Brown: A Thank You As I Say Farewell to the Blackhawks Beat

September marks the beginning of a new hockey season–another arduous August finally in the rear view mirror and soon players gliding around on a fresh sheet of ice readying for a new season–with new hope.

For me this year, though, it marks the end of my time with Chicago Hockey Now. A new job opportunity came along that was simply too good to pass up–and will be a terrific thing for myself and my family. But if you think it was a simple decision to walk away from this, that’s the furthest thing from the truth.

The truth is that the Blackhawks beat provided more than I could have ever imagined. Some new friendships, the thrill of covering a team through a season that swung between highs and lows along with seeing how the human element really is at the center of sports.

To thank everyone in this space would go far beyond the normal article length readers are accustomed to. But that’s where I’ll start because it was my motivation for over the past year.

Thank You To CHN’s Readers, Blackhawks Organization

Many started with me from day one. Others came around at various points. Whether we agreed or not, it never mattered to me. Knowing that people would read or subscribe to something I wrote regarding Blackhawks hockey was humbling enough. Being able to cover hockey games for free was a whole other.

It goes without saying that you’re appreciated and please keep on with Jim and Vinnie. Vinnie has done well since starting back in the Spring, and Jim is someone I’ve worked  with before and who knows his hockey.  He and Vinnie will do great things to keep CHN chugging along.

One other note: the Chicago Blackhawks Communications team were unbelievably kind and accommodating as I adjusted to the beat. That extended to others within the organization which included players, front office, coaches, and other staff who were always professional and kind.

I once wrote that one never knows what is next and perhaps this is a pause or more likely the conclusion of what had been a terrific three years covering the NHL.

If anything, it’s taught me that life really surprises when you least expect it. After all, I never would have thought my kids would be running around with Blackhawks shirts on, snatching my phone to blare the goal horn while they played mini-sticks in the basement. The same kids baptized with water from melted ice from the Joe Louis Arena.

But that’s what makes life great–the unpredictable element that brings a new joy to what can be a daily grind. From covering Connor Bedard’s first home game to–speaking of surreal–hearing the United Center crowd roar when Patrick Kane buries an overtime game winner–in a Red Wings sweater. What an incredible time I had.

And it shows again just how wonderful life really can be. I thank you–and wish you all the best.