Why Are They Called the Blackhawks? A Hockey History Lesson (Kinda)
So, you're wondering why a hockey team in Chicago is named after a Native American warrior, huh? Well, buckle up, buttercup, because this is a tale as old as time (or at least as old as the NHL).
| Why Chicago Blackhawks Name |
A War Story (Sort Of)
The Chicago Blackhawks, those hockey-playing wizards of the Windy City, didn't just wake up one morning and decide, "Hey, let's name ourselves after a historical figure who led a rebellion against the United States government." Nope, there's a bit more to it than that.
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The team's founder, Frederic McLaughlin, was a World War I veteran who served in the 86th Infantry Division, nicknamed the "Black Hawk Division" after the famous Sauk leader. Feeling all patriotic and stuff, McLaughlin decided to honor his fellow soldiers by naming his new hockey team after the division.
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Black Hawk: The OG Hockey Fan?
Now, let's be clear: there's absolutely no evidence that Black Hawk was a hockey fan. He probably preferred a good ol' fashioned tomahawk throw to a slap shot. But hey, free advertising, right?
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The team's name and logo have been a source of controversy for years, with many people arguing that they are disrespectful to Native American cultures. And you know what? They might have a point. But let's save that debate for another day.
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So, What's the Deal?
To sum it up, the Chicago Blackhawks are named after a military unit that was named after a Native American leader. It's a complicated history, to say the least. But one thing's for sure: it's given us plenty of material for water cooler conversations.
How To... Blackhawks Edition
- How to become a Blackhawks fan: Start by watching some games, learn the players' names, and most importantly, don't mess with the Hawks' fans. They're a passionate bunch.
- How to pronounce Blackhawks: It's "Black-hawks," not "Black-haws." Trust us, you don't want to mess this up.
- How to survive a Blackhawks game: Dress in team colors, bring a loud voice, and be prepared to chant "Go Hawks!" until you lose your voice.
- How to avoid getting into a hockey fight: Don't mess with the other team's fans, and for the love of all that is holy, don't touch the goalie.
- How to appreciate the history of the Blackhawks: While the name and logo are controversial, there's no denying that the team has a rich history. Learn about the team's legendary players and championships.