The Blackhawks Took Out an Ad to Thank the City of Boston

Chicago has us on a roller coaster of emotions these days.

First they warmed our hearts with a post-marathon tribute on the cover of their sports section declaring themselves “Chicago Red Sox, Chicago Bruins, Chicago Celtics,” etc. Then in the heat of the Stanley Cup rivalry, they took it back, reprinting the tribute with the “Chicago Bruins” torn out. Now they’re edging their way back into our good graces. The Blackhawks took out a full page ad on page A9 of the Boston Globe today thanking us for our behavior during the finals.

First they send us free pizza. Then they put this touching ad in our newspaper. Chicago is my new fave. pic.twitter.com/mcwTofpUjJ

— Martine Powers (@martinepowers) June 28, 2013

Gracious winners, these guys. Written as an open letter to the Boston Bruins and the city, the ad begins:

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’s 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.

It’s a very classy move. And … not to spoil the moment or anything but it’s not exactly, um, something we hear often about our fans? (Don’t get the Pittsburgh bartenders started about our antics during the series against the Penguins.) But, as with being too gay to function, that’s only okay when we say it. Good on Chicago for painting a rosy picture. A tip of the hat right back to you, Chicago.