Blackhawks welcome back Sassone in a big way

While veteran hockey writer Tim Sassone is used to covering the news, Monday night he was part of the news.

Sassone, who has been out of action for two months while recovering from health issues, made his first return to the United Center since late February to take in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup playoffs as a guest of the Chicago Blackhawks. Sassone has covered the Blackhawks and the NHL for the Daily Herald since 1988,

The Blackhawks TV team of Pat Foley and Ed Olczyk made a point on the Comcast SportsNet broadcast to mention Tim’s return and welcome him back as he watched the decisive game between the Blackhawks and the Coyotes with his wife and son.

Chris Boden, who anchors the Comcast SportsNet pregame and postgame shows, was among the first who tweeted the news: “@CSNBoden: Welcome back to the UC, Tim Sassone. #Blackhawks.” Hawks fans, of course, joined in, including Janice @Lovethe88: “Hossa at the UC....Tim Sassone in the press box.....SCORE #Blackhawks!!!”

“It was great to see him back,” said Mike Spellman, who has been filling in for Sassone. “He stopped by the press box and it gave everyone a lift.”

Bob Verdi, the Blackhawks team historian writing in his “Between the Dots” postgame column at chicagoblackhawks.com, put Sassone in some special company in his report.

“A couple special guests were in the audience. Tim Sassone, who has covered the Blackhawks for the Daily Herald through thick and thin, was back in the building looking great after a brief illness. Meanwhile, Michael Jordan entertained friends while wearing a No. 19 Blackhawks jersey that he modeled in a group shot with his brothers in United Center bronze, Bobby Hull and Stan Mikita.”