Saint Mary’s alum is president of NHL champion Blackhawks

The Chicago Blackhawks captured their first Stanley Cup championship in 49 years with their 4-2 series win over the Philadelphia Flyers Wednesday evening, and for the first time ever, a Saint Mary’s University alum will have his name etched on Lord Stanley's Cup.

John McDonough ’75 was named president of the Chicago Blackhawks on Nov. 20, 2007. Under his guidance, which Forbes Magazine has labeled the “Greatest Sports-Business Turnaround Ever,” the Blackhawks put an end to that 49-year Stanley Cup drought, earning their first title since 1961.

McDonough was also instrumental in bringing the NHL’s 2009 Winter Classic to Chicago, an outdoor contest which pitted the Blackhawks against the Detroit Red Wings in front of 40,818 fans at Wrigley Field on Jan. 1, 2009. The game attracted 4.4 million U.S. viewers, making it the most-watched NHL game in nearly 34 years, according to Nielsen Media Research.

Prior to joining the Blackhawks, McDonough served as senior VP for marketing and president of the Chicago Cubs. During his tenure, the Cubs won the 2007 National League Central Division title.