Growing up with...The Blackhawks?

Over the years, one sport that has moved in and out of the spotlight is hockey. That could be because of lockout or lack of interest, or maybe just a combination of both. Either way, the light is back and brighter than ever in the Windy City.

We've read about it all year, the young talent and now the success of a team. So as I sit here at my computer after a 5-2 game 1 loss to the rival Red Wings, it has me thinking about a franchise and how far they have come...in this fan's eyes.

I went to my first Blackhawks game in 1996. I can't really remember the exact date without looking, my ticket stubs are scattered around my room. However, I did find the one from my first Bears game...November 24th, 1996, a 31-14 win over the Lions (No doubt it was a Dave Krieg gem under center).

Enough basking in mid-90's Bears glory, the moments are few and far between. My first Hawks game was against the Hartford Whalers. As an 11 year old, it didn't get any better than box seats, whatever food I wanted, and a 4-3 win. What did I know about professional hockey? The closest I had ever been to a Blackhawks player was when I was at a Dodge Dealership in Downers Grove earlier that year. Eddie Belfour (pictured) drove up in his Viper, bought a truck and left.

After that season, I drifted as a Hawks fan. With few games being televised until this year, there wasn't much exposure. Sure they were my favorite hockey team, but their last Conference title was in the 91-92 season. Their last Stanley Cup title, 1961. Continuing in the mid-90's, it's quite possible that sports fans in Chicago didn't even know we still had a hockey team, and thought the Bulls were the only team that played at the United Center. Rightfully so, as they won championship after championship. After the transformation of the past few years, the Hawks are at the forefront, the perfect mix of young talent and tradition.

You could call many of the fans bandwagon, but there is nothing wrong with that. Its not the hot and cold choice between Cubs and Sox. The Hawks are something the city can agree on and embrace. I recently went to my 2nd Hawks game ever. Round 1, game 5 with Jamie and Steve no less. A Hawks win, but an atmosphere like nothing I had ever experienced. The tradition of cheering during the national anthem began in 1985. As you stand there, you get goosebumps and feel the biggest sense of pride for a country, for a team, and for all the fans there cheering alongside.

The puck drops and there is an electricity flowing throughout the entirety of the game. That game went so well I went to Game 6 against the Canucks. Back and forth the teams went, the building was booming even more than the series before. With a Patrick Kane hat trick, the game and series were clinched. Fittingly, it was the young talent equalling the tradition of a franchise in a game Hawks fans will not soon forget.

The “One Goal” mantra applies to the team and the city, whatever goal they are promoting, we all know the ultimate goal is hoisting the Cup. They have a chance to end the drought, a drought twice as old as many of their players. I know this fan is ready, and the push continues tomorrow night in Detroit.