Chicago, IL (October 30, 2018) – NBC Sports Chicago - THE home of the #AuthenticFan - has announced recently retired Chicago Blackhawks legend/three-time Stanley Cup Champion PATRICK SHARP will be joining the network as an additional game night Blackhawks Pregame Live/Postgame Live studio analyst. Sharp’s first official appearance on NBC Sports Chicago takes place this Thursday, November 1 for the network’s multi-platform coverage of the Blackhawks road battle against the Edmonton Oilers (coverage begins at 7:30 PM CT; also streaming live on NBCSportsChicago.com and the new MyTeams by NBC Sports app). In addition to his on-air analyst role, Sharp is also scheduled to make additional appearances throughout the season on a variety of NBC Sports Chicago’s programs and cross-platform portals. From a national standpoint, Sharp will also contribute to NBC Sports’ season-long NHL coverage as a studio analyst on NHL Live, NBC Sports’ live pre- and post-game studio program.

“I am excited to join the NBC Sports Chicago team,” said Sharp. “After a long career on the ice, it will be fun and challenging to be a part of the game from a new perspective and I look forward to working with former teammates and people that I’ve watched on NBC Sports Chicago for many years.”

“Patrick will go down as one of the most charismatic and impactful players in Chicago Blackhawks history and we couldn’t be more pleased he will be lending his insightful analysis as part of our expert Blackhawks coverage team,” added Kevin Cross, Vice President of Content for NBC Sports Chicago. “The addition of Patrick once again showcases our year-round commitment in delivering the most comprehensive coverage of the Blackhawks to our dedicated viewing audience.”

NOTE: Blackhawks fans will have their first opportunity to interact with the network’s brand new studio analyst on Thursday afternoon (Nov. 1) at 3:15 PM CT, as Sharp will join veteran NBC Sports Chicago’s veteran Blackhawks expert/multi-platform host Pat Boyle for a special Facebook Live segment (Facebook.com/NBCSChicago). In addition to Boyle’s one-one-one interview with Sharp, fans are urged to submit their questions to Sharp via the comments feed throughout the segment.

Sharp, a third-round pick in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft (95th overall), spent 11 of his 15 pro seasons in a Blackhawks uniform and helped elevate the franchise to new heights, as he was key factor in the team’s historic run of three Stanley Cup titles in six seasons (2010, 2013, 2015). Sharp finished his stellar NHL career with 939 games played, scoring 620 points (287 goals, 333 assists). He also led the Blackhawks in goals (10) during the team’s thrilling 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs championship run. Sharp finished his career ranking among the all-time Blackhawks leaders in power play goals (65 - 10th), short-handed goals (16 - 9th), game-winning goals (39 - 8th), and shots on goal (2,254 - 8th). Sharp’s additional career highlights include being named MVP of the 2011 NHL All-Star Game, along with winning a Gold Medal with Canada at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.

NBC Sports Chicago, a partnership between the Chicago Blackhawks (NHL), Chicago Bulls (NBA), Chicago Cubs (MLB), Chicago White Sox (MLB) and the NBC Sports Group, features over 275 live pro games in high definition each year. In addition, NBC Sports Chicago delivers extensive pre/post-game coverage for its core pro team partners, as well as Chicago Bears postgame coverage, local sports discussion programs that includes SportsTalk Live, and massive cross-platform coverage provided by the network’s growing digital platform, NBCSportsChicago.com, the new “MyTeams by NBC Sports” app, and its variety of fan-focused social media outlets. Fans can follow the network on Twitter via @NBCSChicago.

NBC Sports Regional Networks is NBC Sports Group’s portfolio of nine regional networks that delivers more than 2,200 live sporting events and original content to more than 35 million homes. Aligned within Eastern and Western Divisions, the NBC Sports Regional Networks are: NBC Sports Boston, NBC Sports Philadelphia, NBC Sports Philadelphia +, NBC Sports Washington, NBC Sports Washington + and SNY; and NBC Sports Bay Area, NBC Sports California, NBC Sports Chicago and NBC Sports Northwest. For more information on NBC Sports Group properties, including press releases, photos, talent and executive bios, headshots and logos, please visit www.NBCSportsGroupPressBox.com.

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