I am Committed to the Indian

This logo used to mean nothing to me.

The Blackhawks used to be just a team in town that you couldn't follow on television and no one cared about.

If you had asked me two years ago to name three players on the team, I wouldn't have been able to name you two.

But this year it all changed.  And now, I'm back.

At first, it was something new and exciting.  After a brutal end to the Cubs season, I was just looking for something new.  At the same time, though, I told myself I wouldn't become emotionally invested.

The Bears were average.  The Bulls were bound to be bad.  Syracuse was providing nothing entertaining in the college football season.

And there were the Hawks, recently signing a new television and radio contract, with so much hype entering the 2008-2009 season.  They promised the organization had turned over a new leaf.  Bill Wirtz was dead.  Rocky Wirtz was in.  John McDonough and Jay Blunk came over from the Cubs to revamp the franchise.  They promised the team would actually be good.

I was intrigued.

This is coming from a guy who was actually happy that the NHL locked out for a year between 2004 and 2005.  I remember being thrilled because "I wouldn't have to watch that crap on SportsCenter".  

I hated hockey prior to this year, but not because I hated the sport itself.  I just hated how the Blackhawks used to be run and how it was a sport that my city couldn't get behind anymore.  Worse yet, I didn't fully understand the game.

Now, I can't get enough of it.

My dad and I watch every game.  We have already attended eight of them in person.  My dad purchased season tickets, and he's not alone.  The Blackhawks increased season ticket sales by 300 percent this season.  They lead the NHL in attendance.

If you've been to a game this season, then you know why it's no surprise this team has gone from an after thought to the talk of the town.  The games are exciting.  The experience is a blast.  The team is not just good, it's really good.

The players are likeable.  They're young and exciting.  Captain Jonathan Toews is just 20 years old.  Points leader Patrick Kane just turned 20.  They have two good goalies.  They have a bevy of speedy defensemen.  They have scorers on every line.  Did I mention they're young?

They're a team anyone can get behind.  They have the best logo in sports.  They have a passionate fan base that has come out of the woodwork to wear their colors proudly again.

I missed watching hockey over the last five days.  

I missed the passion and excitement I now get from watching hockey.  I missed the fast-paced action and the fog horn after goals.  I started this season a clueless observer.  Now, I'm not only watching the games, but I've found a new sports obsession.

I am committed to the indian.