[NU Sports] Stanley Cup Goes To Windy City

[neonrye at aol.com]

Permit me a diversion from straight Northwestern subject matter to a broader perspective as a former reisdent of Evanston/Chicago.

I am not a native of Chicagoland, having grown up on Long Island.  And I have to confess that although I saw the Cubbies, Sox, Bears and Bulls at their respective home venues, I never made it to Chicago Stadium from Evanston for a BlackHawk game.  But I have to give props tonight to that team and their fans and City.  I am really happy that they have finally brought the Cup back to Chicago after 49 years in the wilderness.  There will always be a part of me that is a Chicagoan, and my affection for that great city only grows with time.

When I was a freshman in Elder Room 228, my RA was a really good guy from Indiana named Nick Retson.  Nicky was a big Hawks fan, and in the Spring of 1971 the Hawks played an epic 7-game series with the dynasty team--Les Habitats, the Montreal Canadiens.  There was no home broadcast of the seventh game, played at Chicago Stadium, and I remember listening to the game on the radio (I think WMAQ.).  Nicky listened intently in his room as well, alone with his hopes and dreams.  The Hawks had a 2-0 lead in the game, but ultimately the Habs prevailed, on a key goal from "The Pocket Rocket", Henri Richard, the younger brother of the legendary "Rocket" Richard.  Nicky came out of his room with tears in his eyes, crushed beyond words, as the Cup slipped from the Hawks grasp.  My freshman friends and I had to console our saddened upperclass advisor.

Well, tonight, here's to Nicky and all his brothers and sisters in Hawk fandom.  A great win, long overdue.  Let the party begin and enjoy the parade down Michigan Ave., State St. or wherever.

Paul Levinson

P.S.:  I am happy and proud to say that 30 years ago (May 1980) I saw the NY Islanders win their first Stanley Cup at the Nassau Coliseum over the hated Flyers in Overtime.  Bobby Nystrom with the winning goal.  It is quite a spectacle to see the Cup skated around the ice.  One of the great sporting events year after year.  The only thing that could be better for Hawks fans tonight is if they had won it at United Center, but given their experience in 1971, maybe it's better it never came down to a seventh game (again).



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