Hockey Mailbag

Some of the internet’s best writers, Simmons, Grant Wahl, Jenn Sterger, regularly answer reader emails. Earlier this week, TUP got it’s first ever email question, from my long time bro Beau. It’s a small start, but you got to begin somewhere, right?

OK, so I love your website but just as I have mentioned to you before over a few beers- you got to start covering the Blackhawks. I know they are down right now and hockey just isn't quite what it used to be but look at the history of Chicago hockey. When the Hawks come back to become a dynasty, it will be the greatest feeling Chicago has ever had. We also have the number one draft pick this year!

Fantasy God,
Robert Frank Buhs

Before we get to hockey, I gotta address his signoff. Fantasy God? It pains me to say this, but he’s telling the truth. The kid’s legit. He’s currently leading our fantasy baseball league (I’m a distant second), and he won the regular season points total in both fantasy basketball and fantasy hockey. The man has some skills, I’ll give him that.

He’s also always been a big hockey fan and a true Blackhawks’ supporter, something that’s rare for someone my age. Chicago actually has a ton of hockey fans, it’s just hard to notice because the Hawks have bee a joke the last 10-plus years. The problem, though, is that most of the die-hard hockey guys are old; finding a big Hawks fan under 40 is pretty difficult. If the Hawks somehow want to get back to being relevant, they better start winning soon. Otherwise, they’ll be an afterthought to an entire generation of fans.

The Hawks actually have made some positive news already this offseason, signing last year’s number one pick, Jonathan Towes, and winning the NHL lottery to get the number one pick in this year’s draft. I’m no hockey expert, but here’s what I know about Toews. He’s supposed to be real good. The best prospect the Hawks have had in forever. Along with Havlat, Cam Barker, and Rutuu, he’s going to be the future of the franchise.

Toews is younger then me (born in 1988), and is a 6’2, 200 lbs. Canadian center. Good to see the Hawks get a North American guy, I’m sick off all these girly Euros. He was the third pick in last year’s draft and gained some big time experience playing on Team Canada in the World Championships. He spent the last two seasons playing for the University of North Dakota, scoring 46 points (18 goals, 28 assists) in only 34 games last season and 39 points his freshman year. He should be able to contribute on the Hawks next season.

As for this year’s number one overall pick, the most likely choices appear to be wingers Patrick Kane and James VanRiemsdyk. Kane is an American, born in Buffalo, and his stats playing in the OHL last season are just ridiculous. Playing 58 games, he scored 62 goals and had 83 assists. To recap, he had 145 points in 58 games. I’ve seen a couple mock drafts that have him going number one.

I totally agree with Beau when he says once the Hawks get good, Chicago is going to go crazy. It’s such a great sports town; once the Hawks come back it’ll almost be like a new team joining the scene. The Hawks being good is one thing that could help save the NHL. Hopefully it happens soon.

(Then maybe we can finally get some home games on TV)