Chicago - The Blackhawks celebrated their third Stanley Cup title in six seasons on Thursday with a parade through the streets of Chicago capped by a rally at the Chicago Bears' Soldier Field.
Proving that winning never gets old, the team's faithful turned out in the thousands to fete their heroes.
The Original Six club won the NHL title on Monday with a 2-0 home victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning, sealing a 4-2 series win in the best-of-seven Stanley Cup final.
"It's amazing as a Hawks fan my whole life. To see it come full circle like this is unbelievable," said Blackhawks backup goalie Scott Darling -- the first native of the city to see his name inscribed on the Stanley Cup.
The festivities began Thursday morning about a mile from the team's United Center arena and concluded with a rally before a capacity crowd at the 61,500-seat Soldier Field -- where the Stanley Cup was on display.
"What a team -- what a city," defenseman Duncan Keith -- who scored the eventual game-winner on Monday and was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player in the Stanley Cup playoffs told the crowd.
"There's nothing like winning a Cup on home ice in front of your fans!
"You guys are what make it special! Let's keep this red machine rolling!"
The cheers were long and loud as the Blackhawks players took turns hoisting the cup and addressing the fans.
"There's just no way to put it into words what this is," said captain Jonathan Toews. "It's been absolutely incredible to be in the locker room with these individuals, these guys.
"We play for the best fans in the world," Toews added. "Maybe the only way it does get better is if we win four."
The ovations were especially raucous for two of the team's older veterans -- retiring defenseman Kimmo Timonen of Finland and forward Marian Hossa of Slovakia.
The team took the opportunity to celebrate the extended Blackhawks family -- with former stars Bobby Hull, Denis Savard and Tony Esposito receiving raucous cheers while former favorite Stan Mikita -- who suffers from a progressive brain disorder -- got a shout-out during the ceremonies.
Equipment manager Clint Reif, whose suicide in December was keenly felt by Blackhawks players, was also remembered.
But most of the day was dedicated to looking ahead.
"Let's do it again," said Blackhawks owner Rocky Wirtz. "Let's get four."
AFP
