Blackhawks thank Boston in full-page Globe ad

In a final show of sportsmanship following one of the most exciting Stanley Cup Final series in recent memory, the Chicago Blackhawks are paying tribute to the city of Boston.

In a full-page open letter published Friday in the Boston Globe (view it here: http://www.poynter.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/bostonglobe-blackhawks.jpg), Blackhawks chairman Rocky Wirtz and President/CEO John McDonough said "thank you" to the Boston Bruins organization and the city of Boston.

The ad read as follows:

"Hockey is a tough game. As impressed as we were by the strength, talent and competitive spirit of the Boston Bruins on the ice, we were deeply touched by what happened off the ice. Rarely have we experience the hospitality you afforded us throughout the playoff series between two incredibly gifted teams.

"On behalf of the Chicago Blackhawks organization and the entire Wirtz Corporation, we want to personally express our heartfelt appreciation to your city, the Bruins organization and, especially, the citizens of Boston for the remarkable welcome you showed our team and the many Chicagoans who visited.

"From Boston's political leadership to every member of the Bruins organization; from the players to the people on the street, you demonstrated respect, good sportsmanship, and a genuine love for the game of hockey.

"Like the rest of the world, Chicagoans have been reminded in recent days of Boston's strength. Please know we tip our hat to your city's big heart and gracious spirit. You lead by example and have set the bar very high for others to follow."

The 2013 Stanley Cup Final came to a close in Boston Monday night, when the Blackhawks scored twice in the final 90 seconds of regulation to overcome a late 2-1 deficit and win both Game 6 and the series. With the victory, Chicago enjoyed its second Stanley Cup win in four seasons.