As long as I’ve been alive, I’ve been a huge sports fan—especially of the teams here in Chicago. Naturally, that includes hockey. Today, despite an extremely disappointing 2026 season, I want to write a celebration piece for our beloved Chicago Blackhawks.
Founded in 1926 by Fred McLaughlin, the team was named after his World War I battalion, which itself was named for Chief Black Hawk, leader of the Sauk tribe during the Black Hawk War of 1832. Along with the New York Rangers and the Detroit Cougars (later the Red Wings), the Blackhawks helped form the backbone of what became known as the NHL’s “Original Six” until the league expanded in 1967.
After reaching their first Stanley Cup Final in 1931—losing to the Montreal Canadiens three games to two—the Hawks captured their first championship in 1934, defeating their archrival Detroit Red Wings 3–1. Despite a 14–29–5 record, they stunned the hockey world again in 1938 by beating the Toronto Maple Leafs 3–1, becoming the first team with an all-American lineup to win the Cup.
For younger fans, it’s worth noting the struggles the franchise endured. The 1998 season saw the team go 0–7 in the playoffs and miss the postseason for the first time in 29 years. Between then and their resurgence in 2009, they made the playoffs only once (2002). That stretch included a 2004 season that earned them the label “worst team in American sports.” Still, even that pales in comparison to 1944–1959, when the team made the playoffs just twice.
The franchise rebounded in the 1960s behind Hall of Famers Pierre Pilote and Glenn Hall, alongside two of the most iconic players in team history: Bobby Hull (“The Golden Jet”) and Stan Mikita (“Stosh”). Together, they led the Hawks to their third Stanley Cup in 1961, defeating Detroit four games to two. While the team often fell short in the first round during a 28-year playoff streak, they also reached multiple Conference Finals and returned to the Stanley Cup Final in 1971, 1973, and 1992.
Fast forward to the modern era, and a new core brought the franchise back to life. Led by Jonathan Toews (“Captain Serious”), Patrick Kane, Patrick Sharp, Duncan Keith, and Brent Seabrook, the Blackhawks ended a 49-year championship drought by winning the Stanley Cup in 2010 against the Philadelphia Flyers.
The 2013 run was unforgettable. Down 3–1 against Detroit, the Hawks stormed back and eventually defeated the Boston Bruins in six games—Game 6 famously decided in 17 seconds—while also finishing with the best regular-season record in the NHL. They followed that up with another championship in 2015, overcoming the Anaheim Ducks in a grueling Western Conference Final before beating the Tampa Bay Lightning at home.
The road through the Western Conference during those years was brutal: Nashville, San Jose, Minnesota, Vancouver, Anaheim, Detroit, and the Los Angeles Kings—who denied the Hawks a potential three-peat in 2014. Every run was hard-earned.
The Blackhawks’ history is filled with legends: Max and Doug Bentley, Mush March, Bobby and Dennis Hull, Stan Mikita, Glenn Hall, Phil Esposito, Pit Martin, Keith Magnuson, Tony Esposito, Troy Murray, Eddie Olczyk, and Murray Bannerman. The 1990s teams brought stars like Dirk Graham, Jeremy Roenick, Denis Savard, Steve Larmer, Chris Chelios, Tony Amonte, and Eric Daze, along with standout goaltenders Eddie Belfour and Jeff Hackett.
Even Dominik Hasek briefly wore a Blackhawks sweater before being traded by head coach Mike Keenan—a move still debated by fans today.
The championship teams of the 2010s were defined by depth. Key contributors included Dave Bolland, Dustin Byfuglien, Marian Hossa, Kris Versteeg, Niklas Hjalmarsson, Brian Campbell, Andrew Ladd, and John Madden. In goal, Antti Niemi, Ray Emery, and Corey Crawford anchored the team. It was a complete roster from top to bottom.
The Blackhawks have also played a role in shaping the game itself. They appeared in the first nationally televised NHL game in the U.S. in 1957. Stan Mikita is often credited with popularizing the curved stick. Glenn Hall helped pioneer the butterfly style of goaltending. And in 1973, owner Bill Wirtz introduced the now-iconic goal horn using equipment from his yacht.
Tradition is everywhere with this franchise. The Blackhawks sweater—featuring the iconic crest introduced in 1955—is widely regarded as one of the best uniforms in all of sports. And in 1985, during a playoff game against Edmonton, fans transformed the national anthem into a roaring, participatory experience that still defines the United Center today.
Of course, no tribute is complete without the legendary Chicago Stadium—the “Madhouse on Madison.” From its compact ice surface and red seats to its thunderous atmosphere, it was one of the most intimidating arenas in sports. The Barton organ, the deafening crowd, and the iconic voices—from anthem singer Wayne Messmer to PA announcer Harvey Wittenberg—created an unmatched environment.
The Stadium hosted everything from Blackhawks and Bulls games to the 1932 NFL Championship. Though I never saw a hockey game there, I experienced its magic through other events—and its legacy still resonates.
The voices of the Blackhawks are just as legendary. Lloyd Pettit’s iconic “There’s a shot… AND A GOAL!” became part of team lore. Pat Foley carried that torch for decades, delivering unforgettable calls and embodying the passion of Blackhawks fans everywhere. His return in 2009 coincided with the team’s resurgence, and his voice became synonymous with their success.
Radio voices John Wiedeman and Troy Murray also left a lasting impact. Murray, who passed away in 2026, will always be remembered for his insight and love for the game.
The Blackhawks have endured difficult times, and it’s now been several years since their last playoff appearance in 2020. But with young talent like Connor Bedard and Spencer Knight, there’s hope for a new era of success.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. GO HAWKS! Here’s to another 100 years—and let’s get ’em next year.
