The Chicago Blackhawks are having a major issue getting their TV product to their fans

The worst part of this is the Blackhawks are looking like the bad guys in this negotiation.

YouTube sounds like they want to deny their Chicago audience Blackhawks games, but the perception is the Hawks creating this network is why Gen Z will likely not get Hawks games.

Now CHSN will be available for free on an over-the-air channel. It sounds like a lot of fans, especially younger fans, do want to go back in time and use an attenna.

Also, the Hawks will now be blacked out on ESPN+, the NHL's delivery service for out-of-market games in markets such as Milwaukee, where there is a decent Hawks fan presence. Or at least that has been the case during the preseason.

While it is smart for the Hawks to exploit no hockey teams in markets such as Milwaukee and Indianapolis, the network is still not set up with a digital signal in those cities. Until that is established, those markets with a potential decent following cannot watch Blackhawks games unless the game is on TNT or ESPN.

They did strike a deal with Direct TV which is a start. The over-the-air option is a neat idea. A stand-along streaming service would be a great fall back for those that live in Wisconsin and an Indiana who will not be within range to get the over-the-air signal.

Heck, it would be a great option to be available for Indianapolis and Milwaukee right now to get around the blackouts on ESPN+.