For the first time in nine years, the Stanley Cup made its way to Belleville.
Florida Panthers forward and Belleville native Nick Cousins brought Lord Stanley to the Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre on Tuesday.
It was not an easy journey for Cousins with the Panthers, nearly blowing a 3-0 series lead against the Edmonton Oilers in the Stanley Cup Finals, but the Panthers were able to rally back and win a crucial Game 7.
“Yeah, I mean, such a whirlwind, but the boys got it done,” Cousins told the crowd at the QWSC.
“Such a crazy series, but I thought we played our best game in Game 7, and (it’s) just nice to be here and celebrate with the community.”
Monday night, Cousins spent the evening signing 1000 pictures to give away to the fans in line for Tuesday’s event.
Cousins says he is grateful to be able to bring the cup to his hometown.
“It just goes to show the hockey community that Belleville is,” Cousins said when asked about the 100s of people in attendance.
“Obviously to follow in the footsteps of Andrew Shaw, Marc Crawford, Brad Richardson. I mean, this means a lot to me and my family.”
Those in line got to take a photo with the Stanley Cup as well as receive a signed photo.
