
Hockey fans, today isn’t just another day. Today is the day Blackhawk Up takes flight in a way it never has before. The torch has been passed, the bar has been raised, and the journey ahead promises to be one of the most exciting in site history.
I’m stepping in as the new site expert here at Blackhawk Up, and for me, this isn’t a job—it’s a homecoming. It’s the return to a place where my voice first found its power. But now, I bring with me experience, credentials, and a vision sharper than ever before.
And the timing? Couldn’t be better. The 2025–26 NHL season looms as one of the most important in the story of the Chicago Blackhawks’ rebuild. This isn’t just another step in the process. It’s a season where identities will be forged, prospects will prove if they belong, and the foundation of the next Blackhawks dynasty will begin to set in stone. And we’re going to cover every ounce of it like no one else can.
From the Old Blogosphere to the Big Leagues
When I first started writing about the Blackhawks back in 2010, the online hockey world was raw and unpolished—more “Wild West” than polished press row. If you had thoughts, you wrote them. That was it. Out of that era grew a vibrant community of passionate fans who built something special together.
In 2011, I took the reins at Blackhawk Up for the first time. The site was young. Fansided was young. And truthfully, so was I. But in those early years, the seed was planted. I discovered that writing about this team wasn’t just a pastime—it was a calling.
Fast forward to now: over a decade later, after stints with SB Nation, The Hockey Writers, CHGO Sports, Chicago Hockey Now, and even the legendary Hockey News, I’m back where it all started. Only this time, I’m armed with experience, a proven voice, and the credentials to go where fans can’t—behind the curtain.
Credentials, Commitment, and Coverage That Counts
My first taste of real access came in 2013, standing credentialed in the press box during the Stanley Cup Final. That’s when it hit me: this is what I want to do with my life. And I’ve been chasing it ever since.
Today, I enter my fourth season as a fully credentialed Blackhawks writer, with access to every home practice, morning skate, and game. That means Blackhawk Up won’t just recap the action—you’ll get real-time updates, locker-room quotes, and insights straight from the source. This isn’t speculation or second-hand reporting. This is on-the-ground coverage delivered directly to you.
But it doesn’t stop there. We’re raising the standard. We’re raising expectations. Here’s what’s in store:
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Morning Chirps: A daily must-read that delivers Blackhawks updates, NHL headlines, stats, history, and more—all before you finish your coffee.
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Game-Day Firepower: Instant news, analysis, and takeaways straight from practices, skates, and the United Center.
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Beyond the Ice: Roundtables, debates, deep dives, and fan Q&As that go past the scoreboard and into the heart of the team’s future.
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A Team Effort: With talented voices like Jim Lynch and Todd Welter joining me, Blackhawk Up won’t just be strong—it’ll be unstoppable.
This isn’t a hobby. This isn’t a side hustle. This is my livelihood, my passion, my craft. And I’m all-in.
Why This Season Matters
The Blackhawks stand at a crossroads. Connor Bedard, fresh off his rookie campaign, is no longer just a shiny prospect—he’s the cornerstone. The spotlight is on him as he takes the next step in becoming the superstar Chicago has been waiting for.
Behind him, the next wave of talent is bubbling up: Frank Nazar, Kevin Korchinski, Oliver Moore, and others ready to prove they can be part of the long-term core. Every shift, every game, and every roster move this year will answer one question: how close are the Blackhawks to being contenders again?
Make no mistake—this season won’t just shape the standings, it will shape the future. And we’ll be here to break it all down, bringing you not just the “what” but the “why” and the “how.”
The Blackhawk Up Promise
This is more than coverage. It’s storytelling. It’s insight. It’s connection. My promise is simple: we’re going to make Blackhawk Up the destination for Blackhawks fans who want more than the surface-level stuff.
The rebuild may be long. There will be setbacks, challenges, and moments of doubt. But there will also be breakthroughs, triumphs, and flashes of the greatness that’s coming. And when it does, you’ll have been along for the entire ride—every skate, every shift, every storyline.
So buckle up, Blackhawks fans. The road ahead is going to be thrilling, frustrating, inspiring, and unforgettable. And I couldn’t be more excited to cover it, with you right there with me.
This is Blackhawk Up. This is a new era. Let’s raise the bar together.