Blackhawks Draw Defending Stanley Cup Champion Kings In NHL Opener

By Chuck Sudo in News on Jan 10, 2013 5:30PM

NHL training camps are expected to open Sunday after the league’s owners unanimously ratified the new collective bargaining agreement that will bring labor peace to the league for the next decade. While the players work to get in shape and fans are hopefully drawing inspiration from their favorite hockey movies, the Blackhawks are continuing their off-site workouts at Johnny’s Icehouse on the West Side as they prepare for their season opener Jan. 19.

The Blackhawks have their work cut out for them as they face the defending Stanley Cup champion Los Angeles Kings in LA. The game will take place 2 p.m. local (read: Chicago) time in a televised spectacle where the Kings receiving their championship rings and raising the first championship banner in club history. The Tribune reports the Hawks’ home ice will be installed sometime Thursday, but there’s no idea yet when their home opener will be. Fans will find out more about the upcoming schedule after the deal to end the lockout is finalized.

Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews, whose recovery from a concussion last season is the major issue the Blackhawks face this season, addressed the media Wednesday.