Hall of Famer Delights His Fans

On Friday, December 9th, Morton’s at Wacker Place was buzzing with excitement. Yes, it was a sunny (albeit frigid) Friday, but such was not the cause of the cheer – U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Legend and former Chicago Blackhawk great Jeremy Roenick was in the building for Morton’s latest “Lunch with a Legend.” During the sold-out event in Morton’s private dining room, guests enjoyed a classic three-course lunch while Roenick sat in on ESPN 1000’s Waddle & Silvy’s live broadcast.

But prior to the broadcast and upon his arrival, Roenick was greeted by smiling, cheering fans as he made his way upstairs and down the hall. As he walked into the private dining room, guests erupted in applause. The fans listened intently once the broadcast began…until Roenick started talking about how much he loves and misses Chicago and the Blackhawks.

“The Blackhawks jersey is the best in all of sports,” said Roenick. “I should’ve been a Blackhawk my whole life.”

As Waddle & Silvy broke for commercials throughout the lunch, Roenick was quick to jump out of his seat and make his way around the room to talk to guests. By the end of the luncheon, he had visited and spoken with each table individually, in addition to inviting guests up to the broadcast desk for autographs and photos. One enthusiastic female fan even rolled up one of the legs of her pants, exposing a detailed ankle tattoo of Roenick’s face. Hockey fans are dedicated!

Throughout the broadcast, Roenick shared his incredible stories. He gave a detailed recap of his first day with the Blackhawks as a 150 pound, 18-year-old in the old Chicago Stadium who was nearly robbed as he left practice, and then he went on to talk about how the team has grown and changed since his time with them.

The Hall of Fame Legend, who also played for the Philadelphia Flyers, among other teams, was asked about his feelings towards the Blackhawk’s 2010 Stanley Cup win. While he was thrilled for the Hawks, he said it was painful to see the Flyers come so close.

“I was emotional for both cities,” said Roenick. “There’s no shame in crying or showing emotion. I’m passionate about all of my teams.”

Retired since August of 2009, Roenick now gives back to his community as much as he can, getting involved with the Special Kids Network and the Wounded Warrior Project on a regular basis and encouraging others (including athletes) to do the same.

From the excitement of the crowd to Roenick’s exuberant personality and captivating stories, this “Lunch with a Legend” was one that guests are sure to remember for years to come!

Reported by Lindsay Rafayko of Empower Public Relations

If you could sit in on a live “Lunch with a Legend” broadcast with the athlete of your choice, who would it be?