5:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. Opening CeremoniesInternational Ballroom. Join Master of Ceremonies Eddie Olczyk as he drops the puck on the Ninth Annual Blackhawks Convention. Relive the many milestones and record-breaking moments of the past season and meet some of the team’s future stars as we kick off a great weekend of celebrating your favorite team.
*Opening Ceremonies will also be streamed live in the Grand Ballroom and Kitty O’Shea’s (located on the first level).
8:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. The Second City International Ballroom. For more than 50 years, The Second City has been a launching pad for all-time great comedians such as Jim Belushi, Dan Aykroyd and Chris Farley, as well as current stars Steve Carell, Stephen Colbert and Tina Fey. Now, two of Chicago’s most famous franchises collide as Blackhawks players join the Second City for an improve show unlike any other!
Trevor van RiemsdykFirst 150 Fans: WBD at 8:30 a.m.
Ryan Hartman & Mark McNeillFirst 150 Fans: WBD at 9:30 a.m.
Tommy HawkFirst 150 Fans: WBD at 11:30 a.m.
Ben EagerFirst 150 Fans: WBD at 12:00 p.m.
Viktor SvedbergFirst 150 Fans: WBD at 2:30 p.m.
Pat FoleyFirst 150 Fans: WBD at 4:00 p.m.
Tanner KeroFirst 150 Fans: WBD at 9:00 a.m.
Brian CampbellFirst 150 Fans: WBD at 10:30 a.m.
Kyle BaunFirst 150 Fans: WBD at 12:00 p.m.
Daniel CarcilloFirst 150 Fans: WBD at 1:30 p.m.
Tony EspositoFirst 150 Fans: WBD at 3:00 p.m.
Dennis RasmussenFirst 315 Fans: WBD at 8:30 a.m.
Jamal MayersFirst 315 Fans: WBD at 10:00 a.m.
Vincent HinostrozaFirst 315 Fans: WBD at 12:00 p.m.
Cliff Koroll & Phil RussellFirst 315 Fans: WBD at 2:00 p.m.
Pierre PiloteFirst 315 Fans: WBD at 9:30 a.m.
9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m. Coach Q and His CrewContinental Ballroom. Joel Quenneville hit big milestones last season, becoming the second-winningest coach in NHL history and posting his 800th career win. Join Coach Q and his staff of Mike Kitchen, Kevin Dineen and Jimmy Waite as they relive last season’s highlights and look ahead to chasing another Stanley Cup. Moderated by Troy Murray.
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Record BreakersInternational Ballroom. One of last season’s highlights was undoubtedly the historical 26-game point streak put together by Patrick Kane. One of the records he broke along the way belonged to Eddie Olczyk. Join the two American superstars for a conversation on what it takes to put together a point streak for the ages. Moderated by Pat Foley.
10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Blackhawks LeadershipContinental Ballroom. Over the last decade, the Chicago Blackhawks have strived to become not just a model franchise in the NHL but in all of professional sports. Join radio play-by-play man John Wiedeman for a discussion with Chairman Rocky Wirtz and President & CEO John McDonough as they discuss what it takes to lead an Original Six franchise.
11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Reliving the 2010 Stanley CupInternational Ballroom. June 9, 2010, was a night to remember for the Blackhawks and their fans as the club’s 49-year Cup drought came to an end in Philadelphia. Revisit that championship run with some of the players in the thick of the action: Adam Burish, Ben Eager, Colin Fraser, Brent Sopel—and Daniel Carcillo, who was on the opposite end of the ice. Pat Foley hosts this special trip down memory lane.
12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. Hockey DevelopmentContinental Ballroom. After being drafted, most players spend a few years maturing and improving their game. The Blackhawks have exhibited a strong commitment to player development, from the moment they are drafted to the moment they step on NHL ice for the first time. John Wiedeman hosts SVP/GM Stan Bowman, SVP of Hockey Operations Al MacIsaac, Assistant GM Norm Maciver, GM of Minor League Affiliations Mark Bernard, Rockford IceHogs Head Coach Ted Dent and Senior Advisor to Hockey Operations Scotty Bowman for an in-depth discussion on identifying and developing future Blackhawks.
12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m. #WhatsYourGoalInternational Ballroom. Last season the Blackhawks continued fulfilling goals submitted through social media, resulting in unforgettable moments for more of the team’s biggest fans. Corey Crawford, Duncan Keith and Joel Quenneville share their experiences of making fans’ dreams come true on this panel moderated by Senior Director of New Media and Creative Services Adam Kempenaar.
1:45 p.m.-2:45 p.m. My Path to the NHLContinental Ballroom. Every NHL player carves his own path to the show, whether through major-juniors, NCAA or the European leagues. The options all offer a unique experience, but the goal is the same: to make it in professional hockey. Hear what Corey Crawford, Scott Darling, Marcus Kruger, Tyler Motte and Nick Schmaltz have to say about their development and careers so far. Moderated by Steve Konroyd.
2:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. BluelinersInternational Ballroom. There’s no doubt that a defenseman’s job is crucial to the success of a hockey team. Meet the players who are just as likely to block a shot as take one, and have the bruises and scars to show for it. Join Duncan Keith, Niklas Hjalmarsson, Brian Campbell and Trevor van Riemsdyk along with WGN Radio’s Dave Eanet as they discuss what it is like to be a defenseman in today’s NHL.
3:15 p.m.-4:15 p.m. And the Award Goes To...International Ballroom. While the Stanley Cup is the ultimate team goal, plenty of Blackhawks players have had their names engraved on hockey’s individual trophies, mementos of brilliant individual campaigns. Join Comcast SportsNet’s Pat Boyle in conversation with former and current award-winners, including Patrick Kane, Bobby Hull, Tony Esposito, Pierre Pilote and Steve Larmer, as they discuss their biggest individual achievements.
3:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m. WGN Radio AM-720 Live Broadcast of The Beat Continental Ballroom. WGN Radio AM-720 is the flagship radio station for the Chicago Blackhawks, and fans have the opportunity to view a live taping, featuring color analyst Troy Murray with special guests and more!
3:35 p.m. Brian Campbell4:10 p.m. Marian Hossa4:35 p.m. Daniel Carcillo 5:10 p.m. Denis Savard5:35 p.m. Trevor van Riemsdyk6:10 p.m. Andrew Desjardins6:35 p.m. Tony Esposito
4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Kids Only Press ConferenceInternational Ballroom. Calling all future reporters! Now is your chance to step up to the microphone and ask a question to Marian Hossa, Andrew Desjardins, Trevor van Riemsdyk, Jamal Mayers, Adam Burish and Tommy Hawk. For one hour, kids under the age of 12 can play junior reporter in a kids-only press conference moderated by WGN 9’s Pat Tomasulo.
6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Blackhawks Game Show Presented by The Second CityInternational Ballroom. Live from Chicago… It’s the Blackhawks Game Show! Actors from The Second City will be paired up with select Blackhawks players and personalities for a fun night filled with an assortment of your favorite game shows from past and present. Be sure to attend this event for a full hour of hilarity and hijinks. Fans will be asked to participate. Doors open at 6:15 p.m.
NOTE: You must activate your Convention pass to participate in Photo Stage events. NOTE: You must activate your Convention pass to participate in Photo Stage events.
Niklas HjalmarssonFirst 150 Fans: WBD at 9:00 a.m.
Adam BurishFirst 150 Fans: WBD at 8:30 a.m.
Dennis RasmussenFirst 150 Fans: WBD at 9:30 a.m.
John Wiedeman & Troy MurrayFirst 150 Fans: WBD at 8:30 a.m.
NOTE: WBD = Wristband Distribution
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Top ProspectsInternational Ballroom. Before becoming Blackhawks, many players spend time in the American Hockey League with the Rockford IceHogs. There, they experience professional hockey while improving their game and aiming for the NHL. With Prospect Camp in the books, join Kyle Baun, Tanner Kero, Tyler Motte, Nick Schmaltz and Mark McNeill to find out how they’re preparing for training camp and beyond. Moderated by Judd Sirott. 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Blackhawks LegendsContinental Ballroom. You know their names, you’ve watched their greatest moments, and you can see their retired numbers hanging in the rafters at the United Center. Join Bobby Hull, Tony Esposito and Pierre Pilote as they reminisce about their favorite Chicago Blackhawks moments. Moderated by Team Historian Bob Verdi.
11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Chicago’s BestInternational Ballroom. Every kid growing up in the region has dreamed about playing for the Blackhawks; few are able to live out their childhood dreams. Join native sons Scott Darling, Vincent Hinostroza and Ryan Hartman, along with Wisconsin native Adam Burish and current Chicago resident Brian Campbell, as they discuss what it means to be a member of the Chicago Blackhawks. Moderated by NBC 5’s Peggy Kusinski.
Brent SopelFirst 315 Fans: WBD at 8:30 a.m.
Salon A
Norm. Lounge
SalonC
BlvdBallroom
(Stage A)
(Stage C)
(Stage B)
Blackhawks Locker Room Live AuctionSilent Auction ends at 11:30 a.m.
Grand Ballroom (Stage A)
Salon D (Stage B)
Open Ice
NOTE: You must activate your Convention pass to participate in Photo Stage events.
