1. What part of Jokiharju's game has been the most impressively surprising so far? - Frankie L. from Hanover Park, IL
Hi Frankie!
What has impressed me most? How about everything! 5 points in his first 3 games as a 19-year-old in the NHL... are you kidding me!? I was trying to figure out how to pass my math class and make it to practice on time at Wisconsin when I was 19.
He's lighting it up in the NHL, playing on a D-pairing with three-time Stanley Cup champion and two-time Norris trophy winner Duncan Keith, and he's on the first power play! I'd be so nervous if that was me, and he just slides into that position with so much poise.
I can't tell you how much confidence and belief in yourself that takes, not to mention a really high skill level. His skating ability is what really gives him that confidence and the ability to play at the high level. When you can skate and handle the puck like he can, you are able to get yourself out of high-pressure situations and make a smart play or a great breakout pass. The best part for all of us watching is that he's just going to keep getting better and gain more confidence with more reps in practice and more games under his belt. The sky is the limit for Jokiharju. Have fun watching him grow!
2. Past players seem to speak very fondly of their time with the Blackhawks organization, as if to say it is an organization like no other and a special place to play. Do you feel the same way and if so, can you speak about that a bit? Thanks! - Tara T. from Chicago
The Chicago Blackhawks are the best organization in the NHL, period! I played for two other teams in the NHL and nowhere compared to playing for the Blackhawks. From Rocky Wirtz and John McDonough on down to the staff, coaches, trainers and everyone involved, it doesn't get any better.
The atmosphere at the games is as good as it gets, and if a player on another team tells you he doesn't feel the energy in the building when he's playing because he's "too focused," he's lying. Look how many players left Chicago to go play for other teams, or took other jobs, and end up coming back to this organization... I'm one of them now!
All my buddies that left at some point in their careers always hoped they would get a chance to come back and play here again at some point. I promise you that. I was never able to come back and play for the Blackhawks after our 2010 Stanley Cup Championship, although I always really wanted to so bad! I am so excited now that I am able to be a back involved with this organization again. First class all the way. There is no place like it in the NHL!
3. You always mention Sharp. Do you guys hang out and what's he up to? - From Diane in Philadelphia, PA
I know Sharp is going to read this, so I don't want to give him too big of a head telling you how cool he is... But yes, Diane, he and I hang out a lot more now that he's all done playing and living back in Chicago (another guy that found his way back to the Blackhawks because he loved it here so much).
