Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel congratulated the Blackhawks on their Stanley Cup victory Monday night, releasing a statement that read:
"On behalf of the city of Chicago, I am thrilled to congratulate hockey's new dynasty - the Chicago Blackahwks - on winning the Stanley Cup for the third time in six years. To do it at home in front of the world's most dedicated fans in the world makes this title that much sweeter. Be ready, Chicagoans, because in the coming days we will put on a world class celebration for a world class team."
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Emanuel had gotten in on the competition of the Cup Final earlier in the week. He bet Tampa Bay Mayor Bob Buckhorn 122 slices of Eli's cheesecake, a case of craft beer from Slap Shot Brewing, a mustard fried catfish and peach pobbler from BJ's Market, and Girodano's deep dish pizza. With the Blackhawks win, he'll receive from Buckhorn a case of Cigar City Invasion Pale Ale as well as 122 Cuban sandwiches, and the Original "1905" Salad from Tampa's 110-yar-old Columbia Restaurant.
Emanuel also formally welcomed Lightning fans to Chicago after Tampa Bay attempted to block Blackhawks fans from buying tickets to Games 1 and 2 in Florida.
In 2013 Emanuel also cashed in on the Blackhawks' Stanley Cup victory over the Boston Bruins, earning the right to post a promotional video of Chicago on the city of Boston's website for 24 hours.