No matter where you are from there is a form of pride for your hometown sports teams that follows you where ever you go. However, in the Chicagoland area there is a definite distinction between being a fan of hockey and a follower of the Chicago Blackhawks. There is a certain pride we feel for our Indian head-clad heroes.

1. The United Center feels more like home than a sports stadium.

There comes a time when you step into the UC doors and it suddenly feels different. It’s warm and welcoming like your home is.

2. Trying to be as good at things as your team is.

Even though we all know we could never come close to their greatness.

3. The heartwarming ONE GOAL stories.

It is amazing to see how much the organization gives back to our community.

4. The pride you are filled with when you see those 6 years displayed everywhere.

Those banners fill every other sports fan with envy.

5. Missing Joey the Junior Reporter.

Probably the cutest reporter to ever interview our beloved players.

6. Detroit Sucks!

Do I even need to say anything about this?

7. Jamming out to Chelsea Dagger and the excitement when you hear it in a non-Hawks context.

It’s the first song on any Hawks fans’ playlist.

8. The tears we cried when we lost the Man-Child and all the others.

There is a grieving period when any member of the team is traded away. It is like losing a member of the family.

9. Seeing other Hawks fans in public and feeling a genuine connection.

They could be completely different from you in every other way, but that doesn't matter.

10. The hatred for Pierre when the Hawks play on NBCSN.

Although I think this could work for any NHL fan.

11. You can find ten or more Blackhawks items strewn about your room, especially in your closet.

I know I could easily wear something Blackhawks for every day of the week and spot that Indian head in any corner of my room.

12. Feeling like a Champion three times in five years.

When they win, we win.