CHICAGO — The Blackhawks could break their record for consecutive victories Tuesday night, but the mark pales in comparison to the streak of their biggest fan.
Bob Gertenrich has attended every single Hawks home game since Jan. 23, 1966. His beyond-incredible streak stands at 2,293 consecutive games, and it almost certainly will continue Sunday at the United Center against St. Louis.
"I never thought I'd make it 50 years," Gertenrich said. "It's been a long time. It's amazing."
Gertenrich, 69, hopes the Hawks' current win streak still exists by the time they return home. Heading into Tuesday's game at Nashville, the Hawks have claimed 11 straight wins — tied with the 2012-13 Hawks' record streak.
"They have a lot of special players [this season]," Gertenrich said.
For years, Gertenrich had three season tickets at the old Chicago Stadium. He watched from Aisle 14, Section N, Row C, Seat 24. Since the United Center opened, he's also owned three season tickets — he's perched in Section 333, Row 1, Seat 18.
His original seats cost $2.50 apiece. Now each one sells for $90.
"It's a real party down there every night. It's great entertainment, especially in the wintertime," he said. "Even when they were bad, I wanted to go."
Gertenrich's Skokie condominium is filled with Blackhawks memorabilia. He's had the same red Hawks winter coat for more than 25 years. He has a No. 50 Blackhawks jersey with his last name on the back. There are enough Hawks ball caps to cover an army of heads.
And then there are the ticket stubs — hundreds of them, including one from Game 7 of the 1971 Stanley Cup Finals, which the Hawks famously lost to the Montreal Canadiens 3-2 after blowing a two-goal lead.
Never married, Gertenrich had devoted a good deal of his life to Blackhawks hockey. During his streak, he's never missed a game, despite blizzards and broken ankles and wrists.
Even the death of his mother, Barbara, didn't stop him. She died during the early morning hours of Oct. 6, 1991. That evening, Gertenrich attended the Hawks' 4-2 loss to the New Jersey Devils at the old Chicago Stadium.
"I don't think she would have wanted me to miss it," Gertenrich said in 2012.
Gertenrich's dedication to the Hawks hasn't gone unnoticed. The team has let him hang out with players in the locker room and perform the ceremonial puck drop before games. Numerous TV stations have visited his home to document his dedication.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman left a voicemail at Gertenrich's home after he attended his 2,000th consecutive game on Feb. 3, 2010.
Gertenrich wouldn't be surprised if the Hawks, who have claimed three NHL titles since 2010, won another Stanley Cup.
"I'm looking forward to what's going to happen in the spring again," he said.
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