Blackhawks Express 'Heartfelt Appreciation' Of Bruins, City Of Boston With Full-Page Ad In Boston Globe
BOSTON (CBS) -- This year's Stanley Cup Final between the Boston Bruins and Chicago Blackhawks featured all of the hard-hitting, physical play hockey fans expect to see in the most intense championship series that American professional sports has to offer. Yet through all of the hits and post-whistle pushing and shoving, it was clear there was a certain level of respect on the ice throughout the six-game series.
And though the Bruins ultimately fell short of wining the Stanley Cup, there's something to be said about handing a loss with class. Today, the Blackhawks are showing their appreciation to the team, its fans and the city of Boston for a well-played series.
Rocky Wirtz -- chairman of the Wirtz Corporation, which owns the Blackhawks -- and team president and CEO John McDonough took out a full-page advertisement in The Boston Globe on Friday.
The letter reads:
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.
RELATED: Hats Off To You, Chicago
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.
