Blackhawks Parade and Rally Another for the Ages

By Jim Crago

Chicago Blackhawks It was a thrilling ride the Hawks took us on the last two months, and it ended with a third Stanley Cup in six years, and the team's sixth overall in its history (that still seems way too low). After commissioner Gary Bettman awarded Duncan Keith his much-deserved Conn Smythe trophy and asked captain Jonathan Toews to come over to accept Lord Stanley, all that was left was the celebration.

For those who missed out on flooding the streets of Wrigleyville, or packing into those trendy downtown nightclubs, which now hang the iconic Blackhawks logo, there was to be yet another celebration for all on Thursday, June 18, rain or shine. Unfortunately, too much rain forced the city to hold the rally at Soldier Field; however, despite the lack of space to pack hundreds of thousands in attendance, the impromptu event seemingly ran efficiently.

Local photographer Joshua Mellin beautifully captured some of the images from the Hawks' rally. So even if you weren't able to make the party of the year, Joshua's images will put you front and center.

The threat of strong storms (Lightning?) cleared way as the Hawks faithful look on at Soldier Field as the rally begins. Photo by Joshua Mellin.

Championship Preservation. Lord Stanley will receive yet another mark from a Blackhawks team. Photo by Joshua Mellin.

Dun"Conn" Smythe! The shoe-in for the Conn Smythe trophy shows off his hardware. Photo by Joshua Mellin.

Who wears jorts-jorts? Hossa wears jorts-jorts! Hockey God Marian Hossa strikes a pose. Photo by Joshua Mellin.

Captain Smiles. Jonathan Toews flashes a grin to the crowd after foreshadowing a fourth Cup is better than a third. Photo by Joshua Mellin.

The red sea of fans from Northwest Indiana to the North Shore packed Soldier Field to celebrate another Stanley Cup victory, including this young lady with a birds-eye view. Photo by Joshua Mellin.

Rappers Delight. The only thing certain at this year's rally, outside of a Corey Crawford F-bomb, was Kris Versteeg laying some fresh Canadian beats. This time, he brought in Joakim Nordstrom for some assistance. Photo by Joshua Mellin.

Sharp-dressed Man. Patrick Sharp addresses the crowd for perhaps the last time wearing the Hawks sweater and crest, while thousands of hearts break across Chicagoland. Photo by Joshua Mellin.

Coming to a Jimmy Buffet concert near you! Patrick Kane lifts Lord Stanley and warns the crowd he's on the prowl -- at least for the next week. Photo by Joshua Mellin.