Bears Honor Rocky, Ladd Retires, Why Chelios Wore 7, Habs Leaders, and Other Blackhawks Bullets

Today is the 22nd anniversary of one of the darkest days in the history of this country. I woke up shortly before watching the tragedy in New York City unfold on television in my college dorm room. When I heard about the attack on the Pentagon and other potential threats, my first phone call was to one of my best friends at the Naval Academy. I knew a gentleman on one of the planes from my church and a couple people who worked in the World Trade Center buildings who thankfully escaped. So today I’m especially mindful of those who lost a loved one, and those who continue to suffer from the impact of that day.

  • The Blackhawks’ prospects will be on the ice at Fifth Third Arena on Wednesday warming up for the Tom Kurvers Prospect Showcase this coming weekend in Minnesota. I’m really excited to see which players are on the roster and how they all look together on the ice. There are some good players making the jump to the professional ranks this season — Ethan Del Mastro, Nolan Allan, Colton Dach, Marcel Marcel — and some players who will head back to junior after a couple games against Wild and Blues prospects. And… Connor Bedard.
  • The Bears were… not good on Sunday. At least they weren’t as bad as the Giants? They knew how to get the crowd ready, though. With Richard Dent and Dick Butkus in attendance, the Bears honored Rocky Wirtz with a moment of silence before the game and then brought out Jim Cornelison to handle the national anthem. Unfortunately the play on the field did not earn the excitement the pregame festivities set up, but it was great to hear big Jim’s voice again. It certainly got me ready for the puck to drop in October!
  • Former Blackhawks forward Andrew Ladd called it a career on Sunday. Now 37, Ladd won two Stanley Cup championships, once with the Blackhawks (2010) and with Carolina (2006). The Blackhawks acquired Ladd from the Canes for Tuomo Ruutu in 2008 and he was immediately one of the veterans on the roster that knew what it took to win games. Many forget Ladd was a very good defensive forward; he finished 14th in Selke voting following the 2008-09 season. Ladd’s final numbers will show 1,001 regular-season games, 203 of which were for the Blackhawks. Wishing him all the best in what comes next!
  • I thought this was a great nugget from Charlie Roumeliotis from late last week after the Blackhawks announced they’re retiring Chris Chelios‘ No. 7 this season. I knew he wore 24 in Montreal, but Doug Wilson owned that in Chicago (and should forever more). I didn’t know he wore 21 his entire hockey life before joining the Canadiens because of Stan Mikita (that makes sense as a Chicago guy). Apparently 7 was available, so Chelios went with it.
  • Chelios spent a few good years early in his career in Montreal. Like that transition? On Monday morning the Canadiens announced their leadership group for the coming season. Nick Suzuki will remain the captain, while Brendan Gallagher and Mike Matheson will wear the “A” for the Habs.
  • Finally, we’re about to get into prospect season on the ice so why not enjoy some of it with the Cubs?
  • written by

    Tab Bamford has been writing about the Chicago Blackhawks for almost two decades. He joined Bleacher Nation as the lead Blackhawks writer in May 2022. Tab is a member of the and is the author of three books about the Blackhawks: (Triumph Books),"100 Things Blackhawks Fans Should Know &ꦦ Do 𝔉Before They Die" (Triumph Books) and "Chicago Blackhawks: An Illustrated Timeline" (Reedy Press, 202ℱ1). Find him on Twitter/X/Instagram/Threads at @The1Tab

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