The Blackhawk Standbys Inc. is the oldest fan club in the National Hockey League. The club was founded in 1944 by a group of fans sitting in the first balcony of the Chicago Stadium. Its express purpose was to keep hockey fans together over the years. The club has hosted many social events, some becoming yearly occurrences. Standby meetings are held every month (except August) at various locations. Guests and prospective members are always welcomed. Fellow committee members organize out of town Hawks trips, a picnic, a Christmas holiday party, an annual club dinner, baseball outings and much more. Becoming an active member is the best way to get involved and participate, and also the most fun. There is something of interest for everyone. We, as a club, also are members of the National Hockey League Booster Clubs Inc. Once a year, members of the various clubs gather together for our NHLBC Convention. A few of the cities past conventions took us to were Washington D.C., Vancouver, New York, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Detroit and of course, Chicago. In 2010, we will be at Pittsburgh. They are planned 2 years in advance and are held the 2nd weekend in August. Tours of the host city are arranged for the week along with a tour of the ice arena. Your membership entitles you to a Standby membership card, makes you eligible to attend the convention,and a subscription to our newsletter. The WIGWAM keeps members abreast of what events are planned along with informative articles regarding hockey, the Blackhawks and club members. What better way is there for sharing in the common goal of all hockey fans- fellowship, support and the promotion of hockey while having a great time doing it. |