On this Memorial Day, a solider who lost both his legs in Iraq was a special guest of the governor Monday night. Frank Pierson is a huge Blackhawks' fan who has been to a lot of games since returning from combat in Iraq a couple years ago. Monday's game, however, was the first game he'd ever been to with the governor.
"It's actually huge. I don't know really know anyone who gets direct invites from the governor to do anything much less go to a Hawks game with him so it's great," said Pierson.
"This is Memorial Day and I think it's important that we find ways in Illinois every day to make it Memorial Day to help our veterans and our service members and their families, and I think one way to do that is to enjoy sports," said Gov. Quinn.
Earlier in the day, Hawks fans were still excited about game one, a 6-5 win over the Flyers.
The high score of the game had the Hawks discussing plans to shore up their defense in time for game two.
They didn't want to get too comfortable with Saturday's win because they knew it would take three more wins to wrap up the Cup.
However, the excitement of the victory had fans snapping up Hawks gear, buying everything from jerseys to pennants.
Ticket brokers say demand for Blackhawks gear is up and supply is tight. So, tickets were going for a little more on the secondary market for Monday night's game. In fact, it cost fans at least $500 just to get in the door.
"It's been a long time coming, okay, but it makes up for those dead years when we couldn't sell a lot of Hawks tickets at all. It's great for the city," said Stever Buzil, Sit Close Tickets.
"This is the one I've been waiting for. I like the Cubs, but this is the one I have been waiting all my life. When I was young, I played hockey, so this is the one," said Ted Lokken, Hawks fan.
"They're going to sweep them. They're going to do it in four," said Christine Voltz, Hawks fan.
Both players and fans alike now look forward to Philadelphia.
