Blackhawks turn tide in Windy City

0 Comments | USA TODAY, December, 2007 | by Mike Dodd

CHICAGO -- John McDonough recalls taking his standing-room-only spot in the second balcony of old Chicago Stadium as a youngster in the 1960s and '70s, cheering for the Blackhawks' Bobby Hull and Stan Mikita. He remembers the electricity in the arena as a packed house began applauding with the first note of the national anthem and the intimidating atmosphere the building created for opponents.

"There was a period of time in this town where hockey was bigger than any of the other sports," McDonough says. "Going to that big barn at Chicago Stadium was one of the unique sports experiences. People would actually dodge cars on Madison Avenue just to hear the anthem (inside)."

Three weeks ago, the 54-year-old executive renowned for his marketing accomplishments with...