Chicago Blackhawks Sporting the Stanley Cup!!!

– photo courtesy of abc7chicago.com

In what can only be described as a euphoric moment, last night the Chicago Blackhawks defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning by a score of 2 to 0 which can only mean one thing:

The Chicago Blackhawks are the 2015 Stanley Cup Champions!!

Having won this historically significant trophy three times in the past six seasons, this particular win had a special nuance to it.  For those keeping score (*grin*) this is the first time in 77 years the Blackhawks have won a Stanley Cup on home ice.  The past two Stanley Cup wins (2010, 2013), were in Philadelphia and Boston respectively.

Ah, enter an angry and crabby Mother Nature.  Tornado warnings, torrential downpour, thunder, and lightning filled the Chicago area prior to the commencement of any ice event.

– photo courtesy of wgntv.com

To add more mayhem to the day, the Chicago Cubs baseball game (scheduled to be held at the same time as the Chicago Blackhawks game across town) was cancelled, with approximately 30,000 fans ‘pouring’ out of, “Wrigley Field”.  Thankfully Ma Nature decided that the fun should stay on the ice and not in the clouds above; the weather cleared considerably prior to the end of the Blackhawks game.

This is what the streets of the, “Wrigleyville” area of Chicago looked like after the game:

– photo courtesy of abc7chicago.com

Interestingly enough, “Wrigleyville” is a sports-oriented area of town, with, “Wrigley Field” as part of the mix.  Although by no means is this area simply designated for baseball banter; the crowd you see in the above photo is all about hockey!  Alas, all was well in Wrigleyville, and the celebrations of this sensational Stanley Cup win no doubt lingered well into the wee hours of the night.

Here is the entire Chicago Blackhawks team posing with, “Stanley”:

– photo courtesy of facebook.com/nhlblackhawks

I wanted to mention the Captain of the Chicago Blackhawks, #19 Jonathan Toews.  Jonathan is from my old stomping grounds of Winnipeg, Manitoba  (he’s the one in the first photo of this post hoisting the Stanley Cup for all to see).

I cannot say enough about this unparalleled player.  Not only is he an exceptional hockey player, but also a truly humble role model for young hockey players to emulate.  Known for his serious demeanor, Jonathan Toews is an outstanding credit to the Chicago Blackhawks team, and to his elated hometown residents.

Wrigleyville was a warmup act for the celebratory parade and celebration being held in Chicago on Thursday.  If the previous Stanley Cup wins are any indication, jubilant crowds should reach approximately two million fans.  Yes, you read that correctly.

Congratulations, Chicago Blackhawks!! I’m so proud of you, this city, and the hometown fans in Winnipeg.  I would be remiss if I did not mention a certain Blackhawks fan in my own family:  Pops, they did it!!!