Sandals and Parkas

The Hockey Connection Between Two Windy Cities

When Connor Bedard was selected first overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in 2023, he reignited excitement about the connection between Regina and Chicago. But Bedard isn’t the first hockey star to make the journey from Saskatchewan’s capital to the Windy City. Nearly a century earlier, the Regina Capitals played a crucial role in laying the foundation for the Chicago Blackhawks, one of the NHL’s most storied franchises.

The Regina Capitals: Prairie Hockey Pioneers

The Regina Capitals were founded in 1918 and became a key team in the Western Canada Hockey League (WCHL), a rival to the fledgling NHL. Representing Saskatchewan’s love for hockey, the Capitals played a fast and physical style of the game that reflected the grit of the Prairies. They were a fan favorite in Regina, drawing crowds eager to see professional hockey flourish in the region.

A League Shifts, and History is Made

The WCHL showcased impressive talent, but by 1926, financial struggles led to the league’s collapse. Meanwhile, the NHL was expanding, eager to grow beyond its original markets. As the WCHL folded, its players and teams became key assets in this transition.

Frederic McLaughlin, who had just founded the Chicago Blackhawks, capitalized on this opportunity. Purchasing the rights to players from the defunct Regina Capitals and Portland Rosebuds, he built the core of Chicago’s first roster for the 1926-27 NHL season.

Prairie Talent on the Big Stage

The players from Regina brought a toughness and skill honed on Saskatchewan ice, helping the Blackhawks establish themselves in the competitive NHL. These Prairie imports played a foundational role in shaping the identity of the Blackhawks in their early years.

While the Capitals themselves faded into history, their legacy lived on in the roaring success of the NHL franchise they helped build.

From the Capitals to Bedard: The Regina-Chicago Connection

Fast forward nearly a century, and the connection between Regina and Chicago is alive again. Connor Bedard, the young phenom from the Regina Pats, is poised to leave his mark on the Blackhawks. While his journey is unique, it’s also a continuation of a story that began in the 1920s, when Prairie talent first made its way to Chicago.

The Goal Horn Echoes

The Capitals may no longer exist, but their story is a proud chapter in Saskatchewan’s hockey history. As the goal horn blares in the United Center, it’s worth remembering the roots of the Chicago Blackhawks and the Prairie grit that helped bring the franchise to life. From the Capitals to Bedard, the connection between Regina and Chicago is a testament to the province’s enduring influence on the game we love