Chicago Blackhawks Stanley Cup Victory Rally

#BecauseWeWon
In 2013, the Chicago Blackhawks took home Lord Stanley’s Cup for the second time in 4 years and their 5^th time overall. Any fallout or backlash resulting from the second lockout in recent memory was quickly erased by the stellar play and gutsy effort by each skater on the team and both of our goalies, Ray Emery and Corey Crawford, and not to be forgotten, Coach Q’s knack for finding the right combinations for each line throughout the season and deep into the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The Victory Rally is the ending point of the Victory Parade and the culmination of this shortened seasons’ worth of determination and the reminder that there is but One Goal, which is to take home The Stanley Cup. The Rally took place this year at Hutchinson Field, the south end of Grant Park. Police presence was heaviest at the outer edges of the park, where they checked bags, and at the entrances and main thoroughfares. On this warm and sunny day, extra water fountains were placed near the existing spigots. The only issue I had was that no matter how much pre-​planning you do to get to the rally and get the spot you want, it won’t make any difference. You can camp out all night and wait at the barricades on Congress, but you’ll still end up finding somewhere else to take up residence. I had dreams of being right up next to the stage but in reality, it was just too hot to stay there anyway, and we ended up finding shade among the small trees lining Hutchinson Field as we waited for the double decker buses to come down Columbus and make their way to the park. Still, there are enough Jumbotrons and speakers set up that no matter where you are, you’ll still be able to see and hear everything that’s going on.
I was just glad to be there, and be in the presence of my fellow Blackhawks fans, bandwagon or not, it’s nice to see Chicagoans united in celebration for a huge win over a tough Boston team for the title of 2013 Stanley Cup Champions.
Let’s Go Hawks!