Well, our buddy (not sarcastic) John McDonough is making more moves.  Dan Kelly was fired as play-by-play of the Blackhawks.  It certainly makes the room for Pat Foley, he of a quarter-century experience in the 'Hawks broadcast booth, to come back.  His contract with the Wolves expires after this season which in normal fashion, goes well beyond the regular season.

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/hockey/blackhawks/933387,CST-SPT-hawk06.article

It's funny how things get done by a team when they hire a guy that by golly gets things done.  We can truly appreciate what John had done for the Cubs all those years now that it's a little more easy to see when he's doing it from 1901 W. Madison instead of 1060 W. Addison.  I know, I know, he's a marketing guy, not a baseball guy.  But he's part of the reason why the Cubbies are a national draw and in my opinion the team that has the MOST fans of ANY MLB team OUTSIDE their geographic market.

I think it's already a done deal but it won't be announced until after the Wolves finished playing.  No need to rush guys, let's get title #4.  I mean come on, it's been SIX YEARS since you've won  :^).  Speculation has been abound since the announcement of the team's first fan convention that Foley coming back will be announced by then.  There is really no more need for speculation.  I thought that a couple months ago when we discussed it here, now I'm sure of it.

It's ironic the move happens now in that the last couple months, every time the Wolves would play Rockford (they're in a 2nd round playoff series with them now, up 2 games to 1) Pat would actually refer to Rockford's NHL parent club as the "Blackhawks".  For several months earlier in the season he would say, "the NHL affiliate in Chicago", as if he still had hard feelings.  He's also gone as far as to praise plays by Rockford players several times rather than just stating it once and moving on.  Since he already knows he's coming back (IMHO) guess he should start getting attached to some of those kids because they're certainly going to be playing at 1901 W. Madison come October.

Now, does Billy Gardner follow him back and make a 3-man TV booth (can't jetison Eddie Olczyk) or does Billy stay at the AllState?  I also expect Judd Sirott to come back to the Wolves.

What a whirl-wind set of events since June.  Kane drafted #1, a number of other acquisitions and signings, Toews certainly captain material (he's 19 years old) kids playing well at Rockford (thanks coach Haviland), Rocky takes over, Pulford put in the penalty box permanently, McDonough hired, games start on TV, excitement back, TV contracts signed for next season, games on WGN, now Pat Foley.  Next thing is to sign Brian Campbell and Langkow or Hossa on July 1st.