CHICAGO –The city of Chicago celebrated the Blackhawks’ third Stanley Cup win in six years with a parade and rally.
Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville took the stage at the Chicago championship rally to fans yelling “Q” at Soldier Field.
Quenneville told fans he’s “never been more proud of a team” then he has been of this year’s Stanley Cup-winning squad.
Before Quenneville spoke, the crowd cheered for past members of the Blackhawks, including Bobby Hull, Denis Savard and Tony Esposito. And former Blackhawks star Stan Mikita, who suffers from a progressive brain disorder, wasn’t left out.
“Stan … we’re thinking of you,” the announcer said.
Hawks players took turns lifting the Stanley Cup and addressing fans.
Goalie Corey Crawford told the fans “you guys made this unbelievable.” Duncan Keith hinted at another win saying, “four sounds better than three.”
Team captain Jonathan Toews said the Blackhawks “play for the best fans in the world.” He said “maybe the only way it does get better is if we win four.”
Earlier, before the team boarded the parade buses, Patrick Kane said the response from fans since the win has been “nothing you really don’t expect from a city like this.” He said players are “enjoying every second of it.”
The Blackhawks defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning on Monday to win the Stanley Cup for the third time in six years.
Fans also gathered outside Soldier Field to celebrate. Tickets were limited to the rally.