Blackhawks: Bobby Hull Tribute, Broadcast News and More

Following the NHL All-Star break, the Blackhawks released a slew of news Monday.

The NHL All-Star hiatus is in the rearview mirror and the NHL is ready to begin the second half of the season. The Chicago Blackhawks are back in action Tuesday, February 7 when they host the Anaheim Ducks at the United Center. However, on Monday, the team released some important news about some happenings inside and around the organization.

Bobby Hull tribute

According to Blackhawks CEO Danny Wirtz, the Blackhawks will honor the late Bobby Hull with a silence and tribute video Tuesday. Even on our own Four Feathers Podcast, there was a lot of speculation about what the Blackhawks would do after Hull’s death. Although the Golden Jet was an ambassador for the Hawks, its rugged off-ice heritage was something that was very controversial in many facets of the fan base.

Still, the Blackhawks will honor No. 9 with a moment of silence and a tribute video. The Winnipeg Jets had a similar moment for Hull during their first home game after his death, as Hull was a Winnipeg fixture during the WHA days with the original Jets.

The Broadcast Team: Coming Changes?

Through Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times, the Blackhawks have shared news on the broadcast front for next season. for starters, Play-by-play announcer Chris Vosters remains in his role with the organization and has received “great feedback”. Exactly what this feedback is is unknown, but it’s no secret that it’s received a lot of criticism from the fan base regarding the recent calls.

Vosters’ situation is indeed interesting. While he has what it takes to be a strong play-by-play name and voice for the future, there are still some things he can work on. One simple thing is his knowledge of the game and Blackhawks history. Vosters drew much criticism for saying that a goal against the Flyers that went top-flight was similar to Patrick Kane’s winning goal in the 2010 Stanley Cup Finals (if you know, you know).

Additionally, the Blackhawks are discussing the color analysts’ situation for next season. This year there has been a rotation with Troy Murray and Patrick Sharp so talks could include bringing Troy back to radio and Sharp back to TV. Who knows, but it seems that changes of some magnitude are about to happen there.

Pope’s last point about Jamie Faulkner was that there will be changes “in the studio”. However, this does not change the employees, but their roles. Pope singles out Scott Darling as one of those candidates, as the organization wants to give Darling more opportunities to share his talents with audiences. She think he was abused this season as an analyst.

Rather than personnel changes for the 2023/24 season, there will be a role overhaul to match the team’s vision. To be honest, the most exciting part might be the role Scott Darling takes on when they are ready to put his talents to better use.

What’s next?

While Monday’s news is both short- and long-term in nature, Blackhawks fans will see the tribute to Bobby Hull when the team returns to the ice Tuesday against the Ducks. The United Center puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CST.

After Tuesday’s game, the Blackhawks are staying home while they wait for the Arizona Coyotes to come to town on Friday, Feb. 10. This game also begins at 7:30 p.m. CST.

Source: www.yardbarker.com