Celeb Jersey Cards #56 Vince Vaughn & Billy Crystal

This is a regular series which combines my passion for trading cards with my interest in celebrities.  Today I pay homage to my beloved Blackhawks who won the Stanley Cup on this date in 2010.

Vince Vaughn grew up in Buffalo Grove, a suburb of Chicago, and has stayed loyal to his roots.  He can often be seen at Chicago sporting events.  Vaughn isn't just there to be seen; he's a real fan, too!  There are a bunch of pictures of Vaughn sporting various Chicago jerseys, but I think this worked best with the chosen card.

On the other end of the spectrum is Billy Crystal, a native New Yorker and a noted New York fan.  In City Slickers, Crystal sports a Mets cap.  In reality, he is more of a Yankees fan and has even batted once in a Spring Training game, which earned him his first Celebrity Jersey Card a while back.  Today's card comes from his role in Running Scared, a Chicago-based movie and one of my all-time favorites.

Friendly Encounters

This is a weekly series featuring friends who have met celebs.

When we last saw my old Sacred Heart classmate Mary Jovanovich Brazzale, she was posing with Bill Wennington (a former Bull who was wearing a Blackhawks jersey).  Mary went from posing with an NBA champion to posing with an NHL champ when she got a picture with Jonathan Toews of the Blackhawks.
Mary and her family are huge Blackhawks fans.  If she isn't at the game, she is probably watching it somewhere.
I always enjoy Mary's Blackhawks-related posts on Facebook.  Hopefully, in a few weeks, she will be posting another picture of her husband with the Stanley Cup, like she did last year.
I also always enjoy pictures from my old classmates.  I am hoping for more classmates to appear here, but I am pretty sure that Mary will make more appearances.  She seems to meet a lot of the players.  What is her secret?  Even with my press passes, I have a hard time meeting as many players.

 Mary Jovanovich Brazzale and Jonathan Toews in Chicago, IL-Early 2011.

Murray Baaaaaaannerman

Murray Bannerman spent 7 seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks, playing twice in the NHL All-Star game. 
Bannerman came to the Hawks from the Vancouver Canucks.  He shared the goaltender position with future Hall of Famer Tony Esposito for four years, but he gained more playing time each season.  Taking over for a legend like Tony O is never easy, but Bannerman performed quite well and made his own mark in the Hawks history.
Bannerman was also quite popular, in part because of the great calls by Hawks announcer Pat Foley.  Any Hawks fan from that era should fondly remember Foley's excited shout of  "Baaaaannnnnnnnerrrmannn" for every big save the goalie made.
When I met Bannerman, He talked very fondly of his time with the Hawks.  He loved playing in the old Chicago Stadium and was proud to have played with Esposito.  Like many ex-hockey players, he seemed genuinely touched by the number of fans and their continued fandom for former players.

Murray Bannerman and me in Highland Park, IL-Spring 2010.

Old Times at the Chicago Stadium

Thirty years ago today, the Toronto Maple Leafs beat the Chicago Blackhawks 7-4 at the old Chicago Stadium.  The crowd numbered 14395 and I was one of them.
We got to the game early and I took some pregame pictures of the players skating.  During the game, I occasionally moved closer for a better picture of in-game action.  Of course, "better" is a relative term considering the cameras of the day.  Still, I was excited to have pictures of my Blackhawks.
In the picture below, if you strain your eyes, you can see a ref, four Maple Leafs and two Blackhawks.  For the Leafs, #23 is Dave Farrish and #19 is Bill Derlago.  For the Hawks, #10 is Reg Kerr and #8 is Terry Ruskowski.  Kerr is not wearing a helmet, as was his choice back then.
I am surprised that I did not keep track of who the other two Leafs are.  Yes, I am usually that obsessed with details.
As always, I love this old pictures.  The pictures are never clear and sharp, but the memories of my youthful sports fandom are.

The Toronto Maple Leafs versus the Chicago Blackhawks in Chicago, IL-February 22, 1981.

Friendly Encounters

This is a weekly series featuring friends who have met celebs.

Sal is a fellow Aquarian, blogging, hockey fan from Chicago.  Actually, Sal runs several interesting sites, but more on that later.  Today, I am featuring Sal's friendly encounter at the Blackhawks Training Camp Fest in 2010.
Sal met quite a few former and current Blackhawks and the Stanley Cup, too!  His reports can be found on Puck Junk.  There are also quite a few great pictures there.  It looks like Sal had a great time.
As I mentioned, Sal does a few sites.  Along with Puck Junk, Sal also does Sal's Hockey Autographs and his own portfolio site.
He also creates virtual hockey cards on Sal's Custom Hockey Cards.  This site is full of great cards that Sal created for various reasons.  Some cards are for friends.  Some serve to give a player a card that was missed by the card companies of the time.  Others are fun cards created for fictional characters, like the Youngblood cards pictured on the right side.  Peter Zezel, Rob Lowe and Patrick Swayze are given cards based on their roles in Youngblood.  Awesome!
I appreciate Sal sharing his stuff here.  I really enjoy his work on all of his sites.  I am sure if you check them out, you'll enjoy them as much as I do.

Eric Daze in Chicago, IL-Fall 2010.

Friendly Encounters

This is a weekly series featuring friends who have met celebrities.

This is a very special Friendly Encounter.  To be honest, I never even knew Griffin Bohan, today's friend.  I wish I did though.  He was a great kid.
I first heard of Griffin through a report by NBC 5's Paula Faris.  Griffin was a beautiful 6 year old boy who had a rare brain tumor.  One of Griffin's wishes was to meet a player from the Blackhawks.
Jake Dowell of the Blackhawks granted Griffin's wish by visiting him in his home.  The Bohan family also went to a Hawks game and met up with Dowell again.
Little Griffin lost his battle on January 1, 2011.  He went much too soon and endured much too much.  He was a happy and brave child right to the end.

If you would like to help the Bohan family:
For Cards
The Bohan family
PO Box 3073
Greenwood Village, CO 80155

For Donations (payable to "Friends For Griffin")
North Shore Community Bank & Trust
4343 West Peterson
Chicago, IL 60646

Griffin Bohan (in stroller), Jake Dowell (in suit) and the rest of the Bohan family in Chicago, IL-December 2010.

Friendly Encounters

This is a weekly feature highlighting friends who have met celebs.

Today is a very special Friendly Encounters.  It features one of my classmates through 8 years at Sacred Heart school.  Back then, she was Mary Jovanovich.  Now she is Mary Brazzale, mother of two teenagers.
Mary was Class President in 8th grade and voted "Most Athletic" by our class.  She was well-liked by all and was funny, friendly, smart and everything you'd want in a classmate friend.
We went to different high schools, but I would see her around the neighborhood occasionally.  Unfortunately after high school, I lost track of most of my Sacred Heart classmates, including Mary.
A few months back, several of us reconnected on Facebook.  It was great to see Mary and her family. 
Mary and her family are big Hawks fans (her husband got to hold the Stanley Cup!).  At one of the games last season, Mary ran into Bill Wennington (who won some titles with the Chicago Bulls a few years back).  Mary was gracious enough to share the photo here.
I appreciate Mary sharing her photo here.  I can't believe so much time passed, but I am happy to see that Mary is doing well.

Mary Jovanovich Brazzale and Bill Wennington in Chicago, IL-May 2010.

Friendly Encounters

This is a weekly feature highlighting friends who have met celebs.

Today's featured guest is celebrating a birthday.  The big guy is eleven (going on 16).  I have had the pleasure of knowing him almost since birth and I was with him at a memorable Hawks game.
Last season, Laurie scored some great seats for a Blackhawks game against the Los Angeles Kings.  The seats were on the glass, about even with a face-off circle.
We all had a great time, but Jake probably had the game experience of his life.  Before the game, one of the Hawks flipped a puck over the glass right to Jake.  He later flipped another for Jake's pal.
During the intermission, we all met Keith Carney, a former member of the Blackhawks who was their alumni-signer of the night.  Carney signed pictures and pucks for us and posed for pictures, too.  He was great.
On the way back to our seats, we ran into Tommy Hawk, the Hawks mascot.  Laurie alertly snapped the picture.  Tommy had some fun with the boys by placing his "wings" over their faces.  (It didn't prevent this from becoming a 'Friendly Encounter' though.)
As for the game itself, the Hawks won 3-0.  Pre-game, there was a celebration honoring Hawks Hall of Famer, Denis Savard.  The United Center crowd was at a fever pitch throughout the night.
Jake's night of excitement did not end with the final horn.  One of the Hawks staff called Jake over and handed him the broken stick used by Kings goalie Jonathan Quick.
Like I wrote, it was the game of his life.  Maybe I have grown up a bit, because I was happier for him getting the pucks and stick than if I would have gotten them (and I am a memorabilia nut).  It was great seeing his excitement and knowing he would remember this night always.
Happy birthday Jake.  I hope the next year is full of fun and wonder!

Tommy Hawk having fun with Jake and Jake's pal in Chicago, IL-March 2010.

Autograph Tales:Eddie Olczyk

Eddie Olczyk was born in Chicago and played on the 1983-84 US Olympic hockey team. That team had a tough act to follow, which was the 'Miracle on Ice'. Then, Olczyk joined his hometown Chicago Blackhawks. This would be tough, too.
A lot was expected from the local kid. He was a good player, but the Hawks of that era needed a lot more than him. Olczyk lasted 3 seasons in Chicago, before being traded to Toronto.
Olczyk ended up having a solid 16 year career, including a return to Chicago, splitting his last 2 seasons between the Wolves and the Blackhawks.
During Olczyk's first season with the Hawks, I wrote to him. At the time, he did not have a hockey card, but what he sent back was much cooler.
Olczyk took the time to hand-write a nice note on regular paper. He apologized for taking so long to reply and he thanked me for the support. This was such a classy thing to do, especially for an young player on the rise. Olczyk is a good guy and I had a lot of enjoyment following his career and listening to him broadcasting!

Here Come the Hawks, the Mighty Blackhawks

The defending Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks start their new season tonight. Over the last few years, the Blackhawks have really put themselves back on the scene in Chicago. Winning the Stanley Cup will put any team in the spotlight, but the Hawks momentum has been building for a few years.
One of the great things the Hawks have done is to embrace the past. They have brought back many ex-Hawks for signing appearances between periods during games. You probably wouldn't go to a game just to meet one former member of the Hawks, but it is a very nice bonus.
Last season, Laurie somehow got seats on the glass near the face-off circle. I eagerly checked their site to see who the Hawks alum was for the game and discovered it was Keith Carney.
Carney was never a superstar, but he spent 17 solid seasons in the NHL, 5 of them with the Blackhawks. In 2008, while playing for the Minnesota Wild, he became the oldest NHL player to score an overtime goal in the playoffs.
Carney was very friendly and seemed happy to be at the game. He eagerly posed for pictures and gave some kids extra signed photos in addition to the pucks they brought. It was a nice experience.
Things like this didn't help the Hawks win the Stanley Cup, but they have helped win back a fanbase which had really shrunk over the years. It has really been a pleasuure watching the turnaround.

Keith Carney and me in the United Center in Chicago, IL-March 2010.

Friendly Encounters

This is a series dedicated to my friends meeting celebs.

I can't believe that a blogging buddy in Calgary got his picture with the Stanley Cup and Jordan Hendry before I did! Oh well, at least I can live vicariously through Kolin!
Kolin is the hockey fan behind Hockey Freaks I and Hockey Freaks II (and actually some other blogs and a YouTube channel). All of his sites are fun and interesting and certainly worth checking out. He has appeared here before, sharing some great hockey photos.
Recently, Kolin met Jordan Hendry, a member of the Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks (I love that phrase). Kolin met Hendry without the Cup, but decided to return later to see the trophy. The wait was worth it, as Kolin and his wife Connie were able to pose with Hendry and the Cup. How cool is that?
You can read Kolin's firsthand account here. The whole story and the pictures are awesome. I just appreciate Kolin sharing his experience on Johngy's Beat.

Kolin and Connie Walters and Jordan Hendry (and the Stanley Cup) in Nokimis, SASK, Canada-June 2010.

Taking Care of Business:Dave Dryden-Part 2

A couple days ago, I wrote Part 1 of a series of pieces on Dave Dryden, former goalie and current driving force behind Sleeping Children Around the World (SCAW). My original goal was an online piece for Global Traveler (which ran Wednesday), but I had so much material that I had to share it on this site.
Dave went from stopping hockey pucks to helping children around the world sleep better through SCAW, the organization his father had started in 1970. Last year, SCAW achieved the original goal of one million bedkits distributed. Having passed that milestone, I asked Dryden what was next.
Now that we have achieved the one million bedkits we have spent much time this year looking forward through a Strategic Planning process. What we have learned is that it is more than just about setting another target number. Yes, it is important that we reach another million children, but it is even more important HOW we do this. We encourage giving from the heart, not from a guilty conscience. If we can be a trusted conduit for donors who really want to help kids, then we will feel that we are doing our best.
Dryden told me about previous bedkit recipients coming out to meet the SCAW group many years later to thank them again and how awesome it feels to see their happiness and love. Dryden's genuine passion comes through clearly when he describes how this sort of validation and motivation really "turns his crank".
I couldn't let Dryden go before I asked him about his career. For his favorite memories, he mentioned playing against his brother, his first game (when he was called from the stands to fill in for Gump Worsley), playing with Bobby Hull and Wayne Gretzky and playing in an All-Star game with Gordie Howe against the Russians.
He also was instrumental in improving goalie equipment. Dryden said, "I loved inventing and improving my 'tools'. So I got a great thrill from redesigning my gloves, pads and of course designing the first cage-mask combination."
Dryden said his hockey career was more than he could have expected. He also said his teaching career was fulfilling and satisfying (although demanding). After teaching, when he returned to hockey as an Injury and Equipment Consultant, he found that interesting. Finally, his involvement with SCAW has been a thrill. Clearly, Dryden is a special man who loves what he does and gives it his heart.
Dryden says he still receives hockey cards (for autograph requests) through the mail and is amazed by it. He is also amused by the many pictures (some of which he has never seen before) sent to him. Recently, his grandchildren uncovered a gem on YouTube, Wayne Gretzky's first goal...right past Edmonton Oilers goalie Dave Dryden!
Also on YouTube is the rest of my interview with Dave Dryden. We talked about the Blackhawks recent Stanley Cup win, a bit more on SCAW and of course, Wayne Gretzky's first goal.
I really would like to thank Dave Dryden for his time and consideration. It was a thrill speaking to him. I enjoyed following his playing career (even after he left my beloved Blackhawks) and collecting his hockey cards (many of which he later signed (through the mail) for me. It has been a pleasure learning about Sleeping Children Around the World. Dryden is a fascinating man. Please, check out SCAW when you have a chance. It truly was my honor doing this.

Guest Blog

The Chicago Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup a couple weeks ago. The drive through the playoffs and the championship victory brought out emotions and excitement everywhere. I am so proud and pleased to present a guest blog which captures the feeling and expresses the emotions so eloquently. It was written by LD, whose writing I have enjoyed for years. My words cannot do her or her writing justice, so here it is.

The Blackhawks phenomenal win of the Stabley Cup has sent the Chicagoland residents into a whirlwind of euphoria.
For me, it runs deeper.
I grew up on the grittiness of the Hawks of the 70s--the ultimate sports underdogs. Hockey was the antithesis of the squeaky-clean sports of baseball and basketball. Hawks fans emulated their beloved team's grit and gusto. As a hockey spectator, you bought into an emotional rollercoaster and could count on just as many fights breaking out in the stands as on the ice. They were tough, rough, and uncouth, like some band of boys raised on the mean streets of Chicago and tumbling into a profession that embraced their keen street skills. These emotions, the attitudes this sport elicited, suited my dad perfectly. My dad, an immigrant who felt he landed on the wrong side of the coin toss in life, felt as if the Hawks sluiced the ice just for him.
As a kid, when I heard the iconic Hawks opening song, "Here come the Hawks, the mighty Blackhawks..." (YouTube, please), I would rush from whatever room I was in and slide onto the carpet near my dad who relaxed by lying sideways propped on his arm. I'd hunker down with my Barbie dolls, more interested in hanging with my dad than watching the game. "Shoot! Shoot!" My dad uttered over and over until it was done. He'd laugh devilishly when fights broke out and a Hawk gave it to the other team. If blood emerged, so the better. When they scored, my father would rocket up, rubbing his hands together rapid enough to emit sparks while hoopin' and hollerin'. Their victory was his victory.
My dad passed away six and a half years ago, but he's with me when I find myself doing the things he also loved. I feel him when I am bunched down pulling weeds and feel the soil grit in my nails. I feel him when I cook for people and see the joy in their faces as I serve them.
Throughout the winning playoff game, I heard myself scream, Shoot! Shoot!" over and over as I lay out on my mom's carpet. But most of all I felt him as I witnessed Kane rocketing that puck in a blink right passed the Flyers goalie. His beloved Hawks did it! This is for you pops, I said to myself as we hooped and hollered around the house.
I slipped into my car to head home and the radio announcers were high on the Hawks victory. And then I heard it..."Here come the Hawks, the mighty Blackhawks" sounding scratchy and dated like an old LP. I got chills as I drifted back to the living room floor years back.
They made it, dad. They made it. Enjoy.

Johngy Meets King Kong

Jerry "King Kong" Korab was traded from the Chicago Blackhawks to the Vancouver Canucks after the 1972-73 season. I was too young to have seen him much during his time with the Hawks, but I knew I liked him as a player. The Hawks got Dale Tallon in return for one of the rare trades when 2 of my favorite players were traded for each other.
I was excited about talking to Korab at AU Sports. Hockey players are usually the most respectful and appreciative of all athletes. Blackhawks from my youth have a special place in my heart and mind.
We talked about his time in Chicago and how he didn't want to leave here. Still, it was better for his career, as the Blackhawks suffered through the 70's. At 6'3" and 220 pounds, Korab was one of the toughest players, although he didn't pile up ridiculously high penalty minutes. He said he wasn't really that feared (self-deprecation). While he is older and smaller now, pound for pound, he still looks pretty tough.
It was a thrill meeting Korab. AU Sports hosts many such events. You always have plenty of time to actually talk to each guest of honor at AU. Behind us in the picture is just part of the famous wall of cards at AU Sports.

Jerry Korab and me in Niles, IL-March 2010.

They Called Him Stosh

For 22 seasons, Stan Mikita gave Chicago Blackhawks fans plenty of excitement. In his second season, the Hawks won the Stanley Cup. While the Hawks haven't won the Cup since, Mikita racked up quite a few honors during his career.
When he retired he was #2 on the all-time scoring list (Gordie Howe was #1). Mikita won the Hart Trophy (player most valuable to his team), the Ross Trophy (scoring leader) twice and the Lady Byng trophy (sportsmanship). Mikita is the only player in NHL history to win all three awards during the same season. He has also won the Patrick trophy (contribution to hockey). He had his #21 retired by the Hawks and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1983.
Mikita did all of this and was often overshadowed on his own team by Bobby Hull. Yet, Mikita never complained. He simply went out every game and produced.
It was exciting to meet him with my nephew Matt. Matt never saw Mikita play, but he understands and appreciates the older stars. I always get a special thrill out of Hawks from my youth, but meeting Mikita was like meeting hockey royalty.
I'll close with some random trivial notes about Mikita. He is #3 (behind Alex Delvecchio and Steve Yzerman) on the list of longest career with only 1 team. the infamous Mikita's Donuts from Wayne's World, existed only in the film.

Stan Mikita, Matt Parker and me in Mokena, IL-Fall 2008.

Here Come the Hawks, the Mighty Blackhawks

Has hockey slid that far off of my radar? When did the NHL season start? I just found out the Hawks are 2-2 with 5 points. Does this speak of my interest? Is it the general coverage of the NHL?
I grew up loving the Hawks. Those players from the 70's will always be my favorites (as I have written here several times).
I thought the Hawks were regaining the love of Chicago. Maybe I just missed the coverage, but I do listen a fair amount of time to WSCR (sports radio).
While I am trying to catch up on the state of the current Hawks, I will highlight one of my old favorite Hawks. I met Ivan Boldirev at AU Sports.
My fellow blogger KC (of the newly renamed Hockey Freaks.ca) might try to claim Boldirev as a Flame, but he will always be a Hawk to me. Well, since yesterday was Thanksgiving in Canada, maybe we can share Boldirev. (Fans of the Red Wings should not take this as a sign that we will allow you to claim him as a Wing!).
Anyway, when I met Boldirev, I got the same wave of warm nostalgia that I always get when meeting the Hawks of my youth. I thanked him for the effort on some bad teams. I told him how his was one of my first hockey cards (still have it). He looked great and seemed happy to be surrounded by fans of yesteryear.

Ivan Boldirev and me in Niles, IL-Summer 2009.

A Tale of the Hawks and Wings

The Detroit Red Wings beat my Chicago Blackhawks to advance to the Stanley Cup finals. The Hawks had a great season and appear to be set to have a bright future.
When I was in Novi recently, I happened upon another convention. There was Ted Lindsay, one of the all-time great Red Wings. I couldn't pass up the chance to meet this legend. Apparently it was late in the show, because most of the crowd was gone. I had a little extra time to talk to the Hall of Famer.
At the time, the Detroit-Chicago series had not started. I joked with him that I really admired his playing career, but I was still solidly behind my Hawks. He reminded me that he played 3 of his last 4 seasons with the Hawks.
I had forgotten that a dispute with the management in Detroit, over his efforts to form a union, led to his being traded to the then-last place Hawks. Lindsay retired after 3 seasons in Chicago, where he helped the team reach the playoffs twice.
He came out of retirement several seasons later for one last run with the Wings. Naturally, he helped them reach the playoffs.
Lindsay is another of the great hockey players of the past who are simply classy gentlemen. It is always a pleasure to meet an NHL great!

Ted Lindsay and me in Novi, MI-May 2009.

Dennis Hull:The 4th Best Hull?

The Blackhawks beat the Vancouver Canucks last night and will be playing in the conference finals. Their opponent will either be the Detroit Red Wings (who lead the series) or the Anaheim Ducks (who are no longer 'Mighty').
Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting Dennis Hull, who was a star with the Blackhawks and finished his career with the Red Wings. Hull, the underappreciated brother of Bobby, played in 5 NHL All-Star games and carved his own legacy in the NHL.
When I met him, I mentioned his book, The Third Best Hull. Hull's book is based on his joke that he was not as good as brother Bobby or Bobby's son Brett and that he would be the fourth best Hull, if they let his sister Maxine play! Hull joked that I must be the person who bought the book (note all singular there). Actually, it was quite a good book.
The most interesting story was about how Hull stayed on the roster in his rookie year. Hull was sitting on the bench during a game, when Bobby came over and told him to jump on the ice to take his place. Back then, there was some rule that once you actually appeared in a game, you had to stay on the active list for a certain number of games. The Hull's had basically forced the Hawks into keeping Dennis for a while.
Dennis would go on to have a very good career. Some people say his shot was even harder than Bobby's legendary shot. Hull was part of the successful MPH line (with the late Pit Martin
and Jim Pappin).
It was great meeting this Hawks legend. Hull's warmness and humor really come through as he speaks to everyone. He's not a Hall of Fame player, but he is a Hall of Fame person!

Dennis Hull and me in Willowbrook, IL-March 2009.

Jim Pappin (the P in M.P.H.)

I have a special soft spot for the Blackhawks of my youth. The teams were never really great, but I recall the players fondly.
One of those Hawks was Jim Pappin. Pappin came to the Hawks before the '68-69 season in a trade for Pierre Pilote. Pilote was a Hawks legend, but nearing the end of his career. Pappin played 7 very good seasons in Chicago, averaging more than 30 goals a season.
Pappin was part of the famous M.P.H. line, along with Dennis Hull and (the late) Pit Martin. This line was exciting and productive.
As usual with older hockey players, it was a pleasure to meet Pappin. He was genuinely happy to see his fans. I surprised him by mentioning that I remembered seeing him with the old California Golden Seals and the Cleveland Barons.
I just love these old hockey memories!

Jim Pappin and me in Willowbrook, IL-March 2009.

Young Hawk Andrew Ladd

As I have lamented here before, the Chicago Blackhawks of my youth were not very good. The Hawks had a brief resurgence in the late 80's-early 90's period, but then fell on hard times, really, really hard times. Now infused with some great young talent, the Hawks are on the rise again.
Left winger Andrew Ladd was picked #4 overall in the 2004 NHL draft by the Carolina Hurricanes. The Hawks were fortunate to get him midway through the 07-08 season. At only 23, Ladd is on the verge of becoming an outstanding player for the Hawks.
I have always said that on average, hockey players are the most polite of all sports stars. I don't know if it is because they are not used to a lot of notoriety or some other reason. However, if Ladd and the Hawks keep improving, nototiety will not be an issue much longer.

Andrew Ladd, Matt Parker and me in Mokena, IL-January 2009.