Stanley Cup thrills Kraft Hockeyville Canada

LUCAN, Ontario -- Wendy Hardy initially thought the paparazzi had invaded her town when she walked out of the Lucan post office on Main Street on Monday.

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When she made a left turn, her eyes grew wide and her jaw dropped. Sitting on a table was the Stanley Cup, and she really could not believe it. After 20 years volunteering with the junior team and Lucan Minor Hockey as a scorekeeper and announcer, and with a reputation of being the loudest cheerleader during playoff games, Hardy reached a new high.
"I just saw all these people and I thought, why are they all here for," Hardy said. "And then I saw the Cup and said, 'This is why you're here!' That is awesome. I've never, ever been close to the Stanley Cup. It's special."

One day before the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators pack Lucan Community Memorial Centre for Kraft Hockeyville Canada 2018 (7:30 p.m. ET; NHLN, SN, TVAS), the Stanley Cup was making the rounds, and people in this usually quiet town 30 minutes from London, Ontario, quickly noticed. Cars driving toward the town border stopped to look. Employees from a supermarket across the street left work for a chance to share the spotlight. Cup keeper Mike Bolt was more than willing to oblige the dozens of bystanders who wanted a photo with and to touch the silver chalice.
"It's very cool for them," Bolt said. "Watching the smiles and joy it brings to so many people, whether it's the guys who went on the ice, from the joy and jubilation [Alex] Ovechkin had hoisting it, to the people here who have watched different generations of the NHL. It doesn't matter what age you are, whether you're 7 or 97 and everything in between, the Cup brings a smile to your face."

The day for the Cup began with a photo opportunity next to a sign welcoming everyone to Lucan. While others drove into town, one resident of more than 30 years pulled over, her 2-year-old grandson in the back seat, beaming with wonder. It continued at Craigwiel Gardens Nursing Home in nearby Alisa Craig, where thyroid cancer patient Ken Freeman was greeted with a surprise visit from the Cup.
Freeman's parents are known as the founders of Lucan Minor Hockey, and he was associated with it as a player, manager and coach of a pee wee team for more than 40 years. He ended up at Craigwiel Gardens after his cancer treatment did not go as planned, but upon seeing the Cup, he wore an ear-to-ear grin.
"It was a big surprise for everyone," said John Hamilton, director of environmental services for Craigwiel Gardens. "For somebody who doesn't get out of bed very often, this was a big moment for him, for sure. It's just a good moment for everybody to experience it. Not many people get to experience it."

Those living at the Prince George Retirement Residence on Main Street were astonished at the sight of the Cup. The next stop for the Cup was Crest Support Services, where David Gordon was the next to be surprised. Gordon is a special-needs adult who attends all Lucan Irish home games and washes the jerseys of the junior team. He's also a resident who takes part in programs and workshops at Crest, a facility that cares for people with physical and mental disabilities.
"It's an exciting day," Gordon said. "I've never seen the Stanley Cup live in my life."
Exciting for Gordon, Hardy and the hundreds of fans who lined up in a park behind Lucan Community Memorial Centre for pictures with the Stanley Cup. The mood was festive, the vibe brilliant, the greatest trophy in sports accomplished its mission.
"The power of the Cup is amazing," Bolt said. "It brings joy to everybody."