On a day when the Chicago Blackhawks are parading through the streets of their city to celebrate a second Stanley Cup victory in four years, the team’s owners took the opportunity to show a great deal of class by thanking their opposition. The full-page ad you see above appeared in Friday morning’s edition of the Boston Globe. It was aimed at thanking the Boston Bruins and the city of Boston for their hospitality.
The 2013 Stanley Cup Finals was one of the most dramatic and entertaining in recent history. Players fought through everything from a pulled hamstring to a lung puncture, and their toughness was not lost on the fans. In addition, the past few months have presented trying times for Bostonians outside of the sporting world. The Blackhawks’ letter to Boston read as follows:
Hockey is a tough game. As impressed as we were by the strength, talent, and competitive spirit of the Boston Bruins on the ice, we were deeply touched by what happend off the ice. Rarely have we experienced the hospitality you afforded us throughout the playoff series between two incredibly gifted teams.
On behalf of the Chicago Blackhawks organization and the entire Wirtz Corporation, we want to personally express our heartfelt appreciation to your city, the Bruins organization, and especially, the citizens of Boston for the remarkable welcome you showed our team and the many Chicagoans who visited.
From Boston’s political leadership to every member of the Bruins organization, from the players to the people on the street, you demonstrated respect, good sportsmanship, and a genuine love for the great game of hockey.
Like the rest of the world, Chicagoans have been reminded in recent days of Boston’s strength. Please know we tip our hat to your city’s big heart and gracious spirit. You lead by example and have set the bar very high for others to follow.
Respectfully,
Rocky Wirtz, Chairman, Wirtz Corporation
John McDonough, President and CEO, Chicago Blackhawks
People seem to be getting back to hating Boston sports fans rather than singing “Sweet Caroline” in their honor, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Hatred of Boston sports proves a sense of normalcy is being restored. However, thanking an opposing city after a championship game or final series is hardly commonplace. Front page ads that take shots at teams like this one are more popular than classy gestures like the one the Blackhawks made on Friday. Bravo, Chicago.
Photo via Twitter/Boston Tweet
