In a full-page ad appearing in Friday's edition of The Boston Globe, the Chicago Blackhawks shared an open letter to the people of Boston and the Boston Bruins - the team they defeated to win the Stanley Cup.

The letter, signed by Rocky Wirtz, chairman of the Wirtz Corporation, and John McDonough, president and CEO of the Blackhawks, thanked Boston for what happened on and off the ice during the recent Stanley Cup Final. In particular the letter thanked the citizens of Boston for the respect and good sportsmanship they showed to visitors from Chicago during the series.

In a touching reference to April's bombings during the Boston Marathon, the letter reads:

"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."