JayUp88

It seemed only appropriate that the Stanley Cup spend Canada Day (July 1) in Canada, celebrating that country's 141st birthday (Shut up! You don't look a day over 120!), and then spend Independence Day (July 4) in the United States, where 232 candles were being lit on birthday cakes from New York to L.A. (look, I've told you a million times, I never exaggerate!). The Stanley Cup arrived in California in time to enjoy Thursday, July 3 with Brad Stuart and his family at their home in Manhattan Beach. Brad debuted in the NHL with the San Jose Sharks in 1999-2000, and during his sixth season in the Bay Area, was sent to Boston as part of the Joe Thornton deal. But several outstanding things happened to Brad while he found his way in San Jose, the best of which was meeting his future wife Melissa and her daughter Cierra. Brad Stuart and family pose for a photo with Lord Stanley as a future Red Wing star catches a few 'z' s. This past season, Stuart was playing for the Los Angeles Kings when, in late February, he was informed that he had been traded to the Detroit Red Wings for future draft picks. From worst to first, Brad left the Kings and joined the Wings, where he was part of a solid defence that contributed significantly to Detroit's Stanley Cup championship. The Red Wings appreciated Brad's contributions to such an extent that on July 1, they re-signed him to a sizeable four-year contract. In doing so, he turned down a huge offer from the Calgary Flames so that his stepdaughter could stay in the U.S. Brad got the Stanley Cup mid-afternoon on July 3, and enjoyed the opportunity to share it with family and some close friends. His in-laws came in from San Jose to enjoy the celebration. Brad kept it fairly low-key, but was thrilled nevertheless. After some incredible shrimp that Brad grilled on the barbecue, he and Melissa cut the Stanley Cup cake that had been created for the occasion. Brad's stepdaughter, 13-year-old Cierra, insisted that she eat her cake from the bowl of the Stanley Cup, and did just that, digging into the mountain of moist goodness that was surrounded by Lord Stanley's chalice. \ Brad's stepdaughter Cierra proves that eating cake out of the bowl of the Cup isn't as easy as it looks From Manhattan Beach, the Stanley Cup was driven up to Santa Monica, then followed the scenic Pacific Coast Highway along the coast to Malibu, where it arrived at the summer home of Chris Chelios at 9:30 on the morning of the Fourth of July. Chris greeted the big prize along with his wife Trace, and kids Dean, Jake, Caley and Tara. The first stop was breakfast at Coogie's Beach Café. There waiting for the Chelios party, was as diverse a crowd of acquaintances as could ever be imagined: Detroit Red Wings senior executive Chris Ilitch and his wife Kelly, Carolina Hurricanes owner Peter Karmanos and wife Danielle, musician Kid Rock and his son, Bobby Junior, plus John Wildman, the owner of the Bally Total Fitness chain. While enjoying the breakfast celebration, Rob Reiner, celebrated director ('This is Spinal Tap', 'Stand By Me', 'The Bucket List') and actor (Meathead on 'All in the Family') saw the Stanley Cup and came over to say hello to Chelios and the group, then got his picture taken with the beautiful trophy. Cuba Gooding Jr. (centre) and two of the 'Keepers of the Cup' inspect Stanley at John Wildman's beachfront Malibu mansion. Chelios and much of the group then went over to Kid Rock's massive Malibu home, where photos were taken with the Stanley Cup. Each year, Bally's owner, John Wildman, holds a Fourth of July party at his beachfront Malibu mansion, but this year, a Stanley Cup celebration was rolled into the event for added measure. If you read the list of revelers, you'd swear it was the Academy Awards or Emmy Awards: Cuba Gooding Jr. (Oscar-winning Best Supporting Actor as the football star player in 'Jerry Maguire'), Ray Liotta (whose brilliant film acting resume includes 'Field of Dreams', 'Goodfellas', 'The Rat Pack' and 'Something Wild'), John C. McGinley (Dr. Perry Cox on 'Scrubs'), Jeremy Piven (Emmy winner for Best Supporting Actor as Hollywood agent Ari Gold on 'Entourage'), David Spade (an alumnus of 'Saturday Night Live', as well as star of 'Just Shoot Me' and 'Rules of Engagement') and D.B. Sweeney (whose long list of film successes includes portraying 'Shoeless' Joe Jackson in 'Eight Men Out'). Sweeney is an especially good pal of the Chelios family. In fact, Chris is godfather to Sweeney's son, Cade. Chelios also appeared with Sweeney in the films 'The Cutting Edge' and 'Two Tickets to Paradise' (left to right) Chris Chelios, Kid Rock, Jeremy Piven, and Wayne Gretzky gather for a photo with the Cup. From the sports world, the party also included hockey legend Wayne Gretzky with his wife Janet, newly-elected Hall of Fame member Igor Larionov, who brought along his son, Red Wings teammates Dan Cleary, Jiri Hudler, Darren McCarty and assistant equipment manager Chris Scoppetto, Sheldon Souray of the Edmonton Oilers, tennis player Jennifer Capriati, surfer Laird Hamilton and professional volleyball star Gabrielle Reece. From the music world, attendees included Kid Rock as well as Joey Scoleri, the high-powered executive with Hollywood Records. On invitation from Chelios, Joey brought his band, Steal Thunder, a talented group of execs from Hollywood Records, who play 1970's hard rock covers around the Los Angeles just for laughs. With a flank of beef spitting on the rotisserie, Steal Thunder took the stage. Jeremy Piven got up and beat the heat by keeping the beat on the bongos. Then, Kid Rock decided to rock the stage. With the Stanley Cup front and centre on stage, Scoleri moved from vocals to guitar as Kid Rock (who his friends refer to as Bobby) led the party through 'Rock n' Roll' by Led Zeppelin, 'Gimme Three Steps' by Lynyrd Skynyrd, his own single 'All Summer Long' into 'Sweet Home Alabama' and then concluded with Grand Funk's take on 'Some Kinda Wonderful'. And it was!! Word filtered through the hills of Malibu that the Stanley Cup was at the Wildmans' Fourth of July party, and guests were surprised to see Tom Hanks and Sylvester Stallone wander into the celebration. "I heard the Stanley Cup was here," said Hanks, who was excited to see hockey's greatest prize. At dusk, fireworks were set off from a barge anchored in the Pacific, illuminating the Southern California sky. By 10PM, Chris took the Stanley Cup back to his nearby home. The Californian sky is lit up with fireworks celebrating the Fourth of July. This was the third Stanley Cup celebration for Chris Chelios, who at 46 years of age, is the oldest player ever to win the Cup. Chris was part of the Montreal Canadiens victory in 1986 and in Detroit's last celebration in 2002. Defying all logic, it's almost incomprehensible how Chris can continue to play elite hockey when most of the league's stars are less than half his age. He is older than Mike Babcock, his own coach, and only Gordie Howe was older when still active in the National Hockey League. In tribute to maintaining his extraordinary fitness level, Chelios is likely the hardest working athlete in hockey. Rising at 5:45 during the summer, Chris begins his day with circuit training, then lifts weights before heading off on an exhilarating (or excruciating, depending on whose butt is on the bike) ninety-minutes of mountain biking through the hills around Malibu. During the hockey season, Chris performs something he calls an 'aerobic wash' — riding a stationary bike in the sauna for 45 minutes while gulping back two jugs of water as he pedals. How long will he keep playing is anyone's guess, including Chelios. "I don't want to set an age," he says. "Mentally, I love the game just like I did when I first started to skate as a kid. Nothing's changed. The first thing I want to do when I wake up is go to the rink." Chelios and Kid Rock on stage with Steal Thunder and the Stanley Cup.

You forgot Sammy.....

Welcome! I am pretty sure there wont be a press conference for this one. Last I heard he wasn't even over here in North America.

That's what i have been reading. Why do they hate him there?

I'm going to try Walmart. I hate Walmart, but its really close to my work so I'll give it a try tomorrow at lunch. I'm pumped Dr. Coxs is doing the voice over.

I was at it this year and there really wasn't anything special about the new years eve game. New Years Eve game < Winter Classic

Oh I played some mean volleyball this weekend. It was great.

Wasn't the topic about Filp and his salary arbitration?

Stanley Cup visits Minnesota. Here is some of Hartigan's time with the cup from a local news station. http://www.kare11.com/video/player.aspx?aid=76243

Agreed, But we will seem him around next year.

I would love it to be in MI but hey I'm looking at it now as I get a vacation!

I don't think he'll change back. he has had the 93 for to long now.

Dear XxGoWingsxX Please stop using my avatar, sorry not being mean but i made it so i could use it myself.

"As Newfoundlanders, we have to fight for every inch of everything that we get," said Don Coombs, the mayor of Harbour Grace, Newfoundland and Labrador. "And Danny Cleary has taken that character and the personality of our province and made it work for him." The fortunes of Harbour Grace and its most celebrated son run parallel. Both have seen glorious highs and darkened lows, but have come out the other side shining. Harbour Grace can be found about 60 miles (100 kilometers) from St. John's, overlooking Conception Bay on one of the largest harbours on the Avalon Peninsula. Through the years, its location made it an important fishing and sealing centre, but devastating fires and the stark erosion of both the sealing and cod fishing industries have had a devastating effect on the resilient town. Cleary and Alex Faulkner (Newfoundland's first NHL player) pose together for a photo with the Stanley Cup. (Phil Pritchard/HHOF) But, as with any cloud, there is a silver lining, and amidst the doom and gloom, Harbour Grace has enjoyed some exciting and historical moments, too. On May 20, 1932, Amelia Earhart used Harbour Grace as a point of departure, and after fifteen harrowing hours, during which she encountered fog, inclement weather and mechanical troubles, arrived in Londonderry, Northern Ireland, thus becoming the first female pilot to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. In 2006, Jamie Korab, also from Harbour Grace, became an Olympic gold medalist in men's curling as part of Brad Gushue's team. The town's Melanie Haire earned a silver medal at the karate World Championship. The gritty little town has shown its true colours through the years, and on Tuesday, July 1, they were red and white, not only for Canada Day, but because local boy Danny Cleary of the Detroit Red Wings had returned home as the conquering champion. * * * Dan proud father cleans the Stanley Cup for his son's parade. (Phil Pritchard/HHOF) By the age of 15, Dan Cleary's future looked as though it had been determined for him. Having honed his talents on a rink his Dad had built beside the family home, Cleary had developed into an exceptional talent, and left 'the River' to further his hockey career in Kingston, Ontario, playing with Tier II Junior with the Voyageurs. By the next year (1994-95), Dan had exploded onto the scene as a member of the Belleville Bulls. In his first three campaigns as a Bull, he had seasons of 26, 53 and 32 goals, earning All-Star recognition each season. In the 1997 NHL Entry Draft, Dan Cleary was plucked by the Chicago Blackhawks in the first round. But Dan had trouble adjusting to his new life, and he bounced from Chicago to Edmonton and on to Phoenix, with a handful of AHL stops along the way. By 2004, he was without an NHL team, and spent the year playing in Sweden. In the fall of 2005, the free agent earned a tryout with the Detroit Red Wings. There were no guarantees other than a fair shot. Dan took the opportunity and made the best of it, earning a contract, and like his town, another chance. Cleary regained his scoring touch, and in both 2006-07 and this past season, reached the 20-goal plateau. More importantly, he exhibited qualities not easily articulated on paper, but demonstrated ably on the ice — leadership, responsibility, perseverance and dedication. It was those qualities that helped the Detroit Red Wings earn the Stanley Cup in 2008, giving Dan Cleary the honour of being the first Newfoundland native to win the Stanley Cup. Newfoundlanders love life like few others. A hardy breed, life's challenges have only made them more resilient and appreciate life more. Oh, and how they appreciated having the Stanley Cup return to The Rock with one of their own! Just after noon on Monday, June 30, the Stanley Cup arrived at St. John's International Airport. It was greeted by Dan and his family amidst wall-to-wall people in the airport's terminal. So monumental was Cleary's accomplishment that 102 members of the media were accredited to accompany the Stanley Cup with Dan around Newfoundland. A media conference was held right at the airport, welcoming Cleary and his Cup. "Being a Newfoundlander is something I'm real proud of," he told the assembled throng. "Bringing the Stanley Cup home is an honour for me." Over 30,000 supporters welcomed Cleary and the Stanley Cup to Harbour Grace, Newfoundland. (Walt Neubrand/HHOF) Dan took the Stanley Cup to a local photography studio to have portraits taken with his family. Earlier this spring, older brother Neil was a member of the Conception Bay CeeBees, winners of three consecutive Herder Memorial Trophy championships as Newfoundland and Labrador's Senior hockey champions. One of the terrific shots taken had the brothers there with their hardware -- Neil with the Herder and Danny with Stanley. Immediately afterwards, Dan took the Cup to the Janeway Children's Health and Rehabilitation Centre. Greeted by two gigantic cakes, Cleary exhibited an astonishing connection with the kids, taking the Cup room to room to show the youngsters that dreams can most certainly come true with a lot of work and just a little luck. Dan's visit with the Stanley Cup touched a lot of children, who will never forget that moment, but we have a feeling that the hospital trip will remain with Dan a long time, too. Over at the Fluvarium, an amazing attraction that allows visitors to view marine life in Nagle's Hill Brook through nine panoramic underwater viewing windows, Dan presided over the launch of the Dan Cleary Scholarship Fund, which will assist young athletes in pursuing their goals. In attendance, among the throng, was Alex Faulkner, who blazed a path for Cleary by being the first Newfoundlander to play in the NHL. On December 7, 1961, while dressed for the Toronto Maple Leafs, the native of Bishop's Falls played the first of his 101 games in the National Hockey League. Also at the Fluvarium was Dick Powers, who Cleary credits with being the most influential coach of his early hockey career. "We never lost touch and if Danny ever got in trouble, he would call here first," Dick chuckles, adding, "He went through a couple of rough times, but he came out of it." Powers coached Dan for eight years, nurturing the young prodigy along hockey's path. After the private reception, the Stanley Cup was driven to Harbour Grace, a trip of one hour. A reception for friends and family was held at the marina in River Head, where 85 people enjoyed an outstanding seafood buffet. A visit to Newfoundland wouldn't be complete without making certain the Stanley Cup was properly 'screeched in,' after all, it's the only way that those not lucky enough to be born in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador can become honourary Newfoundlanders. Along with the Cup Keepers, Dan's wife and her family and various media members, Dan presided over the ceremony. First up was kissing a cod (smack dab on the lips). Next, it was a bite of Newfie steak (bologna). Then, each gnawed on a piece of hard tack (rock-hard bread). Finally, after saying, "Long may your big jib draw," it was a swallow of screech, a particularly potent brand of rum indigenous to Newfoundland. After all of the steps had been accomplished, the victims (err, rather, the recipients) received a certificate as proof of their adventure, and were welcomed into the Royal Order of Screechers. July 1 in Canada is, appropriately, Canada Day. Newfoundland (now Newfoundland and Labrador) became the tenth and last province added to Confederation when they joined in 1949. The Day is already a celebration across the country, but when you're hosting the Stanley Cup, it is that much more exciting! Dan returned to the house he grew up in and pointed out where the rink used to be. "I'd be out there 4 or 5 hours a day from November until March," he said. While there, his father, Kevin, asked for a favour. "Is there any way you'd let me wash the Cup?" he asked, and next thing he knew, he was up to his elbows in soapy water, with a grin the size of the island plastered on his face. One of the neighbours is a Tri-Con Special Olympian, and Dan took the Stanley Cup over to show the young athletes, who were mesmerized having hockey's greatest reward in their presence. "Awesome!" After his Red Wings defeated the Penguins in the Stanley Cup Final, Cleary became the first Newfoundland-born player to capture the Stanley Cup. (Walt Neubrand/HHOF) At 1:45, a gigantic parade began to inch its way through the streets of Harbour Grace, with Dan, his family and the Stanley Cup situated on four couches placed on a large trailer bed. To give you an idea of how big an event this was, remember that the population of Harbour Grace is 3,000, yet more than 30,000 fans were shoehorned into the town! The highway leading into town was jammed like New York at rush hour, and friends of friends begged to sleep on chesterfields in order to witness the event. Fortunately, the red and white of the Canadian flag are the same colours of the Red Wings, so in a town decorated entirely in those two colours, residents could be both patriotic as well as proud of their homegrown hero. The parade took just over an hour, then stopped at the arena where Cleary played his minor hockey. There, Dan had his photo taken with the Stanley Cup and each of the minor teams from the area. With non-stop cheering and car horns honking, the parade continued to snake along through the crowded streets, concluding at S.W. Moores Memorial Stadium. The stadium has hosted everything from the Summer Games in 1992 to a visit from Prince Charles and Princess Diana in 1983, but neither had the crowd numbers nor the effect of this stop. As Mayor Don Coombs so aptly stated, "This is Cleary country!" The mayor greeted the assembled, many who had come from all throughout the Atlantic provinces to see Cleary and the Cup. "To get it (the Cup) on Canada Day is something special," he said. "It gives everyone a chance to share with Danny and gives them the opportunity to be a part of the history that he's made." Then, Newfoundland and Labrador premier Danny Williams made a speech, concluding with a chorus of 'Danny Boy', sung to the blushing Red Wing. Cleary next stepped forward to one of the most awe-inspiring ovations yet experienced, and that in spite of a constant rain. "It's been great, just awesome," said Cleary. "I'm proud of the fact that my name is on the Cup, the first one from Newfoundland. I'm a proud Newfoundlander. It was a great place to grow up." Dan had many people to acknowledge, including his family and friends. He thanked Alex Faulkner for leading the way, but reserved his warmest remarks for Dick Power, his longtime minor hockey coach. "Dick, thank you for making me the player I am." Stanley sits ahead of a sign that welcomes visitors to Harbour Grace, Newfoundland which proclaims the town as the "Home of Champions" and includes a photo Olympic Gold medalist Jamie Korab and Dan Cleary. (Phil Pritchard/HHOF) Dan concluded by stating that he hoped the visit by the Stanley Cup would prove to be an inspiration to young hockey players. The crowd cheered with incredible force. It was a very proud moment. In spite of the rain, fans stood in line for five hours to get a picture with the Stanley Cup, which was displayed in a tent at a nearby soccer field. A Mountie stood guard while fans touched the Cup for luck and took photos of hockey's Holy Grail. In the background, musical acts Greeley's Reel and Mid-Life Crisis entertained the crowd. At 8PM, organizers, who did such an outstanding job in mounting the event, had their time with Dan and the Stanley Cup. Then, as brilliant fireworks lit up the Newfoundland sky, Cleary took the Cup back to the house for some quiet time. There, he and his wife and their daughter, along with a handful of close family and friends, watched television while eating ice cream out of the world's greatest sundae dish. Late that evening, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police led the Stanley Cup from Harbour Grace back to St. John's. As they were heading out of town, the Stanley Cup stopped for a photo in front of the town's sign: 'Welcome to Harbour Grace, Home of Champions, Sports Capital of Newfoundland and Labrador.'

It is astonishing how many National Hockey League players are culled from the grassroots hockey programs of small communities. In today's Stanley Cup Journal, we visit two smaller Ontario communities in order to celebrate Detroit's Stanley Cup win with Kyle Quincey and Aaron Downey. Prior to the 2007-08 season, Kyle Quincey had played 7 NHL games over two seasons with the Red Wings. In February 2008, he added 6 more. When Kyle had the opportunity to celebrate with hockey's greatest trophy, he decided to take it to the Caledon, Ontario home of his parents, Marty and Debbie. Caledon is 6 miles (10 kilometers) south of Hamilton, and 9 miles (15 kilometers) from the sign that reads: 'Brantford: Home of Wayne Gretzky.' The Stanley Cup arrived at the Quincey home at 7:45AM on Saturday, June 28. There waiting were family and friends. "Just in time for breakfast," declared Kyle, and the bowl of the Cup was filled with multi-grain cereal and milk. Debbie Quincey, Kyle's Mom, smiled. "At 15, Kyle made a serious commitment to diet and nutrition, to exercise and training." The commitment certainly paid off! At the Alder Street Recreation Centre, hundreds of young hockey players arrived to welcome Quincey and the Stanley Cup. (Bill Wellman/HHOF) The Cup was packed and taken to nearby Devil's Pulpit, an awesome private golf course perched stunningly on the Niagara Escarpment. The first hole, a 478-yard par four, (usually) affords a sensational panoramic view of Brampton, Mississauga and Toronto from an elevated tee. Unfortunately, by the time Kyle arrived, it was pouring and the view was obscured by ribbons of rain and clouds. Instead, Kyle grabbed the Cup and ducked into the clubhouse, where some of his friends and family were celebrating. Kyle's love for hockey was nurtured in the Orangeville Minor Hockey Association, and when he was told he had the Cup to do with as he wished, he decided to take it back to where his career began. By 9:00AM, Quincey and the Cup arrived at the Alder Street Recreation Centre, where 400 young hockey players and their parents waited to see a local role model having realized hockey's ultimate dream. Quincey hoists the Stanley Cup atop the Niagara Escarpment in Southern Ontario. (Bill Wellman/HHOF) As Kyle looked around the rink, he noted that everywhere a number was posted, it was his number 4. "Look, even the score clock," he laughed, noting that the score was 4-4, with 4:44 remaining. In a brief ceremony, Mayor Rob Adams thanked Kyle for returning to his roots, and with the approval of an arena full of fans, declared June 28, 2008 'Kyle Quincey Day' in Orangeville. In return, Kyle thanked the community for its continued support, and vowed that everyone in attendance could have a photo with the Cup. The roar almost shook the roof from the centre. Autographed photos of Kyle hoisting the Stanley Cup on the ice after the Wings' win were available for $10, with all proceeds going to the Orangeville Minor Hockey Association. Standing on the blueline with the Cup on a table beside him, Quincey smiled as photo after photo was taken. With the weather having cleared, Kyle considered returning to the golf course to get his desired photo, but instead, decided to go to a spot on a nearby sideroad that gave a similar view of Toronto in the distance. Then, it was back to his parents' house. After a quick lunch of peanut butter and banana sandwiches, the Quinceys welcomed guests to a Stanley Cup celebration. Almost 200 people showed up and got the chance to congratulate Kyle and see the trophy. Although the Cup had to leave Caledon at 3:00 that afternoon, the party continued on without the Cup until the wee hours of the next morning. * * * Aaron Downey and a group of his friends pose in front of the potato fields in Melancthon Township, Ontario. (Bill Wellman/HHOF) Aaron Downey was so afraid that the Stanley Cup wouldn't find the family home in Melancthon Township, Ontario on June 29th that he sent a friend to meet the trophy and guide it to the Downey home. Melancthon Township is north of Orangeville on Highway 10, about 70 miles (113 kilometers) from Toronto. Aaron needn't have been concerned about missing out on the Stanley Cup — it arrived at 8:30AM, half an hour earlier than expected. The growing of potatoes is the principal occupation in Melancthon Township, and immediately upon arrival, Aaron and 200 friends and family insisted on getting a photograph of the group with the Stanley Cup, posed in front of the potato fields. Downey, who led the Red Wings in penalty minutes in 2007-08, has played for six NHL squads during his eight NHL seasons. As he was taking the Stanley Cup to his training facility, he joked, "Yeah, I've been a bit of a suitcase the last few years." No doubt, he'd never trade the path that led to Detroit and the Stanley Cup championship. After signing autographs and posing for photos for over six straight hours, Downey took a moment to thank his community. (Bill Wellman/HHOF) Downey took the celebrated Cup over to Shelburne, just a couple of miles away, where he had a few quick pictures taken at the Centre Dufferin Recreation Complex (the Shelburne arena) where he played as a youngster. The arena was also the starting point for an 11-mile (18 kilometer) parade, which would end at Honeywood. The parade, which began at 12:30, featured Downey and the Stanley Cup, but also included several minor hockey league teams from Shelburne and Honeywood, a lacrosse team and local figure skaters. Aaron was situated on a flatbed float pulled behind a tractor driven by his uncle. The moment the parade began, the rain started to fall, but it didn't dampen the spirits of Downey or the revellers. The parade ended up taking almost four hours, as with every foot the trailer progressed, Aaron spotted someone else he knew, and insisted on jumping down to say hello, thrilling the crowd to no end. Looking more like a baseball manager who had just won a divisional title, Downey dries off after having beer poured over his head. (Bill Wellman/HHOF) Arriving at the Honeywood Arena at 4:30, Aaron was greeted by 6,000 rabid fans excited about the Stanley Cup's first-ever visit to the area. A welcoming ceremony included Susan Snider, the deputy mayor of Mulmur Township (who for some curious reason was repeatedly called 'Barb') proclaiming Sunday, June 29, 2008 'Aaron Downey Day' in the community. There was food, a beer garden and live entertainment, with proceeds going to minor hockey, but the primary attraction, of course, was Aaron Downey and the Stanley Cup. "I'm not leaving here until I get a photo with everyone in this place," vowed Downey, and true to his word, he signed autographs and posed for photographs for six straight hours. Marathon man! When the band finished its set, Aaron jumped on stage and briefly took the opportunity to thank the community. "It's a really special feeling coming back to Shelburne," he said. "Great town, great people…in fact, the friendliest people! And a great minor hockey system. It's just an honour to bring the Cup back to Shelburne." Downey and the Cup then left the rink and headed off to his Uncle Peter's farm, a beautiful place with landscaping complete with ponds and waterfalls. The private party was great, and to add to the celebration, his uncle had arranged for a spectacular fireworks display. Late into the party, Aaron stepped up onto a platform and thanked everybody for making the celebration so special. Just then, a friend took the Stanley Cup and dumped all the beer that filled its bowl over Aaron's head. The partiers hooted and cheered, but no one enjoyed the moment more than Aaron Downey. He had passed his rite of passage!

to bad we are still better.

are they green with envy

Maybe this well help them out after all the players leaving.

Its true.

I know its a tricky one.

How will we feel about him when he leaves next year?

Good to see they guys still hang out

Good luck, if they are playing the Leafs I don't think there will be any chance of getting a ticket.

Haha oh man that's got to hurt. If you can't beat us, join us.

whats wrong