CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Blackhawks have taken out a full-page advertisement in The Boston Globe thanking the city and its fans.
The Blackhawks defeated the Boston Bruins on Monday to win the Stanley Cup championship. On Friday, Blackhawks owner Rocky Wirtz and team chairman John McDonough ran an open letter to the Bruins and the city of Boston. In the letter the Blackhawks extended their "heartfelt appreciation" to the Bruins and the citizens of Boston.
The Blackhawks say Boston "demonstrated respect, good sportsmanship and a genuine love for the great game of hockey." The letter remarks on Boston's "big heart and gracious spirit."
The Blackhawks say Boston reminded Chicagoans of the city's strength. Three people were killed and dozens injured when bombs exploded at the Boston Marathon in April.
The full advertisement read:
“Thank you. An open letter to the Boston Bruins organization and the City of Boston.”
“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 happened 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 political leadership to every member of the Bruins organization; from the players to the people on the streets, 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."
The ad was signed by Rocky Wirtz, Chairman, Wirtz Corporation and John McDonough, President and CEO, Chicago Blackhawks.