Ton DeFrancesco
I started covering the Chicago Blackhawks in 2007 for IndianHeadNation.com and eventually on Twitter and now The Hockey Writers. Although I've never played at a professional level, I have followed the NHL religiously, analytically, and statistically since 1999, and a born fan since 1989. I have one true passion: HOCKEY.
Author's Posts
Bryan Bickell Signs Contract Extension with Chicago
July 1st, 2013 The Chicago Blackhawks have extended Bryan Bickell to a contract loosely identified as a four year deal worth $16 million total according to Mark Lazerus. Earlier in the day the Blackhawks traded Dave Bolland and Michael Frolik for draft picks in order to make room for Bickell. According to CapGeek, Bickell will earn $3...
Jonathan Toews Wins Selke
June 15th, 2013 The poll results are in and Jonathan Toews has been named the best defensive forward in 2013 after capturing the Frank J. Selke Trophy for the first time in his career. Patrice Bergeron of the Boston Bruins and Pavel Datsyuk of the Detroit Red Wings were the other two finalists in 2013. "When you're mentioned in the same...
Duncan Keith Suspended One Game
June 6th, 2013 Duncan Keith will serve a one game suspension for his slash against Jeff Carter in Game 3, meaning Sheldon Brookbank will suit up in Game 4 vs. the Los Angeles Kings. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ta74JytKbjA Keith admitted to "intentionally swinging his stick on Carter as Carter is skating away from him" says...Blackhawks Ink Finnish MVP Antti Raanta
According to Juha Hiitela of Urheilusanomat, the Chicago Blackhawks have signed Finnish goaltender Antti Raanta to a one year entry-level deal. Raanta, 24, led the SM-liiga in save percentage (0.943 SV%, third highest in league history), goals-against average (1.85 GAA), and ranked fifth in shutouts (5 SO), while compiling a...
Facts Every Blackhawks Fan Should Know Before Game Seven
May 29th, 2013 Here are a few fun facts to know before the Chicago Blackhawks take on the Detroit Red Wings in game seven of the Western Conference Semi-finals. Some include random facts, and I will also include a breakdown of each line and how they have produced in this series. 10 FACTS EVERY BLACKHAWKS FAN SHOULD KNOW BEFORE GAME SEVEN Joel...
Series Preview, Chicago Blackhawks and Minnesota Wild
April 30th, 2013 I will try and refrain from opinion and stick to fact. Below is a comparison of both teams. SEASON SERIES — The Blackhawks did well against Minnesota this year, taking the season series 2-0-1 and outscoring the Wild 8-6, including a 1-0 shutout with Ray Emery in net.Marian Hossa scored both game-winning goals for the...