Convention Events Schedules
All Events Subject To Change

Friday, July 18

Opening Ceremonies
Friday, 5:00pm – 6:00pm, Grand Ballroom
Here Come the Hawks. The buzz is back, and we have our fans to thank for it. In the 2007-2008 season the Blackhawks brought competitive hockey and excitement to the United Center with the intent to keep it that way. Come join Eddie Olczyk as he kicks off the weekend’s festivities by introducing past and present Blackhawks, coaches, members of the front office, and a thrilling Blackhawks highlight video. Don’t miss your chance to cheer on the team and hear what is in store for the weekend.


Second City
Friday, 7:30pm - 8:30pm, Grand Ballroom
The Second City will perform a live comedy act involving some of our own Blackhawks players. The same theatre that helped launch the careers of hometown legends Bill Murray and John Belushi, The Second City has been a Chicago institution for many years just like the Blackhawks. Come join players for a laugh in the Grand Ballroom.
 

Saturday, July 19


Voices of the Blackhawks
9:00am – 10:00am, Continental Ballroom
Their voices are attached to every great Blackhawks moment. Now, up close and personal, you’ll get to meet them all. The Blackhawks’ own Pat Foley, Eddie Olczyk, John Wiedeman, and Troy Murray are in the booth representing broadcast partners WGN Radio 720, WGN-TV and Comcast SportsNet.


Train like an NHL Professional brought to you by AthletiCo
9:30am – 10:30am, Boulevard Ballroom
Can you handle it? You are about to find out! You will be joined by Dr. Michael Terry, Duncan Keith, Adam Burish, Patrick Sharp, Head Athletic Director Mike Gapski and Assistant Athletic Trainer Jeff Thomas from AthletiCo as they discuss fitness, the Blackhawks way. You’ve got to stay disciplined and follow a tight schedule. After practice is over? It’s time to lift. When lifting is over, run a couple miles. No junk food allowed. That broccoli you give to the dog? Burish eats it. Like every game, there is a set plan. Can you handle it?


A New Era
10:30am –11:30am, Continental Ballroom
A new era of Blackhawks hockey began last season. Join host John Wiedeman along with Chairman Rocky Wirtz, President John McDonough, Senior Vice President of Business Operations Jay Blunk and General Manager Dale Tallon as they discuss team goals off the ice and the new direction of the franchise.


Kids Only Press Conference
11:00am – 12:00pm, Boulevard Ballroom
Don’t be shy; no question is a bad question. Director of Media Relations Brandon Faber from the Blackhawks front office will run the show just like a press conference at the United Center. Bring your note pads as Brent Sopel, Craig Adams, Adam Burish, and Tommy Hawk address the crowd. Only kids ages 14 and under are allowed to participate. 

The Winter Classic- JUST ADDED!
12:00pm – 1:00pm, Continental Ballroom
Chicago is going to heat up on January 1st. The Chicago Blackhawks will host the Detroit Red Wings for an historic outdoor game at legendary Wrigley Field. Join new Blackhawks defenseman Brian Campbell, President John McDonough and executives from the NHL as they discuss and share their excitement for this Original Six match-up held at "The Friendly Confines."

National Hockey League Players’ Association
12:30pm – 1:30pm, Boulevard Ballroom
Join Blackhawks Brent Seabrook and Patrick Sharp, along with NHLPA Chief of Business Affairs Mike Ouellet, Director of Player Affairs (former NHL goalie and TSN analyst) Glenn Healy, and Executive Director Paul Kelly as they discuss the direction and relationship between the NHLPA and the National Hockey League. 

1961
1:30pm – 2:30pm, Continental Ballroom
It was a classic Stanley Cup Final: Chicago versus Detroit. Two teams full of tradition. Two teams full of talent. Original Six, Old-Time Hockey. Come hear all the stories about that magical season when the good guys stunned an Olympia crowd and brought home the third Cup in Chicago history. Bringing back the memories are the men who made them: Bobby Hull, Stan Mikita, Ab McDonald, and Pierre Pilote get re-acquainted with one another and reminisce about that famous year. Hosted by Dave Eanet from WGN Radio.


Story Telling with Hawks Legends
2:00pm – 3:00pm, Boulevard Ballroom
That’s my story and I’m sticking to it! You’re about to go on an adventure where you will learn what it means to be a Blackhawk. Find out what it is like to wear the famous Indian head sweater from some of the best. Join the discussion as Jim Pappin, Pit Martin, Denis Cyr, Tony Esposito and Dennis Hull reminisce about their favorite Blackhawk memories. Hosted by Jim Memolo from WGN Radio. 


Ask Hockey Operations
3:00pm – 4:00pm, Continental Ballroom
From start to finish we want you to be a part of the ultimate goal: winning the Stanley Cup. From opening night introductions to the announcement of the Conn Smyth winner, we want you to be there. The season may not officially begin until October, but there’s plenty of work being done each day as we prepare to reunite Lord Stanley with the Windy City. From the draft and free agency, to game strategy, we’ve got it all. Come see General Manager Dale Tallon, Head Coach Denis Savard and Assistant General Manager, Hockey Operations Stan Bowman to get an inside look at why the buzz is back. 


WGN-Radio’s SportsCentral Live
4:00 – 5:30pm, Boulevard Ballroom
Join WGN-Radio hosts Jim Memolo and Glen Kozlowski as they conduct a live broadcast from the Boulevard Room with the following lineup:

4 - 4:30 pm: Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Adam Burish, Brian Campbell

4:30 - 5 pm: John McDonough, Denis Savard, Dale Tallon

5 - 5:30 pm: Eddie Olcyzk, Pat Foley, John Wiedeman, Troy Murray


Hull, Mikita, Kane, Toews
4:30pm – 5:30pm, Continental Ballroom
These four need no introduction. Hull and Mikita combined for over 2,600 points. Kane and Toews, though young, have stunned audiences with their abilities and earned respect in the league by scoring 72 and 54 points in their rookie seasons, respectively. The past meets the present as this gifted foursome discuss what it’s like to be a star in the NHL. Hosted by Josh Mora from Comcast SportsNet.  


Ohh, So Close
6:00pm – 7:00pm, Continental Ballroom
The 1991-92 season ended with Mario Lemiuex, Kevin Stevens, Jaromir Jagr and the Pittsburgh Penguins putting an end to the Blackhawks 11-game winning streak in the Stanley Cup Finals. Pat Foley hosts as Brian Noonan, Steve Larmer, and Steve Konroyd discuss their amazing playoff run.


Blackhawks Business Operations
6:00pm – 7:00pm, Boulevard Ballroom
Over the years, the Chicago Blackhawks have evolved into a Chicago institution with their play both on and off the ice. Our front office staff works round the clock to give fans a complete Blackhawk hockey experience. Come find out how the business side of the team ticks with Senior Vice President of Business Operations Jay Blunk, Senior Executive Director of Ticketing and Business Development Chris Werner, Senior Director of Corporate Sponsorship Steve Waight, and Senior Director of Marketing and Advertising Pete Hassen as they discuss the franchise goals for the future.


Sunday, July 20

Equipment of the Pros
9:00am – 10:00am, Boulevard Ballroom
The equipment used in the National Hockey League has new developments every year. From regulating goalie pads to improving hockey sticks and jerseys, NHL equipment has evolved dramatically since 1917. Join Equipment Manager Troy Parchman, Troy Murray, Ben Eager, and Andrew Ladd for this behind-the-scenes look at the maintenance and progression of professional hockey equipment. 


Road to the NHL
9:30am – 10:30am, Continental Ballroom
With a system full of young talent, having a winning program in place to develop future players is of the highest importance. For the Blackhawks, the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League has become the perfect stepping stone from minor league hockey to Chicago and life in the NHL. Join new Blackhawks General Manager of Minor League Affiliations Mark Bernard, Director of Player Evaluation Al MacIsaac, head coach Mike Haviland and players Dave Bolland and Jordan Henry as the group discusses the club’s impact on the crop of future Blackhawks and how it prepares each player for successful careers in the NHL. 


All 82 Games in HD
10:30am –11:30am, Boulevard Ballroom
For the first time in franchise history ALL 82 GAMES ARE TELEVISED! You’ll have more trouble finding the remote than you will us. It’s going to be a year to remember. Join Senior Vice President of Business Operations Jay Blunk, Pat Foley, Eddie Olcyzk, Steve Konroyd, and representatives from WGN and Comcast SportsNet as they discuss these historic partnerships.


The Old Barn
11:00am – 12:00pm, Continental Ballroom
It was loud. You couldn’t hear the national anthem. It wasn’t disrespect; it was respect for the Blackhawks. If you close your eyes, you can still hear the roar of Chicago Stadium. Take a trip down memory lane to one of the loudest, most energetic buildings the league has ever seen. Brian Noonan, Jim Pappin, Pit Martin and Dennis Hull are ready to reminisce about the Madhouse on Madison.


The Calder Memorial Trophy
12:00pm – 1:00pm, Boulevard Ballroom
Chicago is a vibrant city, full of youth and energy, and the Blackhawks are no different. The Calder Memorial Trophy, awarded to the league’s top rookie, has been awarded to a Blackhawks player seven times. Join John Wiedeman as he hosts Tony Esposito, Steve Larmer, and Patrick Kane while they discuss what it takes to be great right from the start.


Coaches Chat
12:30pm – 1:30pm, Continental Ballroom
The coach is involved in the direction, instruction and training of the team. They stand behind the bench and call out line changes. They also stand in the locker room and call out their players. Coaches are responsible for having the team prepared, mentally and physically, for each game. Now they’re prepared for you! Join in on the fun as Head Coach Denis Savard, along with assistants John Torchetti and Mark Hardy, sit down for a chalk-talk session for the ages. Hosted by Eddie Olczyk.