Stanley Cup

I thought that since we are fast approaching the crowning of another Stanley Cup Champion I would tell the tale of my change to party with the Cup.

It happened last year.  A friend was in possession with it and invited my family down to enjoy time with the Cup.  My family and I made the drive down to North Carolina the day before the big party.  We spent the day hanging by the hotel pool with other Cup guests and shared stories, drinks and each others company. 

The next day we were escorted over to the RBC Center and shown the locker rooms.  At the same time Nickleback, Hinder and Hoobastank were in town and the stage was getting set up.  While we were not able to go out onto the arena floor we did get up close and personal to many of the bands equipment. 

After the visit it was back to the hotel for a small rest before the party started.  Lucky for us the hotel we were staying at was also the same one the party was going to be in.  Everyone was outside when the Cup arrived.  What an amazing thing.  To be able to be up close and to touch the Cup, to see the names and teams listed on the outside of the Cup, to see the history, amazing.   Everyone took turns taking pictures of the Cup and with the Cup. 

As evening fell, the party moved into a conference room indoors where dinner was served to the guests.  A good time was being had by all.  More pictures of the Cup and people with the Cup were being taken.  Finally, as it was starting to get late and things were winding down, people started to leave and head back to their rooms.  A small group of us were left.  The watcher of the Cup placed the Cup in the center of the table I was sitting.  Our group started joking about drinking out of the Cup was was quickly told that in no way were we allowed.  Disappointed but not deterred we plotted out our move.  The Watcher had to use the bathroom sometime.  And when he did we made our move.  I treasure my picture of drinking out of the Cup, the beer spilling down the front of my shirt. 

I’m not sure what time it was but I know it was late.  My wife and the kids had gone back to the room for the night hours ago when word quickly spread to the small group of remaining partiers that a couple of players were wanting to stop by and visit with the Cup and bring a few “friends” of theirs.  Those friends included band members of Hoobastank, Hinder and Nickleback.  What a great group of guys.  For a short time they were not members of rock bands or even celebrities but just plain ol’ hockey fans looking for a chance to look at and to touch the Cup.

It was an incredible evening hanging out with members of the band, the players and coaches of the team.  The memories and pictures are treasured.  I continue to hope that one day I get another chance.