CHICAGO, September 2, 2008 –WGN-TV will air a total of 20 regular season Blackhawks games during the 2008-2009 season. The first Hawks broadcast on “Free TV” will be Saturday, October 11 vs. the 2007 NHL MVP Alexander Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals.

On October 25, the Hawks battle the Stanley Cup champion and long-time nemesis Detroit Red Wings. On November 26, last year’s rookie-of-the-year Patrick Kane, star center Jonathan Toews and the Hawks will face long-time fan favorite Jeremy Roenick and the San Jose Sharks out west. Then, on November 28 and 29, Chicago stays in California to play Anaheim and Los Angeles.

Then tune in to see Brian Campbell, goalie Cristobal Huet and the rest of the Hawks newcomers bring it to Detroit on December 6 and April 11.

On February 14 and 21, watch the Dallas Stars take on the Blackhawks before the Hawks come back for four straight Sunday home games on WGN-TV in March — March 1, 8, 15 and 22.

Long-time Hawks announcer Pat Foley returns to the booth this season and is joined by former Hawks star Eddie Olczyk. WGN Sports’ Emmy Award-winning production team will be producing all broadcast games. WGN was the original TV home of the Chicago Blackhawks from 1961-1975.