Bedard Effect News Today

Despite the team's poor record, Connor Bedard's popularity and the team's ticket-sales strategies have kept fans coming to the United Center. The Hawks ranked fourth in the NHL with 18,836 fans per game and have a season-ticket renewal rate of 96% this spring.

The Hawks expect their average attendance — which was 17,167 last season — to marginally increase again this season, with at least five games sold out. Their marketing campaign will also focus on the fan base.