This past weekend two of the newest Chicago Blackhawks, forwards Marian Hossa and Tomas Kopecky, made their first appearances in the Windy City since being acquired from the rival Detroit Red Wings. On Thursday Hossa and Kopecky were introduced to the fans at a press conference held at the United Center, then Saturday they participated in a Q & A session at the Second Annual Blackhawks Convention.

Hawks fans are notoriously some of the most knowledgeable and passionate in the city. For diehards, it's not enough just to watch the players on the ice; they want to get to know them off of it as well. So for those fans who can't bear to be out of the loop, here's a quick primer on the Hawks' new guys.

TOMAS KOPECKY (TAHM'-uhz koh-PEHT'-ske)

Born in Ilava, Czechoslovakia, the 27-year-old Kopecky has spent his entire NHL career with the Detroit Red Wings. Kopecky, who can play all three forward positions, saw the most ice time in his last two seasons, which included the Wings' Stanley Cup win in 2007-2008. Last season in Detroit the 6'3", 200 pound Kopecky had 19 points on six goals and 13 assists and notched 46 penalty minutes.

Kopecky has suffered several injuries in the last few years, including a broken clavicle that resulted from a scary collision with the boards in a 2006 game against the Blackhawks. In April of 2008 Kopecky tore his ACL, an injury that prevented him from playing in the playoffs of the Wings' Stanley Cup run. The right winger also missed this year's Western Conference Finals and Stanley Cup Finals after suffering a facial injury in a fight with Anaheim Ducks defenseman Francois Beauchemin.

Kopecky, nicknamed "Koko," is married with two boys, a five-year-old and a five-month-old. 

Top "Koko" Quotes From The Press Conference & Convention:

"I think this is my new Hockeytown, 'cause when I look around this is unbelievable."

(On his style of play) "I like to hit. I like to grind...[Get] the puck to the skill guys so they can do the dipsy-doodle and all that stuff."

(On his five-year-old son playing hockey) "He wants to be a goalie so bad, so I took him to the basement and I was shooting hard at him (laughs)...when it hits you it hits you hard...I'd love him to be whatever he wants but not a goalie."

(On the Hawks' goal song) "Somebody's gotta tell me that song that [we] are playing, (sings) Da da da da...I love it!"

(On adjusting to a new city) "I need to find a good kindergarten...I think these guys behind me (gestures toward pack of kids and laughs) they know where to go so, I might have to ask them..."

Kopecky Hits & Misses:

KOPECKY AND PATRICK SHARP GO TO BLOWS IN 2007

KOPECKY'S ILL-ADVISED BOUT WITH BEAUCHEMIN

 KOPECKY PUTS DENIS GAUTHIER THROUGH THE GLASS

MARIAN HOSSA (MAIR-ee-uhn HOH'-sah)

The most pursued free agent in the 2009 offseason, Hossa brings a singular talent to the Blackhawks. A native of Stara Lubovna, Czechoslovakia, the 6'1", 210 pound forward is a four-time NHL All-Star and was the top goal scorer for the Detroit Red Wings in his one season with the team. Hossa, aka "The Hoss," has also played for the Penguins, the Thrashers and the Senators. In each of the last two seasons, Hossa's team has come up short in the Stanley Cup Finals, so Chicago fans are hoping the third time's the charm. Hossa's durability is admirable; he has missed just 30 games in his nine NHL seasons. His brother, Marcel, was recently traded from the Rangers to the Coyotes. 

Top Quotes From "The Hoss" at The Press Conference & Convention:

"I have a girlfriend. This (points to Kopecky) is my second girlfriend--he follows me everywhere."

"Playing in this building...before the National Anthem...you get the goosebumps on your back when this building is going nuts. It's something really special."

Hossa Hits & Misses

HOSSA SCORCHES OLD TEAM WITH BRILLIANT GOAL

HOSSA HIGHLIGHT REEL

"THE HOSSA" SONG

If his first two appearances as a Blackhawk are any indication, it looks like Tomas Kopecky will be a very funny, very outspoken fan favorite. As for Hossa, his skills on the ice and the manner in which he carries himself will speak louder than words. If you can't enough of the new guys, just remember: the Hawks won't play their first regular season game until October 2, so you'll have plenty of time to learn even more about the team's new Slovakian sensations before the first puck drops.

Click to watch the full press conference and the complete Convention Q & A session.