IF YOU WANT TO MAKE SOMETHING MANDATORY, TRY THIS

It's something you've probably seen and yes, heard.  Most likely, the first time you experienced it, you were a little surprised....both by the fact that it took place and even more so, that it's not done more often.  It's even neater to think that it props up something very important to the patriotic part of us...the National Anthem.

And if you're a Chicago Blackhawk fan I need not say more because not only is it something you've gotten used to, it's now part of each and every pre-game ceremony.  The "what" is a rousing rendition of the National Anthem complete with 22,000 yelling and screaming, applauding and waving fans.  All in support of their country. 

The origin of Chicago fans cheering wildly during the anthem dates back to the 1980s, according to the New York Times.  Some say it started in 1982, while everyone agrees it took off in 1985 when the Blackhawks hosted the heavily favored Edmonton Oilers in Game 3 of the conference finals.  Whenever it happened, it happened big time. 

A fan base energized and wild

And now it's taken to the road as this October, 2014 newspaper article depicts...."It’s no secret that the Nashville Predators don’t appreciate Chicago Blackhawks fans coming to Bridgestone Arena and taking over.  So once again last night in their 3-2 home win against the Blackhawks, the Predators utilized passive-aggressive tactics to try to silence the visitors.

The Predators chose to play “God Bless America” instead of the national anthem before the start of Thursday’s game, a move the organization had employed before as a way to quiet Blackhawks fans, who are famous for cheering loudly throughout the Star-Spangled Banner at the United Center as the talented Jim Cornelison belts out the anthem".

In this case of Predator sneakery, Nashville came out on top.  But that's not often the case. 

Last week my son, Jordan, and I traveled to Phoenix for some sun, baseball and a surprise hockey game.  At the last minute I sprang some Hawk tickets on him so he could see his favorite team play the Phoenix Coyotes.  Remember, it was in Phoenix. 

We arrived in our seats around 6:45 p.m wearing our Blackhawk garb.  And we weren't alone.  There must have been 10,000 Chicago fans in attendance shouting "Let's Go Hawks, Let's Go Hawks".  Then the anthem came.  Right on cue, the stadium erupted in applause and screaming.  It was if we were in Chicago Stadium, not Gila River Arena.  It was to say the least eventful.  Wow!!

Smiles are prevalent home and away for Blackhawk fans and their Anthem

 

As we enter the final weeks of the National Hockey League season there will be many times to catch this act.  Chicago has been on a run lately and despite losing star forward, Patrick Kane for another 6-8 weeks they look primed to make a run at yet another Stanely Cup.  If you don't have an opportunity to hear this rousing rendition on the tube.....here is a sample in all it's Blackhawk glory.  And like my headline mentioned, if anything needs to be mandatory, it's this!!

Kind of puts a shiver up your spine, doesn't it?

Thanks for reading,

John