They don't have too many parades in Chicago for it's sports teams. Of course when Phil and Michael and Scottie were plying their trade for the Bulls, they used to have rallies in Grant Park. But winning the Stanley Cup is so new and unique to this loyal sports town, that loves the Bears, the city had to do something. So Friday late morning, the city stopped and paid tribute to a bunch of young guys who captivated it's collective heart.
49 years is a long time to wait, when Bobby Hull and Stan Mikita were kids, when the Hawks last won the Cup. So today the city held a parade and rally on Michigan Avenue. Two million citizens overnight it seems, became hockey mavens. Cheering the site of Patrick Sharp, Duncan Keith, and John Madden. Patrick Kane, who scored the zany OT goal in game 6, has been instantly placed in the pantheon of Chicago greats...and Jonathan Toews is right behind him.
Two million fans in a sea of red is quite a tribute to a hockey team. A team that was all but written off by sports fans in Chicago as recently as 3 years ago. Then something strange happened. They starting winning again and became fan friendly. The Hawks embraced the greats of past years. Suddenly Bobby Hull and Tony Esposito became stars again.
The current Blackhawks are the stars now. And management too. Winning a title in Chicago can do that. And, millions turned out to say thanks.
