It’s of little surprise to anyone these days that the Blackhawks are on the up and up as far as popularity is concerned in the city of Chicago. Putting home games back on TV again has had a lot to do with it, as has marketing guru John McDonough and young stars Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane. (And hey: look how nice these guys are!) It’s cool to like hockey again. I think.

But I wasn’t aware the Hawks were doing this well:

During John McDonough’s first year as team president, season-ticket sales increased more than 300 percent, from about 3,400 last season to more than 14,000 this year. Sponsorships are up 45 percent, and ratings on Comcast SportsNet have seen a 150 percent increase.

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A fan base that had all but abandoned the team has returned with a vengeance. The Blackhawks lead the National Hockey League in attendance, averaging 21,475 at the United Center and outdrawing the Bulls for the first time since before the Michael Jordan era.

And merchandise sales are up an astonishing 234 percent, highest among the 30 NHL teams.

The Hawks are outdrawing the Bulls and lead the league in attendance. Wow. Next you’re going to tell me they’re playing a game at Wrigley Field on New Year’s Day against the Red Wings, only expanding their popularity and national appeal. Wait, they are?

Well I’ll be damned.