Chicago Winter Sports

With the first snowfall of the year officially arriving, there is much to do about the city. Between the annual Christkindlmarkt, the Christmas trees at the Museum of Science and Industry, and many other seasonal traditions across the city, there is much to look forward to in the coming months. One underrated aspect of this city at this time of year is its sports scene. While past years have convinced some Chicagoans to turn a blind eye to this city's winter sports, this year, things are different.

Bulls

For the first time since the early 2010s, people are believing in the Bulls. After their incredible unbeaten run to start the season (at the time only matched by the incumbent champion Oklahoma City Thunder and the championship favorite San Antonio Spurs), the Bulls have slipped a little to 6-3 at the time of writing; however, they are still playing at a high level not seen in the city for some time. Josh Giddey is a breakout superstar and leader for the team, averaging 21.4 points per game and 9.3 steals per game to start the year. Guard Ayo Dosunmu has looked like one of the best 6th men in the league with 14.6 points per night, and Hinsdale Central alumnus Mata Buzelis has been a powerhouse at forward. All of this without Coby White to co-star alongside Giddey, as White should be back in the lineup in a few weeks after dealing with a calf injury to start the year. This Bulls team looks dangerous, and while it is very likely they drop a third straight to the Spurs tonight, there is a long season ahead, and they are going to be a team to watch in a wide-open Eastern Conference. I personally am going to be in attendance for Derrick Rose's jersey retirement in January, but you owe it to yourself to see this new-look Bulls team.

Blackhawks

Speaking of "new-look" teams, a few years removed from one of the most catastrophic seasons in NHL history, the Hawks are back. Sitting third in the Central Division with an 8-5-3 record, the Blackhawks have been off to a great start in this campaign. Connor Bedard is sitting tied in 2nd in points in the league. As of writing, he is coming off of a one goal two assist night in Detroit. Andre Burakovsky, Tyler Bertuzzi, and Teuvo Teravainen have also been pulling their weight in a dangerous Chicago attack. However, that doesn't even mention this team's greatest strength. Arvid Soderblom and Spencer Knight have been nigh unstoppable to start the year. The pair, aside from a 6-3 scoring explosion from the Winnipeg Jets which now include the recently unretired Jonathan Toews, have allowed a maximum of 4 goals twice, and have a shutout against the Calgary Flames. This is already a great Hawks team, and it doesn't even include up and coming prospects that have been dominating the minors like Frank Nazar. While I personally aren't picking the Hawks to do any damage to the league this year, the future is finally here and the days of rebuilding are finally over.

Bears

And while we're on the subject of rebuilds coming to a close, we arrive at the Chicago Bears. Sitting at 2nd in the NFC North, the Bears are rewriting the narrative of their franchise. Especially in dealing with the current injuries to the defense, Ben Johnson's offense has been electric. Caleb Williams is currently on pace to become the first 4000 yard passer in Bears history, and the offensive line has improved dramatically. Montez Sweat is living up to his big-ticket value on the defensive line, and the team currently sits 2nd in the league in rushing yards thanks to efforts from D'Andre Swift and breakout star Kyle Monangai. Even with all of the stars, one thing to mention is that this team is winning close games. One of the biggest problems with teams of yesteryear were their fumbling of tight games right at the end. This team has won their last 4 games on a final possession in a one score game. While this team won't do any damage in a strong NFC Conference, the future is bright and playoff hopes are very much alive for the Chicago Bears.

Sports in Chicago aren't quite at an all-time high, but the future is bright for many franchises in the city. For the first time in a while, Chicagoans have much to look forward to in the winter sports season. If you want something to do this holiday season, you owe it to yourself to see these great Chicago teams.