Hard Hawk Hockey

Scotty Joins the Hawks

Legendary Scotty Bowman has officially been named Senior Advisor of Hockey Operations for the club today! A press conference with the announcement was held today making the hiring official.
Scotty leaves the arch rival Red Wings organization to come on board and work with his son Stan who is in his 8th year with the Hawks and 2nd as assistant general manager, hockey operations.

“Scotty Bowman, more than anyone in hockey today, embodies the traits we are integrating into this organization in order to bring a Stanley Cup to Chicago. He symbolizes excellence, performance, work ethic and delivering results. So do we,” said W. Rockwell “Rocky” Wirtz, Chairman.

Bowman has been a member of 11 Stanley Cup winning teams since 1973, which includes an NHL record nine as a head coach. The Montreal native is also the NHL’s all-time leader with 1,224 regular-season wins and 223 postseason victories. Prior to joining the Blackhawks, Bowman, who has held a position in professional hockey since 1967, served as a consultant in the Detroit Red Wings front office for the last seven years.

“We are privileged to welcome the legendary Scotty Bowman to the Chicago Blackhawks family,” Blackhawks President John McDonough said. “His hockey genius, vision and energy are a perfect fit with our goal to win the Stanley Cup.”

Obviously his resume is impressive, his judgement of talent excellent, and this move just gives more notice to players, fans and the city of chicago, that things are going to continue to get better! I cannot think of too many people who could fill this role and have such a positive impact on the organization.

This has been one heck of a summer for the Hawks and while I am not living there, my brother tells me that almost every day there is talk, there is something that the media discusses, and there is a general feeling among the city that hockey is going to mean something again.

While this does not guarantee a Stanley Cup, it does remphasize the new direction the Hawks are moving in, and I couldn’t think of too many people in Chicago who would be unhappy with this move.

I do however feel that Savard will be feeling some pressure now as the expectations of this club have risen significantly and it won’t be about just making the playoffs. The Hawks will at least have to make a go of getting into the second round. If there’s a struggle during the year, Savvy better lookout. All these moves are not being done to finish 8th in the conference.

When’s opening night?!

Thanks for reading