To get some basic knowledge of hockey, and the Blackhawks I decided to check out their website. While absorbing all the information I could on this new foreign subject, I came across an article about the Blackhawks training camp. Even though I’m pretty much clueless at this point, I’m able to figure out that training camp is preparing for the upcoming season. However, I wasn’t aware that they made a festival out of this. According to Jay Blunk the Senior Vice President of Business Operations “Fans are able to get an inside look at how a Blackhawks practice is run while also enjoying a festive atmosphere with the run, skate and street hockey tournament outdoors. We’re also excited to be giving 1,000 young fans the opportunity to meet a player and get their autograph.” I think this is a really exciting way to get the fans involved. Not only can people meet the players, but witness firsthand the hard work that goes into a sport that sometimes seems effortless. I also find this shocking. I know sports are different from the fine arts, but as a dancer I can’t imagine opening up our practice (rehearsal or technique classes) to the audience that comes to watch us in the final performance. After all a hockey game is a performance of all the work players have put into practice. I admire all the players on the team for taking that time, which could be considered private, and letting the fans see the inner workings of a professional hockey team.