That's correct, MJH Night at the Bulls-Knicks game on Tuesday, Dec. 9. Upper tank. We will begin giving away the tix today. I'm sure there will be a long line for them.

I have not forgotten about the hockey outing. Their market increase in popularity is going to make a big block of comp tickets a tougher putt.

Slapshot Ed should open a new business: "Slappy's Chicken." The man is crazy. He was one of five buddies I had over for NFL viewage Sunday and he brought enough yardbird to feed a small country. All of the food groups were represented and all of us retired that night with sore sides from the laughter. Best male bonding I've enjoyed since a buddy and I took sons to Canada back in July. A five-star day, thanks to Slapnuts... Golfboy... Three Putt Gene... 1-Iron Mark and AT&T Brian.

Hey, when you invite me to a gathering just expect a ton of chicken and the trim

Slappy, you are hereby invited to my house every Saturday night.

Fresh out of the deep fryer I picked up some thighs, legs, drumsticks and about 5 lbs of wings made fresh .

that would be MARKED increase in popularity

Interesting. Boers and Bernstein believe there's less hockey fans than there has been in the past, and that's why they don't talk it (not that I have any interest in hockey or them talking it).

They're both correct imho.

Mac would be correct, ie the average crowd at the UC for Hawks games last year was (let's say) 5,000. Now they get 15,000 - that's a 200% increase. A MARKED increase - not to mention those listening on radio and now watching on TV.

Boers and Bernstein would be correct in that there probably are fewer fans than the 80s, when the Secords, Larmers, Savards, Lysiaks and Ruskowskis of the world were wildly popular in Chicago. ...and back when Hull, Espo and Mikita played... get outta here.

It'll take the Hawks some time, but if they get to the playoffs and keep adding to the team, they'll get back to where they were.

Clearly Brooks Boyer is the reason Hawks attendance is up so far this season

Truth be told, John McDonough has brought his marketing touch from Wrigley Field to the United Center, and interest in the Hawks has never been higher than right now...

Now, you see - you're wrong. Interest in the Blackhawks HAS been higher. You're probably just too young to realize it.

Interest in the Hawks has never been higher in the past 15-20 years would be an accurate statement.

And (unfortunately) I believe the death of Bill Wirtz has a lot to do with it also. That lifted a black cloud from over the Hawks way of doing business, and allowed his son Rocky to bring the operations of the team into the modern era.

I think it has to do with the Hawks promotions done at Sox games this past season.

Yes, and the cross promotion worked. Now they need a Dog Day and halfway to Memorial Day at the UC.