In a sad moment, the Chicago Blackhawks community gathers to remember Mike Perricone, a much-loved figure and former Sun-Times Blackhawks beat reporter. Perricone, who spent 12 years covering the team, passed away at 72 due to multiple systems atrophy.
Perricone's influence goes beyond sports journalism. In 1989, he made a big life decision, leaving fast-paced pro hockey reporting to be a stay-at-home dad for his daughter, Jenny. His parenting experiences were shared in the heartfelt Sun-Times column "Jenny's Dad," giving readers a genuine look into a father's life in uncharted territories often dominated by mothers.
Moving from the hockey rink to home life showcased Perricone's straightforward storytelling. He openly shared the ups and downs of fatherhood, offering a unique viewpoint when fathers taking on primary caregiving roles were less common.
Beyond journalism, Perricone embraced diverse roles. After leaving the hockey beat, he spent a decade on the communications staff at Fermilab in Batavia. Unconfined by boundaries, Perricone ventured into writing books, including the 2009 release "The Big Bang," a captivating exploration of the early universe's history for young adults. In his final years, he was crafting a novel titled "Caged," delving into the struggles of a prep-school hockey player recovering from depression.
As the Blackhawks community recalls Perricone, they honor not just a fair and honest reporter but also a man who embraced change, leaving an indelible mark on sports journalism and beyond. Plans for a memorial are underway to pay tribute to the legacy of this remarkable individual who played a vital role in shaping the Chicago Blackhawks' narrative during a transformative era.
