The Blackhawks hosted the NHL Draft for the first time this weekend, and it appears to have been a success.
The draft and “Fan Fest” brought in a record 47,514 fans to the conjoined events.
While prospects anxiously waited to hear their names called inside the United Center in front of a sell-out crowd, fans who were unable to get tickets could watch the action unfold outside.
Fan Fest, which celebrated 100 years of the draft, had live music, food and activities.
It included a variety of shooting and puck-handling drills, and they could see just how accurate their slap shots are. Fans also could play street hockey in two inflatable rinks.
There was also an opportunity to take a picture with the Stanley Cup and receive autographs from a few Blackhawks, including Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews. While the pictures didn’t cost money, they did come at a price. Some fans said they stood in line for nearly two hours before they reached the front of the line.
Follow me on Twitter @madkenney.
Email: mkenney@suntimes.com
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