Chicago Blackhawks Centennial Celebration
Fans of the Chicago Blackhawks have much to look forward to as the organization gears up for a significant milestone: its centennial anniversary. This season will bring a variety of festivities, including the much-anticipated Stanley Cup celebrations and the distribution of special bobbleheads. Announced on Tuesday, the Blackhawks revealed their plans for the 2025-26 season as part of their ongoing centennial series.
Celebration Structure
The celebration will unfold over four themed chapters, each lasting through six games. Each chapter promises to offer not only exciting giveaways, like seven distinct bobblehead games, but also the return of alumni in recognition of the team’s long-standing history.
Jaime Faulkner, the Blackhawks’ president of business, articulated the approach the franchise is taking, distinct from the traditional chronological celebrations favored by many teams. “Rather than merely recounting historical game highlights,” Faulkner explained, “we aim to honor the broader contributions of the Blackhawks to both hockey and the city itself. Our fans take pride in their identity as Blackhawks supporters, and we want to celebrate everything that defines the team while also creating enthusiasm for the future.”
Chapter Highlights
The centennial festivities will commence with the home opener, set for October 11 against the Montreal Canadiens. In addition to their renowned red-carpet event, the Blackhawks have invited former players to join in the celebrations. Faulkner expressed enthusiasm about welcoming back numerous alumni for the special opener, saying, “This year is a unique opportunity to honor all who have worn our colors and foster connections between them and our fans for years to come.”
The first chapter, titled “The Originals”, will kick off post-opener on October 17 in a matchup against the Vancouver Canucks, featuring a Stan Mikita bobblehead giveaway. This chapter aims to highlight the impact the organization and its players have had on the sport of hockey, culminating on November 15 against the Toronto Maple Leafs, where a Tony Esposito bobblehead will be distributed as part of the celebrations featuring alumni.
Following “The Originals,” the second chapter, “The Mad House”, will delve into the legacy of the famed Chicago Stadium, beginning with a game against the Colorado Avalanche on November 23, and will come to a close December 13 against the Detroit Red Wings, which includes a Chris Chelios bobblehead giveaway.
Next, the third chapter—“The Banner Years”—will recount tales of the Blackhawks’ six Stanley Cup victories. Kicking off on January 4 against the Vegas Golden Knights, this chapter will culminate against the Boston Bruins on January 17, where a Duncan Keith bobblehead will be given away. The Blackhawks are expected to host many players from their celebrated 2010, 2013, and 2015 teams during this final game.
The concluding chapter of the centennial celebration, “The Next Originals”, will begin on March 6 against the Vancouver Canucks, featuring a Tommy Hawk bobblehead for fans.
Hall of Fame and Future Prospects
In conjunction with these commemorative events, the Blackhawks have also announced the establishment of a Hall of Fame to further honor their storied history. Faulkner emphasized the careful planning behind this initiative, which involved extensive discussions about the narratives the organization wants to convey and how best to celebrate their alumni. As they strive to stand out among peers, they are particularly mindful of the concurrent centennial celebrations being held by fellow Original Six teams, the Detroit Red Wings and New York Rangers.
Overall, the Blackhawks’ strategic and multifaceted approach aims to make their latest season a memorable one for fans as they celebrate both history and future prospects.
