I have been very lucky in life when it comes to the world of hockey. For nearly ten years, I got to broadcast hockey games live on radio. Since that career ended, I have been able to write about hockey and cover games for ProHockeyNews.com.
The last few years have been very fun to attend multiple Winter Classic and Stadium Series games. I grew up in Chicago as a Blackhawks fan and though moved away still root for my hometown team. While sitting in press boxes I don’t get to be a fan usually, instead it is about covering the game and finding angles to bring to the readers.
All that will change for a day this coming Saturday. The Minnesota vs. Chicago Alumni Game will easily turn me from straight laced media member to fanboy remembering his youth.
In my younger days, Chris Chelios became my favorite NHL Player of all time. A local guy that got traded to Chicago made it even more awesome as a fan. We won’t talk about where he ended up because that still hurts a little.
Also the Blackhawks of the 1990s had some great offensive players. Seeing Jeremy Roenick in his prime, watching Eric Daze’s hands before his back problems was special.
Who can forget good old number 18, Denis Savard dangling on the Chicago Stadium ice? So great that they raised his number to the United Center rafters a few years ago.
Even the role players like Reid Simpson, who was never afraid to drop the glove. Brian Noonan, who I always said was an underrated player wearing the Indianhead sweater.
Looking at the North Stars names a fan remembers the ire from watching Mike Madano score at will against my beloved team. Don Beaupre making save after save in whatever building the teams squared off in.
Craig Hartsburg will wear the N star as he skates, but many Chicago fans picture him wearing a suit and tie behind the bench. Of course, how can you talk about a rivalry and not mention Dino Ciccarelli? No matter what jersey he was wearing many purple dinosaurs on sticks would be hung out in Chicago when he came to town.
With all the rivalry feelings brewing from my youth, two names bring joy that will be around the ice at TCF Bank Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Jack O’Callahan will play for the Hawks and Mike Ramsey will coach for the Minnesota team. Anytime you can get players that were on the 1980 Miracle on Ice team together in the same spot, it creates a special event.
Forgive me for just one day if I come off as a fan. Sometimes being an impartial media member with no emotion is actually impossible.
Follow Adam on Twitter @Adam_PHN and you can always reach him at adam.minnick@prohockeynews.com
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