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Why Players’ Weekend Would Benefit Chicago Blackhawks, NHL

By Tony Gianares

RALEIGH, NC - JANUARY 30: (EDITORS NOTE: A special effects camera filter was used for this image.) Patrick Kane #88 of the Chicago Blackhawks for Team Lidstrom poses for a portrait before the 58th NHL All-Star Game at RBC Center on January 30, 2011 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NC - JANUARY 30: (EDITORS NOTE: A special effects camera filter was used for this image.) Patrick Kane #88 of the Chicago Blackhawks for Team Lidstrom poses for a portrait before the 58th NHL All-Star Game at RBC Center on January 30, 2011 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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Adopting a Players’ Weekend would be great for the Chicago Blackhawks and the NHL for various reasons.

If you are unfamiliar with the term “Players’ Weekend“, it’s a new event that the MLB does annually. Over one weekend during the MLB season, all teams wear special jerseys with a youth sports team feel to them.

The players also get to put a nickname on the back of their jersey and can wear customized gear.

The weekend is fun for players and fans alike, and it draws additional attention from the media.

This is something the NHL can definitely use more of. It’s no secret that the NHL is not the most popular sport in the USA, so why not follow the MLB’s lead here?

Mr. Bettman, now is the time to start making your league more attractive and grow your audience. This is the perfect opportunity.

In addition to having fun and giving players some creative freedom, the Players’ Weekend is a great marketing scheme.

This event creates additional merchandise which generates more revenue for the league and teams.

It’s things like this that can help bring the NHL into the modern era and actually compete with the big three of sports such as the MLB, NFL, and NBA.

This past weekend, which was Players’ Weekend, the Chicago Cubs faced off against the Washington Nationals at Wrigley Field.

Chicago Blackhawks’ forwards, Alex DeBrincat and Dylan Strome, threw out the first pitches while wearing their own customized Cubs’ Players’ Weekend jerseys.

I must admit DeBrincat and Strome looked sharp and probably had some of the best nicknames on the field that day. I could only imagine what a Chicago Blackhawks’ Players’ Weekend jersey would look like.

Well, I actually didn’t have to imagine for too long. KP8 on Twitter was generous enough to create a Players’ Weekend jersey for each NHL team, and boy, did he deliver. They all look great, especially the Blackhawks’ jerseys.

Just picture this Showtime jersey (below) alongside a Captain Serious jersey. That would definitely be a sight to see.

Thanks to KP8 for giving us a glimpse of what could be, and probably should be, the future for the NHL and all of its teams.

dark. Next. Why the Blackhawks Should Get a Team Puppy

The NHL is not the most cutting edge sport, but introducing a Players’ Weekend could help change that. Plus, it’s simple and fun for everyone.

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