Fans hit stores for Hawks gear

June 10, 2010 (CHICAGO)

Chicagoans waited for 49 years for a Stanley Cup win. It is considered the holy grail of hockey, and the team brought it home Thursday morning.

Unlike the players, the fans have a lot to say about it.

"We deserve this here in town - we have waited a long time and they did such a super job, and we helped them so much at home last night that they had to do it," said Blackhawks fan Win Eggers.

The line at the official Blackhawks store on Michigan Avenue was a block long. Once inside the store, customers were looking for the latest Blackhawks championship gear.

"We came down early today, picking up a few things for family and friends," said fan Heidi Ulrich.

"This is my first year playing hockey, so it was really exciting for me to get that opportunity to watch the Hawks win the Stanley Cup," said Jack Ulrich.

Everything in the store was flying off the shelves, especially the Stanley Cup t-shirt the players wore after the game.

"I get one for my mom, grandma, granddad, husband, everybody," said fan Keisha Blanks.

For a few frozen moments, people questioned whether the puck made it in or not in the final goal in overtime Wednesday night.

"I could not figure out what happened. I saw it and I lost the puck, and I was looking around my room for someone to tell me what just happened, and then I saw Patrick Kane skating around celebrating, and I thought, 'Well, he knows more than I do,' so, yep, we knew it was ours," said Heidi Ulrich.

At least one fan felt that after recent sports disappointment for Chicago, the Stanley Cup win was a nice relief.

"Especially after losing the Olympics, we needed a championship, so this is it," said fan Sherman Dow.

Sports Authority was busy selling championship items at its LaSalle location.

"I have four grandchildren that are just waiting for papa to bring home the t-shirts," said fan Robb Packer.

"The hats sold out as soon as we got our first shipment in - we sold through them within fifteen minutes," said Don Smith of Sports Authority. He said he expected a second delivery Thursday afternoon.

Chicagoans now have a parade Friday to look forward to and a year to savor a major sports championship.

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