeting him on a few occasions......still the firmest handshake I have ever received. Saw him several years later at his restaurant in Detroit when I was there on a business trip and he remembered me. Talked with me for about ten minutes and was total class....took care of my bill and gave me a hug. One of life's cool memories......

One thing I had to endure during that season.....all the greek food and all the greek parties I had to go to.....Greek dancing....dear lord.....but hey lots of great hockey.
- UnnamedSource

Greek food - I would have dated her just for the food.

glad to see you enjoyed your time Phil. Looks like you had great seats at the UC. 200 levels reminds me of the 1st balcony at the Stadium which IMO were the best seats in the house.

The opening montage with Lloyd Petit's voice is the best part.

First and foremost Chicago is and probably always will be Bears' city.
- Elbows15

First row, second balcony: you don't have the overhang right above you.

Win something, then I'll take you seriously as a competitor.

Eaxctly!

....And one of the biggest factors in favor of the Hawks is they have won and not once but twice.

You can't pay for intangibles and the collective heart the Hawks have shown isn't easy to find.

Not only the Blues but just about the entire Conference is talented but who will learn how to win will be the question.

Q. says he hasn't lost confidence in Khabby....Hawks overcome slow start and outlast Oilers 5-4: On the Blackhawks:http://bit.ly/19Wcf6e
- Al

I say that about D Rose and people get all nutzo but its the truth there as well.

What is your opinion on Hossa's likelihood of winning the Hart? That guy is really setting the tone for the rest of the top players and he has been tremendous in every zone.

Also wtf brookbank @ forward? Is he just trying to get Kane some more favorable match ups? Is he throwing a fit about his roster? It was justifiable two games ago but last game? I dunno...

I think Khabby is ok... Provided the guys in front of him can commit to playing a complete game.

I read an article today citing that Hawks fans are not showing much love for Chelios being inducted into the HHOF. Hard feelings for the decade he spend with the Wings. I'm wondering if this is the case?
- reeder16

My first hockey memory of Chris Chelios was at the old stadium being a wee lad following my uncle in what was then a giant white home 7. Sucks that he left but in retrospect he didn't have many other options. As a sports fan, especially a younger one, watching Crazy Eddie, JR and Chelios all leave one after the other was pretty awful.

My second memory of Chris Chelios was an automatic goal in NHL 94 on a one time slap shot from the blue line. About as automatic as a JR breakaway.

I say that about D Rose and people get all nutzo but its the truth there as well.

What is your opinion on Hossa's likelihood of winning the Hart? That guy is really setting the tone for the rest of the top players and he has been tremendous in every zone.

Also wtf brookbank @ forward? Is he just trying to get Kane some more favorable match ups? Is he throwing a fit about his roster? It was justifiable two games ago but last game? I dunno...

I think Khabby is ok... Provided the guys in front of him can commit to playing a complete game.
- fattybeef

I have watched Brookbank closely the last few games he has played at forward. It became apparant he is there for a reason, no he isn't going to score allot, no he isn't going to stickhandle like Kane but he plays a safe solid mistake free game and he isn't a bad skater. With Pirri learning the ropes and bringing his average skating C- defensive game Q cannot afford to give a spot to another player who doesn't skate well, is poor defensively and who possesses a low hockey IQ in Morin. The longer Brookbank continues to play solid defensively expect to keep seeing him in the lineup.

I have watched Brookbank closely the last few games he has played at forward. It became apparant he is there for a reason, no he isn't going to score allot, no he isn't going to stickhandle like Kane but he plays a safe solid mistake free game and he isn't a bad skater. With Pirri learning the ropes and bringing his average skating C- defensive game Q cannot afford to give a spot to another player who doesn't skate well, is poor defensively and who possesses a low hockey IQ in Morin. The longer Brookbank continues to play solid defensively expect to keep seeing him in the lineup.
- paulr

For 5 or 6 minutes per game.

That's what he's been playing on the wing.

I have watched Brookbank closely the last few games he has played at forward. It became apparant he is there for a reason, no he isn't going to score allot, no he isn't going to stickhandle like Kane but he plays a safe solid mistake free game and he isn't a bad skater. With Pirri learning the ropes and bringing his average skating C- defensive game Q cannot afford to give a spot to another player who doesn't skate well, is poor defensively and who possesses a low hockey IQ in Morin. The longer Brookbank continues to play solid defensively expect to keep seeing him in the lineup.
- paulr

This statement is rather inflammatory my man. I'm sensing you will be the brunt of some extreme vitriol on this site as a result.

I have watched Brookbank closely the last few games he has played at forward. It became apparant he is there for a reason, no he isn't going to score allot, no he isn't going to stickhandle like Kane but he plays a safe solid mistake free game and he isn't a bad skater. With Pirri learning the ropes and bringing his average skating C- defensive game Q cannot afford to give a spot to another player who doesn't skate well, is poor defensively and who possesses a low hockey IQ in Morin. The longer Brookbank continues to play solid defensively expect to keep seeing him in the lineup.
- paulr

Yeah 6 minutes though... I get double shifting Kane since he isn't killing penalties and constantly shadowed but it strikes me as a waste of a roster spot.

If he was playing 10 minutes and involved in sustained pressure via a cycle I would buy it but I don't think this is a sustainable solution to any problem.

I have watched Brookbank closely the last few games he has played at forward. It became apparant he is there for a reason, no he isn't going to score allot, no he isn't going to stickhandle like Kane but he plays a safe solid mistake free game and he isn't a bad skater. With Pirri learning the ropes and bringing his average skating C- defensive game Q cannot afford to give a spot to another player who doesn't skate well, is poor defensively and who possesses a low hockey IQ in Morin. The longer Brookbank continues to play solid defensively expect to keep seeing him in the lineup.
- paulr

I'm on the record, have been for a while now...I like Brookbank. I prefer him at D, and preferably not every night, but I like him. I know I'm in the minority, but I think the amount of abuse he takes on this thread is ludicrous. He's a solid, NHL calibre role player. We could do much worse in the 7th D/13th F slot. Much worse.

I'm on the record, have been for a while now...I like Brookbank. I prefer him at D, and preferably not every night, but I like him. I know I'm in the minority, but I think the amount of abuse he takes on this thread is ludicrous. He's a solid, NHL calibre role player. We could do much worse in the 7th D/13th F slot. Much worse.
- Ogilthorpe2

Agree here - but then you have to do something with Morin: either he plays up here - and proves worthy or not - or send him down / trade him.

Doesn't do him any good to sit in the press box while a natural defenseman replaces him at wing, doesn't do the Hawks much good to have a 4th liner you can only play 5 minutes.

Agree here - but then you have to do something with Morin: either he plays up here - and proves worthy or not - or send him down / trade him.

Doesn't do him any good to sit in the press box while a natural defenseman replaces him at wing, doesn't do the Hawks much good to have a 4th liner you can only play 5 minutes.
- StLBravesFan

I agree with this too. I want want to see want Morin can do with an extended look at regular minutes. Ideally Brookbank starts a game or two a week at D, and contributes at F only in a pinch. I just think he's a good guy to have around...versatile, skates reasonably well, brings some toughness, etc. Don't get the hate.

Agree here - but then you have to do something with Morin: either he plays up here - and proves worthy or not - or send him down / trade him.

Doesn't do him any good to sit in the press box while a natural defenseman replaces him at wing, doesn't do the Hawks much good to have a 4th liner you can only play 5 minutes.
- StLBravesFan

Morin is getting his opportunity and part of the learning curve is getting his butt stapled to the press box cushions when he does something Q doesn't care for. At least he can console himeself with the fact he didn't get the Jimmy Hayes treatment - the Greyhound bus to Rockford.

IMO Bowman is looking rather smart - he has enough bodies between Chicago and Rockford to use 26-28 guys and overcome the effect of injuries (Rozy, Kostka etc) and not get killed on the cap and then being forced into an unwanted trade.

I agree with this too. I want want to see want Morin can do with an extended look at regular minutes. Ideally Brookbank starts a game or two a week at D, and contributes at F only in a pinch. I just think he's a good guy to have around...versatile, skates reasonably well, brings some toughness, etc. Don't get the hate.
- Ogilthorpe2

Well to be honest, last yr Brookbank blew chunks. This year not, not so much -- in fact, not really at all.

I think the guy (to his credit) worked on his skating and conditioning over the short break (probably realized the opportunity he had but did not maximize last season) and he did something about it. He also, when he's played D this year, has played to his strengths -- meaning he played a defensive focused game and let Leddy skate the puck out.

Last yr Brookbank reminded me of ol' clown shoes Montador, attempting to rush the puck and get involved in the offensive play when he really shouldn't have, thus getting himself out of position way too much. This yr when he's been on D, he has played a simple, solid game.

So for me, nothing to hate on him this year for -- and I give the guy kudos for realizing it and changing his game accordingly. Right now would hate to see him traded because if someone else on D went down, it would be tough to fill those skates, regardless of who would be missing if we had to bring someone up from Rockford or via a trade.

Morin is getting his opportunity and part of the learning curve is getting his butt stapled to the press box cushions when he does something Q doesn't care for. At least he can console himeself with the fact he didn't get the Jimmy Hayes treatment - the Greyhound bus to Rockford.

IMO Bowman is looking rather smart - he has enough bodies between Chicago and Rockford to use 26-28 guys and overcome the effect of injuries (Rozy, Kostka etc) and not get killed on the cap and then being forced into an unwanted trade.
- RickJ

Also agree with this. At some point (hopefully now) it may be more beneficial for Morin to just be with the big club and be around guys like 19, 81, 7, and 10 day to day weather he's playing or not. Not everything a young player needs to learn takes place during games.

Back home after a wonderful trip to 'Hicag.

Lifetime Bears and Hawks FREAK and got to see my first ever games at SF and UC.
Loved walking into the Soldier Field on a beautiful fall day, alongside thousands of 'my people'...all heading into the same cathedral. Tremendous natural high.

Soldier Field is obviously magnificent. It was everything i hoped for and more...the tough loss aside. The tributes to the veterans, the beautifully-choreographed flyover by two WW2 planes, the passionate fans and all the SWAG they were wearing.

Saw so many cool fashion statements by said fans. Jerseys, jackets, hats, shirts, hoodies, HOLY SHHHHHHHHHHHIT...Bears fans LOVE THAT TEAM.
Had nosebleeds way up in section 431...row 33...needed oxygen to make that hike...but the view was super.

Didn't drink much at the football game...had one hot chocolate that came with a shot and that was it. The hike down from our seats to fight washroom lines was not appealing.

Got to the UC around 5 pm when the doors opened. Major shoutout to RickJ for hooking me up with a pair. And as he touted...the buffet dinner at the Stadium Club was DEE-LISH'OUS. Thanks Rick



Got to the seats in the 200 level to the left of Oil goal with about 10 minutes left in the warmup. Sound system was blaring rocking stuff during that.
Cornelison was BRILLIANT as usual, but that team history piece that runs prior to the anthem had me in tears. All the HISTORY, ALL THE NAMES...many i rooted for...and visuals were very moving. THAT'S MY TEAM...OUR TEAM...encapsulated beautifully....all...with the stitching of The Chief emblem woven throughout. I'd seen it before, but in that setting...it was very emotional.

Game was solid, except for the Hawks being pretty poor defensively. They got lucky Edmonton didn't take advantage of several good chances or it could have easily been a loss.

Few observations.

-Toews and Andrew Ference had bad blood, probably dating to the Cup Final last year. Tazer gave the Oilers' captain a pretty good shove after one scrum early in the game. And later, wisely declined an invite from Ference to throw down late in the 3rd.

-Kaner's PRETTY GOOD...kid has the biscuit on a string...a LOT. So glad we never traded him, especially when many including myself advocated it. He's a beauty.

-Keith had several more point shots blocked. He was teed up beautifully from about 20 feet out and appeared to miss high AGAIN...might have gone off the crossbar. I was cursing his futility as a shooter most of the night, but it was nice to see him get off the schnide and score what i think proved to be the GWG.

-Lastly, the Hawks organization is a tightly run ship to be sure and that is evident also in the HIGHLY FREQUENT appearances of the between whistles ice cleaning crew. Ice Girls are HOT but that crew probably came out 3-5 times a period and it seemed it a bit much.....until i realized...that a fast, puck possession team like ours, truly benefits from the cleanest sheet they can get. Pretty smart thing actually.
- philco28

I'm glad you had a great time. Next time, let me know in advance if you'll be out this way. I'll hook you up with Hogs tickets.

I'm on the record, have been for a while now...I like Brookbank. I prefer him at D, and preferably not every night, but I like him. I know I'm in the minority, but I think the amount of abuse he takes on this thread is ludicrous. He's a solid, NHL calibre role player. We could do much worse in the 7th D/13th F slot. Much worse.
- Ogilthorpe2

Agreed, and we've already seen worse. You can't get much worse than John Scott or Sean O'Donnell's rotted corpse.

For 5 or 6 minutes per game.

That's what he's been playing on the wing.
- StLBravesFan

The problem is there is no one ready who can play a safe game to provide more minutes.

Agreed, and we've already seen worse. You can't get much worse than John Scott or Sean O'Donnell's rotted corpse.
- EKolb13

I am hoping Q is just sending a message to Morin, for whatever reason that may be.

When Handzus is healthy I expect Morin will be sent back down to Rockford. If that happens I hope Kruger gets more playing time. He's picked up his game a lot recently, especially on the dot. I'd like to see a third line of Bickell/Kruger/Shaw.