Quinn proclaims "Blackhawks Day"

June 11, 2010 (CHICAGO) (WLS) -- Governor Pat Quinn proclaimed Friday Chicago Blackhawks Day in Illinois in honor of the team's Stanley Cup victory.

Quinn said Friday morning that everyone in the state should wear Blackhawk red and black and "yell as loud as they can" to celebrate the champion Hawks.

Saluting the players for their teamwork, Quinn said the players showed that everyone on the team has a "big heart - a servant's heart," helped the community and liked each other.

"That was inspirational. I think the Hawks showed all of Illinois - all of America - how to work together as a team," said Quinn. "When a team comes from behind, wins a game - shows us all we can always do it."

Quinn said he got to talk with Hawks stars Antti Niemi and Jonathan Toews at the game and got to touch the cup.

He also saluted Hawks coach Joel Quenneville and owner Rocky Wirtz, and went on to recall the last time the Hawks hoisted the cup.

"The Blackhawks began in 1926 - the last time we won the Stanley Cup was 1961," said Quinn. "I was around for that - I was a newsboy, but it's been a long time between drinks - 49 years - we won the Stanley Cup, and we did it the right way - with a team of destiny."

Quinn predicted another big Hawks season next year. He proclaimed Chicago Blackhawks Day during the Hawks victory rally Friday.

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