Blackhawks in July?! It’s Like Christmas!

If you’re a Blackhawks fan and planning on going to the upcoming Blackhawks Convention – like me – then last weekend was like Christmas for you.  Convention passes and welcome letters were sent out to the delight of fans across Chicagoland.  July 20^th – 22^nd the Hilton Chicago will become Blackhawks central; players & fans will flock to the iconic Chicago hotel for a weekend of hockey in the middle of summer – it’s quite a sight!  This marks the 5^th year of the convention and as in years past, it has completely sold out – unless you’re willing to go on StubHub.  It’s no surprise this event is so popular.  I went to my first convention last year and if you’re a fan of the Hawks, it’s something you NEED to go to.

Friday kicks off the festivities with event registration opening at 12pm in the Northeast Hall where fans can pick up their programs for the weekend.  The International Ballroom plays host to the opening ceremonies at 5pm where the team is together for the first time since the end of last season and introduced to fans.  Expect to hear from Blackhawks TV color analyst, Eddie Olczyk – as he’s been the emcee in the past – and Blackhawks Captain, Jonathan Toews.  Also expect appearances from Patrick Kane, Duncan Keith, Patrick Sharp, Brent Seabrook and many more familiar faces!

Saturday starts off nice and early at 9am with various Q-and-A seminars with panels of players and coaches discussing a range of topics.  Once the sun goes down the Blackhawks players and celebrities will judge ‘Blackhawks Idol’ and crown the winner. Sunday wraps up the convention with more Q-and-A sessions beginning at 9am; with everything finishing up at about 1pm.

There will also be various Blackhawks memorabilia vendors as well as a locker room sale where you have the opportunity to buy items from the Blackhawks locker room.  Attendees may also have an opportunity to meet their favorite players, get autographs & have their pictures taken.  It’s an all-around great weekend for Blackhawks fans of all ages and I, for one, am VERY excited for it!  There’s 2 weeks until the convention, but if you’re too excited you can’t handle it, take a look at my pics from last year!  See you all at the Hilton Chicago, I’ll be the one in the Blackhawks t-shirt 😉

–Alex Chwastek