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Blackhawks President John McDonough pushes staff to think bigger

By Teddy Greenstein | Tribune reporter

10:36 PM CST, February 2, 2009

The day after the Winter Classic, which drew high ratings on NBC and raves from those who witnessed it, Blackhawks President John McDonough huddled with fellow executives to discuss how they could have done it better.

"One, win," McDonough said, referring to Detroit's 6-4 victory over the Hawks. "Two, it would have been nice if the goal horn had worked [throughout the game].

"We're never, ever satisfied."

McDonough uses two words to challenge and motivate his 60-person staff: "Think bigger."

Big would have been signing a new radio deal. Bigger was partnering with WGN-AM 720, whose signal stretches to Canada on clear nights.

Big would have been putting a few home games on TV. Bigger was convincing Pat Foley to return to call every home game.

Big would have been boosting home attendance. Bigger is to sell out every seat for all 41 games and lead the league in attendance, goals within reach.

Big is pushing the NHL to award Chicago a draft. Bigger? Hosting an All-Star Game.

"We come from the Cubs, the top of the mountain," Hawks VP Jay Blunk said. "That's our reference point. Until we're as big as that, we're not going to be satisfied."

—Teddy Greenstein