Established
1926
City
Chicago
League History
1926 – Present / National Hockey League
Team History
1926 – Present / Chicago Blackhawks
Nickname
Blackhawks – The Chicago Blackhawks are among the most iconic National Hockey League (NHL) teams. They have a storied history, and their nickname has an interesting origin story. The name "Blackhawks" originated from Chief Black Hawk, a leader of the Sauk Native American tribe who fought against US forces during the War of 1812.
In 1926, Major Frederic McLaughlin purchased an NHL franchise named after his former military unit: The 86th Infantry Division, also known as "The Blackhawk Division." This division was named after Chief Black Hawk due to its location near Sauk Village in Illinois, where he lived and fought alongside other members of his tribe.
This connection to Native Americans is further strengthened by two symbols adorning each side of their logo - a profile view headdress on one side and feathers on another - representing traditional elements found within many indigenous cultures throughout North America. Additionally, when you look at any member's jersey or helmet, you will see two crossed tomahawks above the team's crest; these symbolize strength and courage for all warriors who fight for justice with honor like Chief Black Hawk did centuries ago!
It is clear why so many sports fans flock towards supporting this legendary hockey organization; they have plenty to be proud of on-ice accomplishments, but there’s also something special about knowing your favorite team honors someone whose bravery still resonates today through its name “Blackhawks.”
Championship
Stanley Cup 6
2015, 2013, 2010, 1961, 1938, 1934
Arena
1995 – Present / United Center
1926 – 1994 / Chicago Coliseum
Owner
2007 – Present / William R. “Rocky” Wirtz
1966 – 2007 / Bill Wirtz
1952 – 1966 / James D. Norris and Arthur Wirtz
1946 – 1952 / James E. Norris and Bill Tobin
1944 – 1946 / Estate of Frederic McLaughlin
1926 – 1944 / Frederic McLaughlin
- 1926
- 1938
- 1986
- 1961
- 2010
- 2013
- 2015
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Chicago Black Hawks Team Formation
On May 1, 1926, the NHL awarded an expansion franchise for Chicago to a syndicate headed by former football star Huntington Hardwick of Boston. At the same meeting, Hardwick arranged the purchase of the players of the Portland Rosebuds of the Western Hockey League for $100,000 from WHL President Frank Patrick in a deal brokered by Boston Bruins’ owner Charles ... -
Stanley Cup Winner 1938
The 1938 Stanley Cup Finals was a best-of-five series between the Chicago Black Hawks and the Toronto Maple Leafs. Chicago won the series 3–1 to win their second Stanley Cup. Stanley Cup – 1934 The 1934 Stanley Cup Final NHL championship series was contested by the Chicago Black Hawks and the Detroit Red Wings. It was the Red Wings’ first ... -
Official “Blackhawks”
Also, prior to the 1986 – 1987 season, while going through the team’s records, someone discovered the team’s original NHL contract and found that the name “Blackhawks” was printed as a compound word as opposed to two separate words “Black Hawks” which was the way most sources had been printing it for 60 years and as the team had always ... -
Stanley Cup Winner 1961
The 1961 Stanley Cup Final was contested by the Detroit Red Wings and the Chicago Blackhawks. Chicago was making its first appearance since 1944 in the Final, and Detroit, their first appearance since 1956. The Blackhawks would win the best-of-seven series four games to two to win their third Stanley Cup, they are first since 1938. However, this proved to ... -
Stanley Cup Winner 2010
The 2010 Stanley Cup Final was the best-of-seven NHL championship series of the 2010 Stanley Cup playoffs contested between the Western Conference champion Chicago Blackhawks and the Eastern Conference champion Philadelphia Flyers. It was Chicago’s eleventh appearance in the Final and their first since 1992, a loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins. It was Philadelphia’s eighth appearance in the Final and ... -
Stanley Cup Winner 2013
The 2013 Stanley Cup Finals was the championship series of the National Hockey League (NHL) 2012–13 season, and the conclusion of the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs. This was the 120th year of the Stanley Cup’s presentation. The Western Conference playoff champion Chicago Blackhawks defeated the Eastern Conference playoff champion Boston Bruins in six games to win their fifth Stanley Cup ... -
Stanley Cup Winner 2015
The 2015 Stanley Cup Final, commonly known as the 2015 Stanley Cup Finals, was the championship series of the National Hockey League (NHL) 2014–15 season, and the culmination of the 2015 Stanley Cup playoffs. This was the 122nd year of the Stanley Cup’s presentation. The Western Conference champion Chicago Blackhawks defeated the Eastern Conference champion Tampa Bay Lightning four games ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
History of the Blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks are one of the most successful teams in NHL history. The team has won six Stanley Cups and is currently the only team to have done so since 2009-2010. The Blackhawks were founded in 1926 as an expansion franchise, and they quickly established themselves as a powerhouse within their division. Throughout their long history, they have had some of hockey’s greatest players on their roster, including Bobby Hull, Stan Mikita, and Denis Savard, who all helped lead them to multiple championships. The Blackhawks have a storied rivalry with the St. Louis Blues, which adds to the intensity of their matchups.
The Blackhawks experienced a lot of success during the 1980s under head coach Bob Pulford when stars like Steve Larmer and Jeremy Roenick joined forces with Hall-of-Famers like Chris Chelios to create one of hockey’s most dominant dynasties at that period. They went on to win three Stanley Cups between 1985–1992, cemented them among elite companies for such sustained excellence throughout those years.
In the 2010–2011 season, however, was when things changed for this organization after winning another championship led by Jonathan Toews, who won his first Conn Smythe trophy that year, followed up by Patrick Kane's game-winning goal in Game 6 against Philadelphia Flyers, which gave them yet another cup victory. This marked a new era for this franchise; where they would go on to win two more titles (2013 & 2015) while also making it back into playoffs every single year from then until now, showing how consistent these guys can be even without superstars leading the way anymore proving that no matter what changes happen around you if your culture remains strong anything is possible.
Sports Fan Products
Retired Number
1 / Glenn Hall
3 / Keith Magnuson
3 / Pierre Pilote
9 / Bobby Hull
18 / Denis Savard
21 / Stan Mikita
35 / Tony Esposito
99 / Wayne Gretzky
*Blue is this team’s history