NHL Hockey is about to heat up again, but it’s not just the game action that’s responsible for the adrenaline rush. The ladies of the NHL teams play a larger and larger role in today’s hockey arena experience, and we’re more than happy to give them their due. Check out some of the photos here as the ladies return this season to make the ice one of the hottest places this upcoming season!  (Photos courtesy of SI.com)

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For the first time in 49 years the Stanley Cup made its way back to Chicago and the arrival of both the Blackhawks and the cup was met with a water cannon salute at the O’Hare airport. Borne in on a Boeing 737 landing at a private terminal at the east end of the O’Hare airport they were greeted by two Chicago Fire Department trucks that were blasting arcs of water across the plane as it stopped on the tarmac. The scene was framed by police, emergency and fire vehicles parked with horns blaring and lights flashing.

Thus ended the longest championship drought with an overtime win over the Flyers with a final score of 4 – 3. The last time Chicago won was in 1961 when they defeated Detroit which was also done in six games. The previous two months prior to the win were a great run; both the Flyers and the Blackhawks played with everything they had and anyone witnessing the unfolding of the Stanley Cup championship and the wagering series would likely agree that it was just as amazing as last years between the Penguins and Redwings and will most certainly go down in history as one of the most memorable seasons in hockey.

There should also by kudos given to the Philadelphia Flyers for sneaking into those playoffs after the shootout against the Rangers during the last part of the regular season and a great comeback after defeating the Bruins (after trailing by 3 games in the series).

It is being said that if the Hawks can keep their core together, which includes Kane, Seabrook, Toews, Keith, Niemi and Byfuglien, then Chicago may not have to wait another 49 years to win the cup. Of course they may have their work cut out for them this summer since they are trying to work around a salary cap, but we wish them the best of luck.