Some things bring us joy. Source: Chicago Sun-Times

My name is Frank Rekas and as the NHL Director for Fansided Sports I wanted to tell you of some changes at Blackhawk Up, one of the first and one of the most successful sites here at the FanSided Sports Network.  Jeff Bartl the original Blackhawk Up writer is moving on to his own site with his commarades Tim Currell and Brandon Spinner.  Their new site which just went live a couple days ago is Cheer The Anthem.  Make sure you go there to check them out as they will continue to provide you with their views and opinions of the Chicago Blackhawks just the way you’ve been used to. Jeff and his crew were looking to go independent and we all parted ways on the best of terms.  I speak for everyone here at FanSided when I say we wish them nothing but the best.

Going forward, and I do apologize for the break in the action, things will continue on here at Blackhawk Up.  First of all I will be one of the lead writers of the site.  While I currently live in Florida, and some of you might know me from my lead writer spot over at The Rat Trick, I was born and raised in Chicago and lived there for 30 years before I left.  I’m old enough to remember Hull, Mikita, and Espo.  As well as Savard, JR, Belfour, Larmer, and Chelios.  I remember the roar.  I have a brick from the old stadium as a former season ticket holder. I was in the Stadium the night that Mario and his crew skated around with the Cup in 1992 after we were swept in the final round.  I cried like a baby.  Most of that pain was wiped away last season after Patrick Kane scored the winner in overtime to end the Hawks 49 years of misery.  I cried like a baby then too.  Even though I live in Florida I watch all the games and stay up to speed as much as possible….so no worries gang, Blackhawk Up will be in good hands.

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Who Says You Can’t Go Home? Talking About Changes. - Blackhawk Up - Blackhawk Up - A Chicago Blackhawks Blog

So Long Soupy. All The Best. Source: TKON.com

The Chicago Blackhawks and Stan Bowman made two moves Friday night at the NHL Entry draft that have left many of us saying, “Hey Stan….What the?”…… And we aren’t talking about the draft picks either.  Troy Brouwer was dealt to the Washington Capitals for a first round pick in this years draft.  Not a bad move considering that Brouwer was a seventh overall pick himself and doesn’t necessarily seem worthy of a number one pick.  But as the old saying goes, you have to give to get, and the Caps like what they see.  I liked Troy too, and I always enjoyed watching him play and wanted him to succeed.  It just never seemed as though coach Q was going to give him that chance.  Not to say that Brouwer didn’t take advantage of his opportunities either, but these two were just not on the same page. Brouwer has the potential to score 25-30 goals, and just never seemed to grab the opportunity…..consistently.  The Hawks will miss his physicality as Troy was consistently banging bodies, digging in the corners and not afraid of a scrum or two.  And he did it without biting.  I wish him the best of luck in D.C.

The bigger news however was the trading of defenceman Brian Campbell to the Florida Panthers for the enigmatic Rostislav Olesz.  Rusty as he is called sometimes is coming off ACL surgery, and has never played a full season in the NHL.  The one year he came close he played 75 games.  After that season, the general manager at the time for the Florida Panthers,  Jacques Martin signed him to a six year deal.  Martin who had no business being a GM, was handing out long term deals like “Chicago’s Finest” hand out speeding tickets at the end of the month, and Olesz was one of the benefactors.  Much to the dismay of Panther fans, who are quite happy with the trade.

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Brouwer And Campbell Traded. Stan Has A Plan Right? - Blackhawk Up - Blackhawk Up - A Chicago Blackhawks Blog

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Chicago Blackhawks Blogger Wanted - Blackhawk Up - Blackhawk Up - A Chicago Blackhawks Blog