Blackhawks

Blackhawks

The Blackhawks will host a sizable group of alumni at the 11th annual Blackhawks Convention this weekend at the Hilton Chicago.

Eddie Olczyk, Bobby and Dennis Hull, Jeremy Roenick, Denis Savard and Chris Chelios are some of the former players highlighting the event, starting on Friday afternoon at 5 p.m. on NBC Chicago’s “Blackhawks Convention Opening Ceremonies.”

Blackhawks broadcaster Olczyk, who was diagnosed with colon cancer last year, threw out the ceremonial first pitch at the Cubs game Tuesday night in anticipation of the convention. The 1994 Stanley Cup winner announced he was cancer-free in March, making his appearance even more special.

Roenick, a Blackhawks all-time top 10 goal scorer (267) and points leader (596), will take part in the weekend for the first time.

“I think early that maybe the relationship wasn’t strong enough,” Roenick said in an interview with the Chicago Tribune. “… And I think going to the convention is so important to the city and so important to the franchise in terms of what they do for people in the city.”

Chelios will be introduced as the newest team ambassador this weekend. The Blackhawks announced Monday morning that the Hall of Fame defenseman is once again a member of the organization.

“To be able to join the Blackhawks organization in this role means everything to me,” Chelios said about his new position. “… Chicago is my hometown and returning to this organization is very special to me and my family.”

 

The list of past Blackhawks players who will also be present includes Bryan Bickell, Adam Burish, Brian Campbell, Eric Daze, Ben Eager, Tony Esposito, Colin Fraser, Stu Grimson, Steve Larmer, Jamal Mayers, Troy Murray, Bernie Nicholls, Phil Russell and Patrick Sharp.

John Scott, the controversial NHL All-Star who had only registered one point with the Arizona Coyotes leading up to his fan vote selection during the 2015-16 season, will also be a fun player in attendance. He only notched two points in 69 games with Chicago.

The present players and staff members attending the gathering feature Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Corey Crawford, Duncan Keith and head coach Joel Quenneville, among others.

According to the Blackhawks, fans can interact with these ex-members, current players, coaches and team executives through activities like autograph and photo sessions.