McDonough brings Stanley Cup to downtown Naperville
Oh, sure, Jonathan Toews, Duncan Keith and a bunch of other guys wearing skates and Blackhawks sweaters had something to do with bringing the Stanley Cup back to Chicago this spring.
But don't overlook the contributions of siblings Colleen and Patrick Hickey, owners of The Irish Way store on Jefferson Avenue in downtown Naperville.
No, they didn't score a single goal. They didn't make any saves. They didn't spend even a minute in the penalty box.
What the Hickeys did do, however, was give some lucky coins to one of the team's head honchos.
And because of that contribution, Blackhawks President and CEO John McDonough kept his promise Tuesday and returned to the store (Authentic Irish Imports Since 1994!) and brought the coolest trophy in all of sports with him.
McDonough spent about 45 minutes in the store, Patrick says, allowing shoppers to take pictures and get a close look.
Colleen says McDonough's relationship with the shop began in April when he stopped by to check out the wares and her brother - a Hawks fan - recognized him. They talked a little about the team. They talked a little about Ireland. And then McDonough noticed some lucky coins Colleen had on the counter.
McDonough said he'd like to buy a couple because, after all, when you're going for the championship you don't want to leave anything to chance.
Colleen gave them to him instead.
"If we win the Stanley Cup," McDonough told them that day, "I'm going to bring it back to The Irish Way."
Later that month the Hickeys got a call from the Hawks asking if they could spare a few more lucky coins. Colleen sent them right along.
On June 19, just days after the Hawks captured the Cup, McDonough called to let the Hickeys know he'd be bringing the trophy to their store sometime this summer - almost certainly on very short notice.
On Tuesday, McDonough proved again to be a man of his word.
And what about the lucky coins?
"Today," Colleen said, "he said he had those coins with him every day."