The Stanley Cup made its way back to Prince George on Monday for the first time in 15 years.
Brett Connolly of the Washington Capitals brought hockey’s holy grail to his hometown, following in the footsteps of Turner Stevenson, who won it with the New Jersey Devils in 2003.
For most, getting the chance to see the Cup is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
It also provided a beacon of hope for many aspiring NHL players.
“I play for the PeeWee Tier One Cougars; winning the Stanley Cup has been one of my dreams ever since I was little,” says Jayden.
.@bconnolly8 brings the #StanleyCup to minor hockey players in #PrinceGeorge | #CityOfPG #Sports #StanleyCupinPG pic.twitter.com/gdYLH00EzK
— My Prince George Now (@mypgnow) August 20, 2018
“It’s definitely a really nice thing, him bringing the Cup to the City,” says adds avid Washington Capitals fan, Tate.
“He says ‘thank you’ to everyone, but really we should be thanking him for bringing it here for all of us to see.”
For many parents, seeing Stanley can be even sweeter when it involves your children.
This was the case for ‘Jason’, who saw the Stanley Cup for the first time in his life on Monday afternoon with his son.
“It’s a pretty cool experience. He just turned five years old and he’s excited to play hockey and cheer on the Cougars this season.”
.@bconnolly8 now taking photos with local minor hockey players & the #StanleyCup; some have waited since the @CNCentre doors opened at 10AM to get a glimpse at hockey’s holy grail | #CityOfPG #StanleyCupinPG pic.twitter.com/9O4qCI3Gzw
— My Prince George Now (@mypgnow) August 20, 2018
He adds this allowed other parents like him to thank Connolly for showing how much he cares about the upbringing of other young hockey players.
“I think it’s great for the community and good for him to show the support that he had throughout his minor hockey league career. It’s just really good for everyone to see that generosity.”
An estimated 2,500 people, including hundreds of minor league kids, packed the CN Centre to see Lord Stanley’s mug.
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