So many Blackhawks jerseys. So many stories.
While in Berlin and Prague to cover the start to the Blackhawks’ season, I made it my mission to find out how many different Hawks jerseys — past or present — I could find.
So met some Hawks supporters — and their jerseys.
Jim Brunetti, 60, Villa Park
“When (Brandon Saad) was there the first time he was just a superstar,.” Brunetti said in Prague on Friday.
Shelley Leslie, 33, of Coventry, United Kingdom
“My maiden name is Murphy,” she said Friday in Prague of her Connor Murphy jersey. “So basically it’s my name.”
Thomas Gottschalk, 36, of Landshut, Germany
“My friend bought a new one so he gave this to me,” Gottschalk said in Berlin.
Laura Corlone, 49, of Ottawa
Her husband also had on a Koekkoek jersey. “We’re friends with his parents,” she said.
Dave, 50, and Sonja Daum, 49
Chicago is home for them but they came from Angola where they are working. Dave on why he’s wearing Shaw: “Scrappy, tough and always gets up.” Sonja on why Hossa: “Because we’re going to Prague.”
Dale Trinko, 59, of Pilsen
“Pat Foley’s ‘Niemi says no!’ he would yell out. No Niemi, no cup,” Trinko said in Prague.
Sebastian Gillipone, 50, originally from St. Malo, France, now living in Hamburg
He has been a Hawks fan since he was a boy, and this will be the first time he’s ever seen them in person. “Because there was no other name,” on why Tuomo Ruutu’s jersey. “Bought it at a garage sale in France.”
Richard Savrnoh, 35, Bratislav, Slovakia
Savrnoh pointed to his friend regarding the Artemi Panarin jersey: “He has all the jerseys.”
Todd Glassman, 39, of Logan Square
“He represents Chicago,” Glassman said of Dave Bolland. “He’s gritty. Highlight was one of the greatest moments in Chicago sports history. 17 seconds.”
Craig Bona, 35, of the West Loop
“He’s going to be the future of the Hawks,” he said of Alex DeBrincat.
Uwe Jaensch, 53, of Berlin
“He’s my hero,” Jaensch said of Jeremy Roenick. “He was a tough guy and is a great hearted person as well.”
Jason Kane, 38, of Naperville
“He’s my favorite player of all-time,” Kane said of Doug Wilson.
Jens Van Dort, 42, of Munich
“My friend made me wear it,” he said of the Corey Crawford jersey.
Nils Hockmamm, 28, of Duesseldorf
Saw his first NHL game in NYC 12 years ago, Rangers vs. Hawks. Chose to become a Hawks fan then. “I’m a fan of the iconic players. I just wanted to wear the jersey of a legend.”
Nick Haliotis, 46
“I liked his aggressiveness,” he said of Daniel Carcillo. “But I really like what he’s doing for head trauma.”
Annabelle Deutmann (left) and Melanie Wilkens, of Hamburg
Wilkens owns both Patrick Sharp jerseys. Wilkens: “I am so in love with him and so sad he retired.” Deutmann: “Not so much.”
Warren Henderson, 13, originally from Des Plaines
“I’m usually a Kaner,” he said, despite the Duncan Keith jersey. He’s now living in Naples, Italy, where his mother is stationed.
Torsten Luck, 22, who lives outside Berlin
“I was very disappointed he was traded to Pittsburgh,” he said of Dominik Kahun.
Steve Grabinski, 58, of New Lenox
Grabinski went to a bar on Madison Street years ago and hung out with Jeff Hackett, who knew a friend. A week later, the friend showed up with a gift. “Oh, yeah, Jeff gave me a jersey for you.”
