That’s what is so frustrating. He has his moments or games when he looks like a good top pair defender. But later that game or the next game he looks awful or makes 3 bonehead plays.
Maybe playing with Vlasic is a big factor.
I think Kaiser has some potential to be a good 2nd pairing option.
Korchinski needs a lot of work, but just about every 19 year old does.
- Ztra

Still like Kaiser

Is this Exhibit A why advertisers only care about the 18-54 demographic? You think putting the Hair Guy with the twitter followers in the booth is a reason for all those fine benchmarks? ..... If you polled the people on this board they'd vote for McConnell in the booth or the Hair Guy?

Do you prefer the Hair Guy or McConnell, Dots? How bout your wife or kids?

I'm a Jrs and unaffiliated AA pro fan and have seen more than enough franchises fold due to poor attendance. While following the USHL franchises in Indy, Columbus and Bloomington folded. ...... I understand the need to draw fans firsthand, Dots.

That said you have mature hockey fans in any base. They know a guy like the Hair Guy stinks and it affects the experience and over time it wears on a fan. ... I'm ok with people like the Biz Lady with the dirty shoes having their theme nights, giveaways, intermission stuff, community stuff to draw kids, girls and non-hockey fans. I"ll put up with all that stuff, it's needed to grow attendance and a younger generation but keep these people 100 miles from anything hockey related....... She and her kind have their place but it ain't anywhere near on ice hockey related stuff. Your hard core hockey fans need to be satisfied as well.

I never ever ever ever listen to the Hawk feed unless I can't get the opponents feed, and I doubt I'm alone, and that just so happened tonight or I'd have never know McConnell was on the call.

The Hair Guy, and Panger too, is Exhibit A of people who know nothing about the sport.
- Mr Ricochet

And the real issue is, she isn't going anywhere, and will only get more power. It will be the eventual downfall of all the good work KD is starting to do.

Is this Exhibit A why advertisers only care about the 18-54 demographic? You think putting the Hair Guy with the twitter followers in the booth is a reason for all those fine benchmarks? ..... If you polled the people on this board they'd vote for McConnell in the booth or the Hair Guy?

Do you prefer the Hair Guy or McConnell, Dots? How bout your wife or kids?

I'm a Jrs and unaffiliated AA pro fan and have seen more than enough franchises fold due to poor attendance. While following the USHL franchises in Indy, Columbus and Bloomington folded. ...... I understand the need to draw fans firsthand, Dots.

That said you have mature hockey fans in any base. They know a guy like the Hair Guy stinks and it affects the experience and over time it wears on a fan. ... I'm ok with people like the Biz Lady with the dirty shoes having their theme nights, giveaways, intermission stuff, community stuff to draw kids, girls and non-hockey fans. I"ll put up with all that stuff, it's needed to grow attendance and a younger generation but keep these people 100 miles from anything hockey related....... She and her kind have their place but it ain't anywhere near on ice hockey related stuff. Your hard core hockey fans need to be satisfied as well.

I never ever ever ever listen to the Hawk feed unless I can't get the opponents feed, and I doubt I'm alone, and that just so happened tonight or I'd have never know McConnell was on the call.

The Hair Guy, and Panger too, is Exhibit A of people who know nothing about the sport.
- Mr Ricochet

I do prefer McConell, sadly it doesn't matter what i think because I'll watch the Blackhawks anyways. Besides if things went south with the hair guy all she has to do is bring him over to the tv side. We're in full rebuild mode and those numbers are going up i don't think things are changing for us old men anytime soon. As you said we can poll everyone on this board but it doesn't matter, the thing is Rico we watch the games anyways.

I'm thinking who is the worst person I've listened to in the last few years and i think of Hextall, if she was giving the play by play I'd still be watching the Blackhawks games.

I do prefer McConell, sadly it doesn't matter what i think because I'll watch the Blackhawks anyways. Besides if things went south with the hair guy all she has to do is bring him over to the tv side. We're in full rebuild mode and those numbers are going up i don't think things are changing for us old men anytime soon. As you said we can poll everyone on this board but it doesn't matter, the thing is Rico we watch the games anyways.

I'm thinking who is the worst person I've listened to in the last few years and i think of Hextall, if she was giving the play by play I'd still be watching the Blackhawks games.
- BetweenTheDots

The problem is the broadcaster's job is to teach the game, and it's intricacies to the new fan as well as the old.. It is very apparent Voister's had no experience in hockey, even as a fan, and unfortunately, I don't think he puts in the work to learn it. You can have the best color commentator/analysist in the business to explain, but they have limited time on the broadcast to do that. Makes things difficult when the color commentator is explaining to the play by play guy what just happened in the 30 seconds he has, as opposed to further breaking down a play, or isolate on a player or situation that happened away from the puck.

Emrick's "On to the turning stick" phrase, how he used it was poetic, Voisters new "flicks the wrists" to me is like a school teacher (in the old days) scratching the chalboard with their nails.

Remember when Tirico did the one game, he wanted to do a hockey broadcast, and never had done one before. He prepared, and sounded like he called hockey all his life.

How can anyone in management listen to this and not say to themselves

"Boy, did we f this up, we need to fix this"
- vabeachbear

Absolutely agree

She must have a clue

Ben Pope

@BenPopeCST

·

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The Blackhawks have the NHL's largest female fanbase, second-largest Gen-Z fanbase and third-largest non-white fanbase. That growth across demographic lines has helped boost attendance despite a poor on-ice product. Story:
- BetweenTheDots

Was at the game last night and I agree with these numbers. Lots of groups of women and minorities. Was surprised how many people were out in general, and had an especially good view of everyone being all the way up and back in 300 row 17. It's a fun and affordable experience with lots of entertainment regardless of the on-ice product. The atrium area is particularly entertaining with various vendors, DJs, MJ and bars. The diehards are excited too due to Bedard and to a lesser extent KK, so the team must be doing well. I go to games by myself due to the family other than my Pops not caring about the Hawks and twice this year, I've sat next to or close to a single female fan. Another surprising thing is I always remember foul-mouthed fans yelling obscenities at the opposing teams or our own players for mishaps going back all the way to the late 80's, but haven't sat near any for the past few years. Maybe it's because the Hawks have been so bad and Bettman killed rivalries with expansion and less divisional play?

I'm curious where Vegas ranks because in January it was quite a diverse crowd and a full house when I saw them. Lots and lots of entertainment there- they had dancers, cheerleaders, a knight show with a dragon, on-ice musical chairs and even fireworks. A DJ played a set during the entire break between periods it seemed, like a dance club.

The problem is the broadcaster's job is to teach the game, and it's intricacies to the new fan as well as the old.. It is very apparent Voister's had no experience in hockey, even as a fan, and unfortunately, I don't think he puts in the work to learn it. You can have the best color commentator/analysist in the business to explain, but they have limited time on the broadcast to do that. Makes things difficult when the color commentator is explaining to the play by play guy what just happened in the 30 seconds he has, as opposed to further breaking down a play, or isolate on a player or situation that happened away from the puck.

Emrick's "On to the turning stick" phrase, how he used it was poetic, Voisters new "flicks the wrists" to me is like a school teacher (in the old days) scratching the chalboard with their nails.

Remember when Tirico did the one game, he wanted to do a hockey broadcast, and never had done one before. He prepared, and sounded like he called hockey all his life.
- LAHawk

There's times where I think Pang gets irritated at Vosters because of the lack of knowledge.

There's times where I think Pang gets irritated at Vosters because of the lack of knowledge.
- Popsghostly

3-4 times a game.

I get a Blackhawk season ticket holder survey a 3-4 times a year and I always make a request to get rid of Vosters in response to the ‘is there anything we can do to make the fan experience better’. Vosters and that goofus guy that’s part of the ‘in arena’ presentation.

Was hoping to someday hear John Wideman with the call on tv. In Chicago. Liked it.
- 6628

Me too!

As nice a guy Chris Vosters seems to be, I prefer an experienced voice who is a bit more accurate in descriptions and details over Blu LINNNNNNNE.
I never hear the word BlueLine where it was EVER pronounced with emphasis on the color.

NCAA Hockey Tournament games Thursday:

1 pm Central - ESPN 2 - Denver (Aidan Thompson) vs U Mass
4 pm Central - ESPNU - BU (Celebrini & Ryan Greene) vs RIT
730 pm Central - ESPNU - Minnesota (Moore & Rinzel) vs Omaha

Was there any announcement of Voster's absence ?

Me too!

As nice a guy Chris Vosters seems to be, I prefer an experienced voice who is a bit more accurate in descriptions and details over Blu LINNNNNNNE.
I never hear the word BlueLine where it was EVER pronounced with emphasis on the color.
- wiz1901

Also every time Voisters says Bedard, I have the need to lower the decibel level on my TV. I understand he is the face of the franchise but geez even when the puck comes close to him without him touching it I hear BEDARD.

Was there any announcement of Voster's absence ?
- wiz1901

Chris Vosters
@CJVosters
Hi! 👋 just wanted you to know I will not be calling tonight’s #Blackhawks game. I’m at the #NHL offices in NYC for a dress rehearsal of our animation game on Apr. 6. Can’t wait for you to see it! Panger & the great John Wiedeman have you covered tonight. Talk to you from Ottawa!

https://www.dailyfaceoff....ween-blackhawks-and-stars

Good game by Slaggert. He's been a pleasant surprise. Like to see him continue to play well for the rest of the season. Looks like he, D!ckinson and Anderson have some chemistry. Joey may be the beneficiary of their play and earn himself another contract next season.

Next year's forwards??

Locks - Bedard, Hall, AA, Foligno, D!ckinson, Kurashev, Donato (Celebrini if drafted)

Probables - Reichel, Slaggert, Anderson. And I also think Blackwell will be signed.

Maybe 2 other free agents are signed. Maybe Dach earns a spot.

Entwistle, Reese Johnson, Raddysh on the bubble as to whether they will be qualified.

Nazar, Moore and Greene stay in college.

Ludwinski, Hayes, Savoie in Rockford. Guttman and Ryder stay in Rockford.

Was at the game last night and I agree with these numbers. Lots of groups of women and minorities. Was surprised how many people were out in general, and had an especially good view of everyone being all the way up and back in 300 row 17. It's a fun and affordable experience with lots of entertainment regardless of the on-ice product. The atrium area is particularly entertaining with various vendors, DJs, MJ and bars. The diehards are excited too due to Bedard and to a lesser extent KK, so the team must be doing well. I go to games by myself due to the family other than my Pops not caring about the Hawks and twice this year, I've sat next to or close to a single female fan. Another surprising thing is I always remember foul-mouthed fans yelling obscenities at the opposing teams or our own players for mishaps going back all the way to the late 80's, but haven't sat near any for the past few years. Maybe it's because the Hawks have been so bad and Bettman killed rivalries with expansion and less divisional play?

I'm curious where Vegas ranks because in January it was quite a diverse crowd and a full house when I saw them. Lots and lots of entertainment there- they had dancers, cheerleaders, a knight show with a dragon, on-ice musical chairs and even fireworks. A DJ played a set during the entire break between periods it seemed, like a dance club.
- Popsghostly

It's a shopping mall. Affordable? You must have a poop ton of money. Entertainment? If I go there it's for a hockey game. The rest is bullpoop. LOUD bullpoop. Call me a fossil, but if you never attended a game in the Stadium you haven't a clue.

Good game by Slaggert. He's been a pleasant surprise. Like to see him continue to play well for the rest of the season. Looks like he, D!ckinson and Anderson have some chemistry. Joey may be the beneficiary of their play and earn himself another contract next season.

Next year's forwards??

Locks - Bedard, Hall, AA, Foligno, D!ckinson, Kurashev, Donato (Celebrini if drafted)

Probables - Reichel, Slaggert, Anderson. And I also think Blackwell will be signed.

Maybe 2 other free agents are signed. Maybe Dach earns a spot.

Entwistle, Reese Johnson, Raddysh on the bubble as to whether they will be qualified.

Nazar, Moore and Greene stay in college.

Ludwinski, Hayes, Savoie in Rockford. Guttman and Ryder stay in Rockford.
- boilermaker100

You forgot Felcman.

I have serious doubts that Blackwell will be back. Great guy, but I don't think there will be room on the roster for him. Reichel for sure is coming back (unless someone offers KD a nice return). He's going to be uber cheap and still can potentially break out.

It's a shopping mall. Affordable? You must have a poop ton of money. Entertainment? If I go there it's for a hockey game. The rest is bullpoop. LOUD bullpoop. Call me a fossil, but if you never attended a game in the Stadium you haven't a clue.
- 6628

Wow lots of anger there. Don't understand the need for an attack especially since we are all Hawks fans. You can definitely express your opinion, but no need for the shade.

Been to plenty of games at the Stadium too and I have enough maturity to "have a clue" that times change. But maybe going to the games in the late 80's isn't fossil enough to qualify as a real fan or whatever you are getting at.

Affordable? Yeah hop on Stub Hub and get tickets for 28 bucks plus the fee, hot dog for 6.75 and Spot Hero parking for 17 or so. Looking at 60 dollar event. I'm not sure that qualifies for having a poop load of money.

Cool story in AZ. Josh Doan becomes first AZ born player to play for the Yotes and scores two in his debut with his dad Shane in attendance.

I attended my first game in the late 60's. Hawks and Blues. Glenn Hall was in net for the Blues and I saw Bobby Hull score. Hawks won 6-3. I had season tickets between 1980-1995. I have been to the United Center to see games. The stadium was the place to see hockey. Like my friend, Kevin, said; There is too much air in the UC. The bathrooms are better but you kind of miss the piss on the floor.

Good game by Slaggert. He's been a pleasant surprise. Like to see him continue to play well for the rest of the season. Looks like he, D!ckinson and Anderson have some chemistry. Joey may be the beneficiary of their play and earn himself another contract next season.

Next year's forwards??

Locks - Bedard, Hall, AA, Foligno, D!ckinson, Kurashev, Donato (Celebrini if drafted)

Probables - Reichel, Slaggert, Anderson. And I also think Blackwell will be signed.

Maybe 2 other free agents are signed. Maybe Dach earns a spot.

Entwistle, Reese Johnson, Raddysh on the bubble as to whether they will be qualified.

Nazar, Moore and Greene stay in college.

Ludwinski, Hayes, Savoie in Rockford. Guttman and Ryder stay in Rockford.
- boilermaker100

I think Anderson has been a really pleasant surprise for the Hawks this season. He will never be an offensive force, but he has played a good game in terms of fighting for possession, grinding and playing 200 feet. Adds in a little bit of offense, I think he might stick in a bottom 6 spot.

I think like you regarding the guys kind of on the bubble. Blackwell could return, he has put the effort in very consistently. Entwistle hasn't quite found his game, but the physical play and energy does have a role. Raddysh, I don't know if they will cut bait on him or not. LR does like using him on the PK, the top PK forwards lately for the Hawks are Jason D, Blackwell, Raddysh, Anderson. I think there is a chance for each of Anderson, Raddysh, and Blackwell remaining with the team.

I assume Misiak possibly ends up in Rockford, Lardis probably a chance to be in the mix too.

Interesting Q&A with Wheeler

If this draft class and last year’s draft were combined, how would you see the top 10 turning out? — Robert B.
Where would your top four prospects of Macklin Celebrini, Artyom Levshunov, Ivan Demidov and Cole Eiserman (as well as Anton Silayev out of interest) have ranked/been selected if they were in the 2023 draft class? — Michael M.

Slotting only using where I was at on the 2023 kids pre-draft, and not what’s happened since, the combined ranking of the top prospects from each would probably look something like this:
Connor Bedard (’23)
Macklin Celebrini (’24)
Matvei Michkov (’23)
Adam Fantilli (’23)
Leo Carlsson (’23)
Will Smith (’23)
Artyom Levshunov (’24)
Ivan Demidov (’24)
Cole Eiserman (’24)
Zayne Parekh (’24)
Sam Richardinson (’24)
Zeev Buium (’24)
Anton Silayev (’24)
Zach Benson (’23)
Gabe Perreault (’23)
Berkly Catton (’24)
Konsta Helenius (’24)
Cayden Lindstrom (’24)

Wiz,Rick and anyone else who analyzes prospects,do your lists look similar?

I attended my first game in the late 60's. Hawks and Blues. Glenn Hall was in net for the Blues and I saw Bobby Hull score. Hawks won 6-3. I had season tickets between 1980-1995. I have been to the United Center to see games. The stadium was the place to see hockey. Like my friend, Kevin, said; There is too much air in the UC. The bathrooms are better but you kind of miss the piss on the floor.
- bjphawkfan

No doubt the Stadium was a more exciting and louder place to watch games. You miss that stale beer smell walking up to the upper levels and banging on those black wooden boards over the window. I'd also take Messmer over Cornelison even though I do like him. Connies also beats Giodanios by a mile. I remember going to games during Desert Storm and that anthem was loudest thing I've ever experienced. I was explaining that to my buddy from London/Ontario a few games back. He was thoroughly impressed by Cornelison though.

In general, I found hockey more exciting then with the rivalries. My Pops would always try to get tickets against the Wings, Blues or North Stars to see the likes of Probert/Kocur/Chase/McCrae/Churla go up against Charlie/Grimson/Peluso/Smith. There was always some reason you waited for a rematch. Free agency also changed a lot of things as players stayed with their teams unless traded so it made a tighter bond I think.

Interesting Q&A with Wheeler

If this draft class and last year’s draft were combined, how would you see the top 10 turning out? — Robert B.
Where would your top four prospects of Macklin Celebrini, Artyom Levshunov, Ivan Demidov and Cole Eiserman (as well as Anton Silayev out of interest) have ranked/been selected if they were in the 2023 draft class? — Michael M.

Slotting only using where I was at on the 2023 kids pre-draft, and not what’s happened since, the combined ranking of the top prospects from each would probably look something like this:
Connor Bedard (’23)
Macklin Celebrini (’24)
Matvei Michkov (’23)
Adam Fantilli (’23)
Leo Carlsson (’23)
Will Smith (’23)
Artyom Levshunov (’24)
Ivan Demidov (’24)
Cole Eiserman (’24)
Zayne Parekh (’24)
Sam Richardinson (’24)
Zeev Buium (’24)
Anton Silayev (’24)
Zach Benson (’23)
Gabe Perreault (’23)
Berkly Catton (’24)
Konsta Helenius (’24)
Cayden Lindstrom (’24)

Wiz,Rick and anyone else who analyzes prospects,do your lists look similar?
- captainserious

I think I can really abide by this comparison...because this 2024 top end defense prospect class at the top is one that MAY be one were all sucked with good careers.
(that includes the 2024 forwards too.)

I don't think the 2023 class mid and low first round CAN be adequately evaluated yet, because they were the high of the players who lose so much time during their earlier years where the US President was telling them to drink solvents for a cure.

They missed time and were basically asked to jump on to a fast moving developmental train afterward.

I think Anderson has been a really pleasant surprise for the Hawks this season. He will never be an offensive force, but he has played a good game in terms of fighting for possession, grinding and playing 200 feet. Adds in a little bit of offense, I think he might stick in a bottom 6 spot.

I think like you regarding the guys kind of on the bubble. Blackwell could return, he has put the effort in very consistently. Entwistle hasn't quite found his game, but the physical play and energy does have a role. Raddysh, I don't know if they will cut bait on him or not. LR does like using him on the PK, the top PK forwards lately for the Hawks are Jason D, Blackwell, Raddysh, Anderson. I think there is a chance for each of Anderson, Raddysh, and Blackwell remaining with the team.

I assume Misiak possibly ends up in Rockford, Lardis probably a chance to be in the mix too.
- breadbag

As mentioned the Hawks have 7 forwards 9(ncluding Slaggert) under contract next year
Bedard, AA, Hall, Donato, Slaggert, Foligno, Richardinson

You have 2 UFA's T. Johnson/Blackwell that I cannot see KD bringing back either because you have 6 RFA's to decide to sign or not

Raddysh, Gutman, Entwhistle, R. Johnson, Reichel, Anderson.

Still have C. Dach signed and possibly ready for a spot.

How many of the RFA's does KD attempt to sign, and how many does he try to trade the rights or just lets walk?

Really depends on how much KD wants to improve the forwards next year, via trade or UFA. Or is he going to run the same players out again? Is Nazer going to sign (and start on the big club), and of course all depends how the lotto balls fall with Cellebrini.

I think I can really abide by this comparison...because this 2024 top end defense prospect class at the top is one that MAY be one were all sucked with good careers.
(that includes the 2024 forwards too.)

I don't think the 2023 class mid and low first round CAN be adequately evaluated yet, because they were the high of the players who lose so much time during their earlier years where the US President was telling them to drink solvents for a cure.

They missed time and were basically asked to jump on to a fast moving developmental train afterward.
- wiz1901

Can't keep it away from politics...................

Get ready for the fun to begin