Chicago Blackhawks is an ice hockey team based in Chicago, Illinois. Apart from being one of the Original Six Teams (the six teams that formed NHL before the 1967 expansion), Blackhawks is known for their iconic logo presenting an aboriginal American. Blackhawks are highly successful team in NHL, as they have won the Stanley Cup six times – of which three titles within the last ten years. The team colours of Blackhawks are red, white and black. Until 1986, their name was actually Chicago Black Hawks.

Basics and history

Black Hawks was founded in 1926 and before WWII, they achieved two Stanley Cups. The later victory was legendary, because after regular season, their record was as poor as 14-25. After WWII, Black Hawks had a terrible spell, hardly making it to the play offs for over 10 years. Until today, Blackhawks is one of the big names in American sports scene. Moreover, their history includes quite a few NHL and sports legends.

Shares home with Bulls

Blackhawks share the same home arena, United Center with basketball team Chicago Bulls. The capacity for hockey matches is almost 20 000 seats. Their current General manager is Stan Bowman and head coach is Jeremy Colliton. The minor league affiliate teams of Blackhawks include Rockford Ice Hogs in AHL league and Indy Fuel in ECHL league. Blackhawks is owned by Wirtz Corporation – the Wirtz family acquired the ownership in 1966.

There is only one Bobby Hull

Bobby Hull is with no doubt one of the greatest hockey players of all time. Hull was the first player in Black Hawks to score 50 goals in one season. His 604 goals in NHL is an incredible achievement and three Art Hoss Trophies are something to remember. Bobby Hull’s slapshot has been measured to 190.5 km/h and you can imagine that it has been a horror to contemporary goalkeepers. In 1970’s Hull played also several seasons in Winnipeg Jets, which was a part of WHA league at the time. Incredible player and incredible career – hats off.

Other old-time hockey legends

Slovak-born Stan Mikita played over 20 years for Black Hawks and won the Stanley Cup with the Black Hawks in 1961. Mikita, who was known for his curved stick, was a legendary duo with Hull in 1960’s. He was one of the first players to wear a helmet.

Tony Esposito is one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time. He served Blackhawks 15 full seasons and was one of the key players in 1969-70 Stanley Cup victory. Esposito was catching the puck right-handedly and he was famous for his superstitious ways, especially how he lined his sticks.

Stars of the modern age

Jonathan Toews has been 12 seasons with the Blackhawks and he is one of the most important players in recent success story. Being a captain for the successful period, he will never be forgotten in Chicago.

Chris Chelios is one of the best players that has ever played in NHL. He started his career in Montreal but made his mark in Blackhawks – and he was surely missed, when he moved to Detroit Red Wings during season 1998-99.

The latest decade has introduced quite a few new Blackhawks legends. To name a few, Brent Seabrook, Marian Hossa, Duncan Keith, Jonathan Toews and especially Patrick Kane will be remembered for a long time in the Windy City.