By Paul M. Banks During the Bill Wirtz era, it was not uncommon for the Chicago Blackhawks to draw less than 5,000 fans for a game. Earlier this decade, they finished dead last in the NHL in attendance. This season however, the Blackhawks set a National Hockey League club record by attracting an average of 21,783 to their 40 home dates at United Center (also, 40,818 filled … [Read more...] about Trendy to be a Blackhawks Fan
Paul M. Banks
Taking the 5th, White Sox Starting Pitching Options
Paul M. Banks Now that Jose Contreras (0-5, 8.19 ERA) is gone, hopefully, his replacement will keep the White Sox rotation from spinning off its axis every fifth day. Contreras was contrarian to the Sox winning ballgames, so he’ll go and attempt to work out his issues at AAA Charlotte. On Wednesday Clayton Richard, the former University of Michigan quarterback, will … [Read more...] about Taking the 5th, White Sox Starting Pitching Options
Jerry Colangelo Interview
By Paul M. Banks Jerry Colangelo is a sports mogul. He’s the former owner of the Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury of the WNBA, Arizona Rattlers of the Arena Football League and the Arizona Diamondbacks. He was instrumental in the relocation of the Winnipeg Jets to become the Phoenix Coyotes, who are now in bankruptcy. (and rumored to be soon owned by Chicago Bulls/White Sox … [Read more...] about Jerry Colangelo Interview
The Shots are on Vancouver
By Paul M. Banks In the Chicago Blackhawks-Vancouver Canucks Western Conference Semifinal series, most of the statistics are remarkably even. The one exception: shots on goal. The Hawks hold a decisive edge, accumulating a 31 shot advantage. Even though they’ve taken more shots than a college fraternity pledge during hazing week, the numbers of total goals scored in this … [Read more...] about The Shots are on Vancouver
Hawks-Canucks Playoffs on Big Hair Hockey Talk Show
The Big Hair Hockey Talk Show had me on a guest panelist for their Chicago Blackhawks/Vancouver Canucks preview on Sunday. You can listen to it here. And also check out The Hockey Chics blog here It's panel discussion time again on the Big Hair Hockey Talk Show. Joining us is Canucks Hockey Blog writer, JJ Guerrero (https://www.canuckshockeyblog.com). Also joining us Paul … [Read more...] about Hawks-Canucks Playoffs on Big Hair Hockey Talk Show
Exclusive with Gene Keady
Paul M. Banks Current Big Ten analyst Gene Keady is a former basketball coach and NFL quarterback. That’s right, Keady was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 19th round with the 223rd pick overall in 1958. However, he’s most notable for being the head basketball coach at Purdue University from 1980 to 2005 and his famous combover hairstyle. Keady became the … [Read more...] about Exclusive with Gene Keady
Blackhawks Face Much Bigger Challenge in 2nd Round
By Paul M. Banks In their 54th all-time Stanley Cup Playoff appearance, the Chicago Blackhawks advanced to the Western Conference Semifinals 4-2 where they’ll meet the 3rd seeded Vancouver Canucks. If that 54 sounds super-high, remember that the Hawks are one of the NHL’s original six franchises. This series will be the third all-time Stanley Cup Playoff meeting between the … [Read more...] about Blackhawks Face Much Bigger Challenge in 2nd Round
Kris Versteeg Latest of Young Hawks Stars to Emerge
By Paul M. Banks The rise of the Chicago Blackhawks franchise from obscurity to fan and media darling has been well documented. But there’s another (and even more positive ) story that also needs to be told. As bright as the present currently is, the future looks even better. The team’s leaders are a very young core of players whose best days are likely still in front of … [Read more...] about Kris Versteeg Latest of Young Hawks Stars to Emerge
White Sox CF Issues
By Paul M. Banks White Sox centerfielders are like Bulls post-players or Bears QBs prior to the Jay Cutler signing. There’s nothing close to a blue chip stock in the portfolio, so all you can do is take the collection of junk bonds you have, and try to maximize your return. 31 year old DeWayne Wise was a career minor leaguer for a reason, there’s no reason to expect his … [Read more...] about White Sox CF Issues
Don’t Toews Calgary Bro
By Paul M. Banks The last time the Chicago Blackhawks won a playoff series in 1996, it was a first round triumph over the Calgary Flames. If history repeats itself in 2009, the series MVP could likely be Hawks Center Jonathan Toews, who was 8 years old back then. He was born the same year the Flames’ home arena, the Pengrowth Saddledome hosted Winter Olympic hockey in 1988. … [Read more...] about Don’t Toews Calgary Bro