CHICAGO — Perhaps Sunday's biggest drama at United Center was off the ice.
While the Blackhawks were skating their way to a 4-2 victory over Nashville in Game 3 of their Western Conference quarterfinal series, one of the fans, Julia Berg, was watching the game on her due date — a full 41 weeks pregnant.
"Every time she went to the washroom, I was holding my breath wondering if she’s having some issues, like labor," said her father-in-law, Rich Berg, a longtime Blackhawks season ticket holder.
Julia Berg before (and after) the birth of her son, Henry Clayton Berg. (Rich Berg)
Julia didn't go into labor at the game but did a few hours later, and Monday morning at 5:59, 7-pound, 12-ounce Henry Clayton Berg was born at Central DuPage Hospital.
"It was a close call," said Julia's husband, Clayton, a DePaul University graduate. "It was her due date after all, and all the doctors didn't think she'd make it to 41 weeks."
Julia, who wasn't available to comment Monday afternoon, went to the game with Rich Berg, his 85-year-old father, and her dad. The foursome walked up four flights of stairs to get to Rich Berg's BMO Harris Club seats.
Justin Breen says it's a good thing the game didn't go into overtime:
The Bergs, both 23, met at Wheaton Academy high school, were married last June and found out they were pregnant with their first child about a month and a half later. Their first date was at a Blackhawks game with Clayton Berg's parents in January 2011.
Things could have gotten tricky if Julia had gone into labor at the game, which began at 2 p.m. Sunday.
"That would have been a difficult decision with who took her home, especially because it was a close game," Rich Berg said. "We did discuss getting her a Uber car."
As for the newborn Berg, his father said he "has no choice but to become a Hawks fan."
Game 4 is Tuesday at 8:30 p.m. at the United Center. The Hawks lead the series two games to one.
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