Google: Most Blackhawks searches originate in southwest suburbs

FRANKFORT, Ill. (WLS) -- After Saturday night's stirring Game 7 Western Conference victory, Google said the most searches for Blackhawks information originated in Chicago's southwest suburbs.

At No. 2, Frankfort is a hockey hotbed where fans are confident about their team's chances for a third Stanley Cup in six years.

"Frankfort loves the Hawks, so go Hawks!" said Cynthia Distasio, a Frankfort hockey mom. "It's very important. I have two sons and they love hockey, and they love the Chicago Blackhawks."

The mayor of the town that's quadrupled in size in the last 15 years says the Hawks sustained success mirrors civic values.

"This is a community that loves sports. We have young athletic teams in all these different sports, and the Blackhawks are winners, and we want to be winners, too," said Frankfort Mayor Jim Holland.

Twenty minutes north is No. 5 on the Google list, Orland Park. The same appreciation for excellence exists at Coach's Corner, where there will be no empty seats Wednesday night.

Bar owner Bill Pappas says the Google results don't surprise him. He's getting ready for another big night at Coach's Corner after tripling his normal Saturday sales when the Hawks last skated.

"Nobody realizes how big the fan base is down here. We're not in the city, but we're so connected with the city and we just love our sports here," Pappas said.