Truly loving a sports team isn't about wins or losses.
It's about learning to put trust in a group you have no control over, sticking by an organization no matter where they rank by the end of the season and knowing that no matter what, you can always count on them to help you let go of whatever is happening in your personal life and completely focus on what's taking place on the ice.
The 2012 Blackhawks Convention marks an anniversary for one fan who turned to the team for comfort and strength after her family was dealt an unfortunate hand.
Krista Golden lives in Ohio and is fairly new to the hockey world. Back on Feb. 20, 2011, she watched her first game as the Blackhawks faced the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Little did she know that game would have a profound impact on her life.
After watching Patrick Kane score the game-winning goal against Marc-Andre Fleury in a shootout, she was hooked on the speed, intensity and excitement of the game. But her recreational love of the game quickly became a support system when her mother was diagnosed with Stage 4 cervical cancer right after the team was eliminated from the 2011 postseason.
"I watched the playoffs, learned more about the Blackhawks, kept up on news and watched the Convention through live streams. I know that if I had pushed all that aside and focused on the illness, I would've been a wreck mentally and emotionally. I was able to be there for my mom because I had hockey and the Blackhawks as a safe haven when I felt overwhelmed."
Throughout the weekend, players have stressed how important it is to reach out to their fans and give them experiences that will make a profound influence on their lives.
"This weekend's about the fans," Brent Seabrook said. "It nice having a chance to interact with them here. They play a huge part in our success."
And Golden proves the Blackhawks play a big part in fans' personal successes as well. Luckily her mother found out the cancer was gone in November of 2011. She will have to continue chemotherapy over the next year, but Golden's family is reluctant to have the Blackhawks to turn to as a symbolization of hope, dedication and hard work.
"I can't thank the Blackhawks enough for how they helped me through such a low time. Supporting them is the least I can do."
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