NHL

Blackhawks just listen…

The off-ice turnaround done by the Chicago Blackhawks since John McDonough took over the team last January has been well documented and is one of the best major market brand turnarounds in recent times.  From bringing back venerable announcers to landing the outdoor game this coming January to reconnecting with veteran players, the Blackhawk brand, its place as an institution in Chicago and its bottom line have all risen considerably.  However now that the season is well underway and the team has had some on-ice issues, would the front office continue to listen, adjust and make changes.  Judging by this wek’s Chicago papers, the team is still refining, still listening (literally) and still building towards giving the fans what they want for their experiential dollar.  This time its a return to organ music.  The story is also significant in where it ran in the papers…once again the brand is expanding continually into living and lifestyle sections, thus continuing to capture the casual fan.  It is a great example of how the team shows that they will not just be here for the short term window dressing…they get it and want to build everything as solid as possible, even if it includes a little retro music.  Nice attention to detail. 

OFF ABROAD FOR A FEW DAYS:  I have a biz trip from Tuesday night through Friday, so I apologize if I can’t update again til Friday…thanks for reading, and send us ideas at fatherknickerbocker1@yahoo.com…