As a Blackhawks fan that previously lived near Chicago and had the ability to attend games easily, after moving to a different state, I have come to realize that experiencing an NHL game anywhere is not the same as being apart of the craziness called the Madhouse on Madison. You have never been more proud to be a speck in a sea of red before. There seems to be that much more gusto in Jim Cornelison's voice when singing the National Anthem, the crowd clapping through the whole thing, during playoff season.
There's nothing greater than watching the replay of a goal made by the Toews-Kane duo and hearing the cheers of fellow fans throughout the sports bar. Nothing is more disappointing than hearing from the table next to you, clearly a Chicago 'bandwagoner', praise the wonderful Jonathan Toews and pronounce it Toes. Shaking your head, you wonder how they felt so comfortable to buy that #19 jersey on their back...
Occasionally, throughout the season, there are times when Hawk fans question what has seemed to happen to our energy and playing together as a team, which results in consecutive, unexplainable losses. However, no fan will disagree, we can be one of the most confident teams in the league, and with good reason; it doesn't usually end well for teams when they get the privilege of playing the Blackhawks at the United Center.
Without a doubt, every year, there seems to be an overwhelming amount of fair weather fans to jump on the Chicago bandwagon, and as a fan of many years, you find it annoying, especially when these individuals are the ones accusing you of hopping on the bandwagon. Do I need to show you my stacks of worn out shirts, Toews bobblehead, and Kane ornament?
Can Crawford be MVP after every game?
Chicago fans are more used to seeing their team in full-grown beards (which makes the players more recognizable than without) because we make it so far into the playoff season every year, as opposed to other teams. We like to embrace the beard-growing tradition. We love to make other teams jealous with how strong our "beard game" is. As fans, we definitely dig it.
By the time playoff season has begun, every Chicago worshipper has already mastered their perfect "Chelsea Dagger" dance for after a perfect goal. Let's face it, it must be impeccable because it will need to be repeated and repeated for the next several weeks.
At times, you question, will we pull this game off? There's only 40 seconds left and we are down 1-2. Then you remember which team you're cheering for, so instead of worrying, you kick your feet up, eat a chicken wing, and watch Sharpie slide one in.
Kaner flying down the ice, throwing off his gloves, and jumping on Crawford as his team embraces him is the most beautiful sight you have ever laid eyes on. Every time you see this moment replayed of Patrick Kane scoring the overtime goal in Game 7 to win the 2010 Stanley Cup against the Flyers on any television sports station, you beam with pride, and with the shed of a tear, you wonder when another magical moment like this will happen again. Then you realize, there are always just as marvelous moments when you are watching the Blackhawks.
Win or lose, there is constantly an overwhelming pleasure and honor associated with being a fan of the Chicago Blackhawks. Being part of a hockey dynasty is rewarding and there is never any need to worry, because we have confidence that we will not disappoint next season either.
