As the Chicago Blackhawks celebrate their 100th season as a franchise in 2025-26, the centennial celebration offers a chance to reflect on a century of unforgettable moments, legendary players and enduring legacy in the Windy City.
Established in 1926 as one of the NHL’s “Original Six” franchises, the Blackhawks have since hoisted the Stanley Cup six times in 1934, 1938, 1961, 2010, 2013 and 2015. While the 1930s Blackhawks emerged as the scrappy underdogs, their three 21st-century championships in six seasons solidified their status as a modern dynasty and made household names of players like Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook and more.
The Blackhawks’ history is steeped in Hall of Fame talent. From the golden generation of Bobby Hull and Stan Mikita in the 1960s to the modern-day greats like Toews, Kane, and Marian Hossa, Chicago has long been home to hockey royalty.
Mikita helped revolutionize puck-handling and face-off techniques. Hull had an otherworldly shot that made him one of the NHL's first true superstars. More recently, Kane’s stick-handling wizardry and Toews’ steady leadership became the heartbeat of a championship core.
today we celebrate 100 years of hockey in the Windy City! happy Founding Day, Chicago! pic.twitter.com/HTT6hjBmec
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) May 15, 2025
100 years of Blackhawks history, heartbreak, and rivalries all come to life in 2025-26
Through the highs of championship parades and the lows of rebuilding years, hockey has been a galvanizing force for fans in Chicago. The connection between the team and the city has only deepened in recent years.
Under owner Rocky Wirtz, who passed away in 2023, the Blackhawks franchise underwent a renaissance that saw a reconnection with fans, the return of local broadcasts and and an embrace of the past. Today, the organization continues that vision under new leadership, with a promising future built on exciting young talent and a reenergized fan base.
With young phenom Connor Bedard leading a promising new core, the Blackhawks enter their centennial season honoring the past while also building toward a new era of success. The team’s rich history provides the foundation, but their story is far from over.
As the puck drops on this landmark season, the Blackhawks are poised to remind the hockey world what made them a pillar of the NHL for 100 years – and why the next 100 years might be even more memorable.