The Chicago Blackhawks were born during one of the most exciting periods in professional hockey. In the mid-1920s, the National Hockey League was expanding beyond its Canadian roots and looking to establish franchises in major American cities. Chicago, already one of the country’s largest and fastest-growing cities, quickly became a top destination for the NHL’s expansion plans.
Learn more about the history of the NHL at https://www.nhl.com/.
On May 15, 1926, the NHL awarded Chicago an expansion franchise. The original ownership group, led by former Harvard football star Bill “Tack” Hardwick, held the rights for only a short time before selling the team to Chicago businessman Major Frederic McLaughlin, a wealthy coffee executive and decorated World War I veteran. McLaughlin became the driving force behind the franchise and is widely recognized as the true founder of the Blackhawks.
Read more about the team’s origins at https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks.
Building a Team Overnight
Unlike many expansion teams today, McLaughlin did not have years to slowly build a roster through drafts and free agency. Instead, he purchased the Portland Rosebuds after the Western Hockey League dissolved and relocated many of the players to Chicago.
This decision gave the new franchise an experienced roster that could compete immediately. The Blackhawks played their inaugural season in 1926-27 and reached the playoffs in their very first year. It was an impressive accomplishment for a brand-new NHL franchise.
For more on the franchise’s early history, visit https://www.hhof.com/.
Why the Team Is Called the Blackhawks
One of the most recognizable names in professional sports has military roots.
Major McLaughlin served in the U.S. Army during World War I with the 86th Infantry Division, also known as the Black Hawk Division. The division was named after Black Hawk, the respected Sauk leader whose legacy remains an important part of Illinois history.
To honor the military unit where he served, McLaughlin named Chicago’s new hockey team the Black Hawks. For the first 60 years of the franchise, the name was officially written as two separate words. In 1986, the organization adopted the single-word spelling, Blackhawks, after discovering that the original NHL franchise documents used that version.
Read more about Black Hawk and Illinois history here:
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Black-Hawk-Native-American-leader
The First Home of Chicago Hockey
Before the legendary Chicago Stadium became home to generations of hockey memories, the Blackhawks played their first three seasons at the Chicago Coliseum on South Wabash Avenue.
The Coliseum introduced professional hockey to thousands of Chicago sports fans. Attendance quickly grew, and it became clear that the city needed a larger venue. In 1929, the Blackhawks moved into the newly built Chicago Stadium, which would become one of the loudest and most famous arenas in professional sports. The stadium served as the team’s home until 1994 before the move to the United Center.
Learn more about Chicago Stadium:
https://encyclopedia.chicagohistory.org/pages/144.html
Major Frederic McLaughlin’s Vision
McLaughlin was much more than the team’s owner. He was deeply involved in nearly every aspect of the organization. Even though he had never played hockey himself, he believed discipline, teamwork, and determination could build a championship franchise.
One of his boldest ideas was supporting American-born hockey players during an era when the NHL was dominated by Canadians. Many people doubted Americans could compete at the highest level, but McLaughlin invested heavily in developing homegrown talent. His commitment helped grow hockey across the United States and opened the door for future generations of American NHL stars.
Read more about Frederic McLaughlin:
https://www.nhl.com/news/blackhawks-first-owner-frederic-mclaughlin-set-for-ushhof-induction
A Championship Foundation
McLaughlin’s vision produced results quickly. Only eight years after the franchise was founded, the Blackhawks won their first Stanley Cup in 1934. They captured another championship in 1938, cementing Chicago’s reputation as one of hockey’s premier organizations.
Over the decades, countless Hall of Fame players wore the Blackhawks sweater, but few became as beloved as Ed Belfour. During the late 1980s and early 1990s, Belfour developed into one of the NHL’s greatest goaltenders while representing Chicago. His incredible play, relentless work ethic, and fierce competitiveness made him one of the defining players in franchise history.
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For cocktail inspiration, don’t miss our guides:
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Today, Blackhawks fans continue to celebrate a tradition that began with one man’s vision in 1926. That same commitment to excellence lives on through Belfour Spirits, where craftsmanship, dedication, and a championship mindset continue long after the final buzzer.