On This Date In Chicago Blackhawks History-1961 Stanley Cup Champions

Oct 22, 2011; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks legends Bobby Hull (left) and Stan Mikita (right) are honored with bronze statues outside of the United Center before the game between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Colorado Avalanche. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

On this date in Chicago Blackhawks history,

On April 16, 1961 in Detroit, the Chicago Blackhawks won their third Stanley Cup in team history and first since 1938 by beating the Detroit Red Wings 5-1 for a 4-2 series win.

The Hawks had to beat the Montreal Canadians in the semi-final round which they did 4 games to 2. The difference in the series was Glenn Hall who was able to shut out the mighty Canadians in Game 5 in Montreal. When the Hawks won Game 6 in Chicago it meant the Hawks would be making their first Stanley Cup final since 1944.

The Hawks faced the Red Wings in the finals and after some very close games that the teams split in the first four contests before the Hawks easily won Games 5, 6 for the Cup. The Hawks were led by Pierre Pilote, Bobby Hull, and Stan Mikita in scoring to earn the Cup. It is still hard to believe with the talent on this roster that this is their only Cup of the era.

The names from the 1961 team that are etched on the Cup are as follows (Courtesy of Wikipedia.com)

Centres

Wingers

Defencemen

Goaltenders

1 Glenn Hall
1 Denis DeJordy (spare/did not play)
Allan Roy Edwards (spare/did not play)

One of only two championships for the city of Chicago in the 60’s and 70’s and a great day in Blackhawks history happened on this date 52 years ago on this date.

I know there are quite a few fans out that read Blackhawk Up that this was their team, I would really like to read your favorite memories of this team in our comment section!