2018 Chicago Blackhawks Convention Will Include Bryan Bickell

Former Chicago Blackhawks forward Bryan Bickell will be part of the franchise’s upcoming convention in what’s sure to be a fun moment for Bickell and fans alike

The annual Chicago Blackhawks Convention is always a fun time for fans who attend. They get to interact with team members in various ways and get to learn a little bit more about both veterans and newcomers involved with the club.

Bryan Bickell is far from a newcomer, but his announced addition to the convention is a pleasant surprise for those who have tickets.

Bickell has remained around hockey in various small ways since he retired from the game in 2017 after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. He’s made appearances at the NHL Awards show and other NHL-sponsored ventures.

The three-time Stanley Cup winner recently hosted his Bickell Classic golf outing, and he remains a strong advocate for pitbulls and other dogs. Bickell has not let his sudden disease diagnosis take over his life. The fact he’ll be attending this convention despite not being an NHL player anymore shows that.

I attended one of Duncan Keith‘s annual “Keith Relief” events a few years back, and Bickell was among the Blackhawks signing autographs and serving beverages on the floor. He couldn’t have been a nicer guy and seemed to genuinely enjoy getting to interact with fans like this.

I wonder if Bickell is just being asked to sign autographs for the convention this year, or if he’ll be on a panel or two. Should the latter happen, that could lead to some pretty emotional moments — especially if specific former teammates/coaches also are on the panels.

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The Blackhawks Convention is taking place July 27-29 at the Hilton Chicago, and this is the 11th version of the event. I’m looking forward to stories of fans getting another chance to interact with Bickell, and Bickell garnering another opportunity to show his love for the Blackhawks and their supporters.