TV Uncertainty Spells Trouble For Blackhawks Fans With Time Ticking On Season Opener

Back in June, Blackhawks, Bulls and White Sox fans all got a chance to get excited about the announcement of a new TV network to watch their teams on. The “Chicago Sports Network” (CHSN) was announced as Chicago’s new TV station and was scheduled to take over beginning in October, with more decisions to be announced later.

That announcement came on June 3. It’s now the middle of September, and we’ve still heard next-to-nothing from the network and the teams about how to access the new local station. They did announce Friday morning that Pat Boyle, Caley Chelios and Tony Granato will be returning to the in-studio team for Blackhawks broadcasts.

However, with just a few weeks until the puck drops on the NHL regular season, a handful of questions are still left unanswered. CHSN’s website is still just a landing page that reads “Coming in October,” and the network has only divulged information in vague terms. A CHSN spokesperson said earlier this week that they planned to have an update “shortly.”

Additionally, the network made headlines when it was announced as an “over-the-air broadcast”, meaning it’s free for viewers. However, Scott Powers of the Athletic reported earlier this week that the network will require an antenna to use the over-the-air option. Obviously, most newer TVs don’t include a built-in antenna, but they’re available to purchase online.

CHSN also seems to be running out of time to sort out its plan for each subset of subscribers. A report from Jeff Agrest Thursday said the network is nearing a deal to take the place of NBC Sports Chicago for DirecTV subscribers. For other providers, nothing has been cleared up yet. The network is waiting for the Disney/DirecTV dispute to be settled before moving into other providers like Hulu Live TV, but with 18 days before it launches, there hasn’t been an official announcement yet.

Finally, the only detail that appears to be set in stone is bad news for the most avid of Blackhawks fans. Since Chicago Sports Network isn’t technically launching until October 1, that means the first three Blackhawks preseason games won’t be carried at all. WGN Radio plans to carry all six preseason games on the schedule, and CHSN is expected to provide the games on October 1, October 4 and October 5. Before they take over, Chicago is set to play the Red Wings twice and the Blues once. Obviously missing a few preseason games isn’t a huge deal for most fans, but it’s still a bummer for those eager to watch their team back in action in less than two weeks.

What once was supposed to be an exciting new feature for Blackhawks fans to enjoy has gradually turned into a nerve-wracking situation with just a few weeks until the season kicks off. The only news we’ve heard from CHSN is bad news, and that’s not a great sign for the Blackhawks’ new network.