Chicago Blackhawks: Jonathan Toews Days Until Opening Night

It’s only 19 days until opening night of the 2016-17 season for the Chicago Blackhawks!  That means we’re Jonathan Toews days away!

I’ve been waiting for five months to do this post!  Let’s face it, it’s been a long and lonely summer.  As you all know, the Chicago Blackhawks were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the St. Louis Blues in April.  That seems like eons ago!  Ever since then, it’s been the countdown to opening night on October 12^th.

Well, the wait is slowly but surely coming to an end.  Today marks 19 days to go!  This also happens to be the number of our favorite captain, Jonathan Toews.  The last time I did a post like this, it was Corey Crawford days to go.  In case you aren’t aware, that was when there were 50 days until opening night, way back on August 23^rd.  We’ve come a long way, baby!

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It seems almost sacrilegious not to recognize Toews and his number and the countdown to the season.  After all, Toews is the captain of the Chicago Blackhawks, and one of the faces of the franchise.  He is also one of the classiest and most well respected players in the NHL.  Fans, media, players, and coaches alike have nothing but positive things to say about him.  Except maybe Ryan Kesler.  But that’s another story for another time.

Toews hasn’t simply been handed his notoriety; he has worked very hard to earn it.  In only his second year with the league, he was named captain of the Chicago Blackhawks.   He was only 20 years old at the time, making him the third-youngest captain in the history of the NHL.   He leads by example, with an intensity and a passion that has earned him the nickname “Captain Serious”.

He holds the top line center position with the team.  Not only is Toews a threat offensively, but he is considered one of the best centers as well as one of the best two-way forwards in the game.   He led his team to a Stanley Cup in 2010, being named the Conn Smythe Trophy winner for most valuable player.  He has since gone on to win the Selke Trophy (best defensive forward) in 2013, and hoist two more Stanley Cups (2013 and 2015).

Toews also does good work beyond the Blackhawks

On an international stage, Toews has won two gold medals representing Canada in the Olympics of 2010 and 2014.  He is currently competing for his home country in the World Cup of Hockey.  The Canadians are headed to the semi-finals this weekend, and they are highly favored to win the tournament.  So far, Toews has contributed 3 goals and 1 assist in 3 games.  He is an integral part of the team, and is serving as an alternate captain.

Just this past summer, Toews finally got involved in the world of social media.  Mark Lazerus of the Chicago Sun-Times recently wrote an excellent article about how Toews has embraced this new hobby.  He writes, “…at 28 years old, in the prime of his life and the prime of his career, Toews is finally comfortable in own skin. Comfortable with his fame and his platform. Comfortable letting the world in.”

“I guess it’s just realizing that following, that platform, is there,” Toews says. “For myself, not only to interact with my fans, but to show that personal side of myself, to develop that brand, as well. Also to promote some things that I do believe in, that I think have made me successful.”

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It certainly is fun to see a more personal side of one of the best and most famous players in the NHL today.  It will also be very exciting to watch him play for the Chicago Blackhawks very soon.  In 19 days, to be exact.  The wait is almost over.  We can do it!