For years, the only time you would hear the Blackhawks mentioned on sports talk radio in Chicago was when their score (usually a loss) was reported during updates.

Program directors virtually forbid hosts, including my co-author Dan McNeil of WSCR-AM 670 (a huge pucks guy), to talk about the Hawks and hockey. They were ratings killers. Might as well chat about mahjong considering the low, low interest level.

Obviously, that isn’t the case anymore. In my Chicago Tribune column today, I write about the significance of the Blackhawks dominating sports talk radio in Chicago. Access the entire column via my Twitter feed.

From the column:

The hockey talk is a huge barometer in showing how the Blackhawks’ success goes beyond increased TV ratings for games. It is a sign the team has become more mainstream, keeping closer company with the Bears, Bulls, White Sox and Cubs.

“Now the conversation is going on with people who haven’t traditionally discussed hockey,” said Jim Andrews, senior vice-president for content strategy for Chicago-based IEG. “That’s what you want. It’s gravy on what you’d expect to get.”

WMVP’s Marc Silverman believes the Blackhawks bandwagon is much bigger this year than when they won the Stanley Cup in 2010, judging from the response on his afternoon show. Timing, though, might be a factor.

“It’s the perfect storm for the Hawks,” Silverman said. “The Bulls are done, and nobody wants to talk about the Cubs and Sox. We’re just trying to build a bridge between the Hawks and the beginning of Bears training camp.”

Also, another barometer is how the Blackhawks are registering is in the youth demos:

Ratings growth in the coveted youth demographics might be the most significant development in the Hawks run. Hawks ratings on CSN were up 110 percent for men ages 18-34 and 109 percent for men and women combined in that category.

Young fans have the chance to become lifetime fans.

“It’s a great sign,” Andrews said. “In many sports, the big challenge is attracting younger viewers. You don’t see positive numbers with them. They’re more into the action sports, video games. So any time you see a positive jump (in young demos), it’s a big deal.”