Go Hawks Go
The roar echoing from Chicago Stadium to the United Center across nearly a century of hockey history.
"Go Hawks Go" serves as the vocal heartbeat for fans of the Chicago Blackhawks, a team founded in 1926 and known colloquially as the "Hawks." This tradition bridges the franchise's history from its founding through the Original Six era to the modern day. The chant resonates within the two arenas where the team has called home: the now-demolished Chicago Stadium, shared with the Chicago Bulls until 1994, and the United Center, where the Blackhawks have played since the 1994–95 season. Whether during the team's early years under owner Frederic McLaughlin or their recent Stanley Cup victories in 2010, 2013, and 2015, this cheer represents the unwavering support of a fanbase that has endured both futility and championship glory.
- Affiliation
- Chicago Blackhawks
- Type
- Fan Chant / Motto
- Primary Venues
- Chicago Stadium, United Center
- Status
- Active Tradition
- Era Span
- Original Six to Modern NHL
- Function
- Goal Celebrations & Team Entries
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
The spirit behind the chant is rooted in specific historical moments, starting with the team's first game on November 17, 1926, at the Chicago Coliseum against the Toronto St. Patricks. Under owner Frederic McLaughlin, who named the team after his World War I unit, the "Black Hawks" (spelled as two words until 1986) secured their first Stanley Cup in 1934 and again in 1938. The 1938 victory is particularly legendary; with goalie Mike Karakas injured, the team pulled minor-leaguer Alfie Moore from a Toronto bar to play one game, won it, then used Paul Goodman for a loss before Karakas returned with a special skate to win the final two games and the title. Later, under James D. Norris in 1961, stars Bobby Hull, Stan Mikita, Pierre Pilote, and Glenn Hall led the team to another Cup, defeating the Montreal Canadiens in six semifinal games and the Detroit Red Wings in the Final.
In Their Own Story
In the late 1950s, a pivotal shift occurred when James D. Norris and Arthur Wirtz acquired the floundering club from a syndicate that had ignored them for years. This era saw the acquisition of Hull, Mikita, Pilote, Hall, and Ted Lindsay from Detroit, transforming the team into a powerhouse. The crowd at Chicago Stadium witnessed these stars dominate, with Hull recording four 50-goal seasons and Mikita winning back-to-back scoring titles. Despite strong performances, the team lost Finals to Toronto in 1962 and Montreal in 1965. After James D. Norris died in 1966, the Wirtz family took control. Decades later, under Rocky Wirtz, who assumed control in 2007, the organization turned around a period of lost fan interest to win three more Stanley Cups in 2010, 2013, and 2015. The story continues as Danny Wirtz became chairman following Rocky's death in July 2023.
Reader's Guide
The team's performance has fluctuated wildly, from winning six Stanley Cups total—including two under McLaughlin and one under Norris—to languishing between 1945 and 1958 with only two playoff appearances. A key statistic for any fan is that the 1937–38 Black Hawks hold the record for the poorest regular-season record (14–25–9) of any Stanley Cup champion, a testament to their resilience. The team remains one of the "Original Six," alongside Detroit, Montreal, Toronto, Boston, and New York.
Did You Know?
- The team was originally spelled "Black Hawks" (two words) until 1986, when it changed to match the spelling in original franchise documents.
- In 1938, the Black Hawks won the Stanley Cup with a regular-season record of 14–25–9, the worst ever for a champion as of 2025.
- During the 1938 Finals, goalie Alfie Moore was pulled from a Toronto bar to play one game after starter Mike Karakas was injured.
- The team played their first game on November 17, 1926, defeating the Toronto St. Patricks 4–1 at the Chicago Coliseum.
- Rocky Wirtz, who turned the franchise around with three Cups (2010, 2013, 2015), died in July 2023, succeeded by his son Danny.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning behind Go Hawks Go?
This phrase serves as the primary vocal chant and motto used by supporters of the Chicago Blackhawks hockey team. The tradition acts as a unifying call for fans during games to show their allegiance to the franchise.
Where do fans typically shout this chant?
The phrase echoes through both historic venues where the team has played, including the demolished Chicago Stadium and the current United Center. It is most commonly heard during player introductions or after a goal is scored.
How long has this tradition been active?
This vocal tradition spans nearly a century of hockey history, bridging the gap from the Original Six era to modern times. It remains an active part of game day culture since the team's founding in 1926.
Who originally started using this phrase?
While specific origins vary, the chant became entrenched during the early years under owner Frederic McLaughlin and has persisted through decades of ownership changes. It represents a continuous link between past and present supporters of the team.
Does the chant still happen today?
Yes, the chant remains an active tradition heard loud during Stanley Cup victories and regular season games at the United Center. It continues to function as the heartbeat of the fanbase across generations.
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