Chicago Blackhawks win it all…in Ice Girl Competition

By Dan Biederman of CubbySwagger.net 

Although the Chicago Blackhawks narrowly missed the 2008 playoffs, the organization has a lot to be proud of: two rookie phenoms in winger Patrick Kane and center Jonathan Toews look as if they will strongly lead the club for a long time, a resurgent fan base made hockey relevant again in Chicago, and the NHL’s “Hottest Ice Girls” perform at the United Center during home games.

That’s right. 

The Blackhawks Ice Crew was crowned the “Hottest Ice Girls of the 2007-2008 season” after winning a two-week fan poll conducted by a hockey news Web site.  The site, puckthathit.com, offers “Hockey news that’s a little off the beaten path, delivered with a healthy dose of ha-ha and a little eye candy to boot.”

The Ice Crew ran away with the title by capturing 2,322 votes, or 30-percent of the more than 8,600 total votes cast in the contest.  The Carolina Hurricanes’ Storm Squad finished second with 1,318 votes, for 17-percent of the total.  The Phoenix Coyotes Pack Dance Team finished in last, with only 82 votes, for 1-percent of the total. 

The 11-member Ice Crew can best be described as cheerleaders-on-skates.  Clad in mini-skirts and tank tops, it’s the Ice Crew’s job to help get fans into the game.  However, unlike most cheerleaders, Ice Crew members are put to work. 

During stoppages of play at home games, Ice Crew members don skates and wield large shovels to help clear ice shavings from the playing surface.  They also can be found throughout the United Center taking pictures, signing autographs, and throwing t-shirts or foam pucks to the fans. 

When the Blackhawks are on the road, the Ice Crew participates in “Road Watches” at Buffalo Wild Wings restaurants throughout the Chicago-area.  The Ice Crew also appears at fundraisers and private events during the season. 

Ice Crew members for the 2007-2008 season were: Ashley, Colleen, Erica, Jenna, Jennie, Katie, Kelly, Kristen, Ritsa, Violet, and Yanina.
Puckthathit.com story: http://puckthathit.com/2008/04/03/hottest-ice-girls-2008-chicago-ice-crew/

Official Page: http://blackhawks.nhl.com/icecrew/icecrew.htm

 

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