Introducing: Paint It Blackhawks

Great attitude. Consummate team player. Tenacious. Tremendous upside. Complete package. Phenomenal hands. Versatile. Tantalizing mix of speed, skill and outstanding hockey sense.

Are the above descriptors that of a prototype Blackhawk player both Coach Quenneville and GM Bowman would covet and sign, respectively, in a heartbeat?

While that may be true, in actual fact, this is the profile of the newest Chicago Blackhawks hockey writer – Christopher Ralph – here at “Paint It Blackhawks“!

I currently have my own blog, The Hockey Spy, as well as writing at The Hockey Writers (THW). I am extremely ecstatic to be now covering the Blackhawks here at “Paint It Blackhawks” as part of the Fanball Sports Network. This Original Six team obviously possesses a rich history and is now setup to have a brilliant future. Beyond that though, this is a fantastic time to be a fan of the Blackhawks right now, with the exciting blend of youth and experience the organization has assembled.

The Rolling Stones iconic song, Paint It Black, after its signature riff leads off with the lyrics:

“I see a red door and I want to paint it black

No colours anymore I want them to turn black”

The optimist in me interprets the meaning of these lyrics to be a foreshadowing of the maturation and evolution of the talented Blackhawks in their quest to reach the next level and emerge as an elite NHL team. The “red door” refers to long time rival Detroit Red Wings. The ‘Hawks will have to break down the Red Wings door after painting it “Blackhawk”! “Paint it Blackhawks” will from here on in refer to the smack down the ‘Hawks will bring to whatever NHL opponent attempts to stand in the way of the quest for Lord Stanley’s Cup. “No colours anymore I want them to turn black” again foresees that at the end of the playoff hockey journey, there will be all but one who will be champions – none other than the Chicago Blackhawks! Optimistic – yes indeed! Realistic shot – you bet!

It’s been an intriguing off-season, to say the least, for the Blackhawks. Stay tune to “Paint It Blackhawks” as I dissect, infiltrate and report on all things Blackhawks. I will be analyzing off-season maneuverings by the franchise and previewing the upcoming season in the near future. I specialize in covering prospects and the entry draft so expect extra attention paid to these areas. Join me and stay tuned as we embark on this Blackhawk hockey adventure.

Wayne Gretzky once said: “A good hockey player plays where the puck is. A great hockey player plays where the puck is going to be.” I attempt to take readers not just where hockey and the Blackhawks are right now, but where they are going in the future.

Feel free to comment below or email me at hockeyspy@gmail.com for anything Blackhawk, hockey or sports related.

Tags: Chicago Blackhawks, Introduction, Jonathon Toews, NHL