Hawks, WGN in 3-year radio deal

The Blackhawks expect to have a better product on the ice next season, and they took a big step Wednesday toward spreading the word about it.

Calling it ''a big step forward in the new direction of this franchise,'' Hawks president John McDonough announced that the team's games the next three seasons will be carried on WGN-AM (720). Hawks games had aired on WSCR-AM (670) since the 2000-01 season.

''WGN Radio is one of the most powerful and prestigious stations in the country and will play an integral role in delivering our great product to as wide an audience as possible,'' McDonough said in a joint statement released by the team and the station.

''The legendary power and reach of WGN will expose our brand to a new generation of fans at a perfect time in the team's history,'' added Jay Blunk, senior vice president of business operations.

WGN's 50,000-watt signal reaches 38 states and Canada and offers live Internet streaming worldwide.

''WGN and the Hawks represent the essence of life in Chicago, and we're thrilled to bring our listeners the excitement of Blackhawks hockey,'' said Tom Langmyer, vice president and general manager of WGN Radio.

The radio switch follows a dramatic change in the Hawks' TV policy, also instituted since Rocky Wirtz took over as team chairman after the death of his father, Bill, who opposed the televising of home games. All 82 games next season will get TV coverage on WGN-Channel 9, Comcast SportsNet, NBC or Versus.