Chicago Blackhawks’ 25 Days Of Christmas: A Trio Of Legends

Today, we take a look at a trio of Chicago Blackhawks legends from past and present

We’ve made it to December, and Christmas is less than three weeks away. What better way to count down to present opening and eggnog than looking at Chicago Blackhawks greats, and not so greats, who have worn sweater numbers 25-1. This isn’t a, ‘Best Blackhawk To Wear…’ list. This is just ‘A Blackhawk That Wore/Wears…’  So if your favorite isn’t on this list, don’t come crying to me. Or do. I don’t care. Anyway, here we go …

Apologies for the delay in the 25 Days Of Chicago Blackhawks Christmas countdown, but today we are treated to a trio of past and present Blackhawks legends to catch up as we await presents under the tree and carolers at the door … if people still do that.

Day 20: Al Secord

One of the many Blackhawks of the 1980s who gets lost in the shuffle of franchise greats, Al Secord was one of the players who exemplified what the city of Chicago stands for.

A lunch-pail kind of player, Secord was one of the few players who could not only drop the gloves and scrap with the best of them, but also contribute offensively.

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Acquired in a trade from the Boston Bruins in 1980, Secord was a two-time NHL All-Star while with the Blackhawks from 1980-87. After scoring 44 goals in the 1981-82 season, Secord became only the second Blackhawks player in franchise history to top the 50-goal mark, tallying 54 goals in 1982-83.

Secord was the first player since Bobby Hull to top the 50-goal plateau, and since then only Jeremy Roenick has reached 50-plus goals, in the 1991-92 and 1992-93 seasons.

After the 1986-87 season, Secord was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs and spent parts of the next two seasons with the Maple Leafs and Philadelphia Flyers before returning to Chicago in 1989 as a free agent. All told, Secord played in 466 games for the Blackhawks and scored 372 points (213 goals, 159 assists) while racking up over 1,400 penalty minutes.

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Secord now is a commercial pilot for American Airlines and occasionally still works with the Chicago Blackhawks Alumni Association and remains a fan favorite among the Blackhawks community.

Day 19: Jonathan Toews

What more could or needs to be said about the already Hockey Hall of Fame worthy career of Jonathan Toews? His resume: three-time NHL All-Star, three-time Stanley Cup winner, two-time Olympic gold medalist with Canada, Conn Smythe winner in 2010 and the 2013 Frank J. Selke winner.

Oh, and don’t forget being named the third-youngest captain in NHL history at 20 years old and the youngest captain in Blackhawks history. Toews is also the longest-serving captain in franchise history, surpassing Pierre Pilote and Dirk Graham.

Since joining the Blackhawks in 2007 after being selected third overall in the 2006 NHL Draft, Toews has played in 666 (yikes) games for Chicago, tallying 576 points (255 goals, 321 assists) and already ranks in the franchise top 10 in goals and points.

Toews is arguably the face of the Chicago Blackhawks, and continues to be one of the most recognizable faces, not only of the Blackhawks but of the NHL as a whole. Toews beat out teammate Patrick Kane as the top-selling jersey in the NHL least season and his red No. 19 sweater is one of the most seen around Chicago.

Whenever his playing career ends, Toews will be named to the Hockey Hall of Fame and his No. 19 will be in the rafters of the United Center. Mark it.

Day 18: Denis Savard

Now we’ll catch up with the Christmas Countdown with Hall of Fame Blackhawk Denis Savard. Arguably one of the greatest players in franchise history, Savard is one of the most recognizable alumni of the organization today. A first-round pick by the Blackhawks in 1980, Savard was a seven-time NHL All-Star and three-time Hart Memorial Trophy finalist.

Savard spent 13 seasons total with the Blackhawks organization from 1980-90, and 1995-97. Savard was traded in 1990 to the Montreal Canadiens for Chris Chelios and won his only Stanley Cup championship with the Canadiens in 1993. After a season and a half with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Savard returned to Chicago to finish his playing career.

Known for the Savardian spin, Savard skated in 881 games for Chicago, scoring 1,096 points (377 goals, 719 assists) and holds franchise single-season records for assists in a season with 87 in the 1987-88 season, and points in a season with 131 in the same 1987-88 season.

Savard also ranks in the franchise’s top 10 in games played (881), goals (377), assists (719), points (1,096), penalty minutes (1,005) and even-strength, powerplay and shorthanded goals.

Once his playing career ended, Savard began coaching and, in 2006, was named interim head coach of the Blackhawks.

Savard led the 2007-08 Blackhawks to their first 40-win season since 2001-02, missing the playoffs by three points. Savard’s coaching career ended just four games into the 2008-09 season as he was replaced by current head coach Joel Quenneville.

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Savard still is a major part of the organization, making appearances frequently as an ambassador for the team and recently becoming the inaugural player to be featured in the “One More Shift” initiative that Chicago has started to recognize former greats.