Blackhawks Are Gearing Up for the 2011 Season
By Tim Bearden in News on Sep 18, 2011 9:30PM
The Blackhawks are back in action after hosting their annual Training Camp Festival. Activities this year included the 5K Run/10K Skate (Mad Dash to Madison), a 3-on-3 roller hockey tournament and a bags tournament.
But the main attraction this year was still the team as Joe Quenville oversaw a fully mic'd practice and two scrimmages. They were a little rusty to start, but once the action got moving the Blackhawks showed the crowd they're prepared for another successful season.
Two big-name players sat out the training camp. Patrick Sharp (emergency appendectomy surgery) and Marion Hossa, who was overheard to be taking a little time off. Patrick Kane had announced early in September he would sit out the Festival, but surprised the crowd yesterday as he entered the final game during the shoot-out drill. Although he missed, it was proof his wrist, Kane had wrist surgery in the off-season, was going to be almost as good as new. And Jonathan Toews' little brother David looks like he's going to be a nice addition to Quenville's lines.
Blackhawks alumni were signing autographs for fans in the concourse of the United Center. Eddie Olczyk, number 16, was one of the many former Blackhawks in attendance. The Blackhawks are coming off a tough 2011 post-season after winning the Stanley Cup in 2010 and losing quite a few core players during the 2010-2011 off-seasons. But Quenville and company were looking strong and ready for action this Saturday. The Hawks' season opener is Oct. 7 against the Dallas Stars. Sharp's goal is to be ready by then.
And now, some exclusive videos from the Training Camp Festival -- Enjoy!
Teams A&B Scrimmage
Shoot-out drill between teams A&B