Students at Arnold H. McLeod school in Moncton had an unforgettable experience when the prestigious Stanley Cup made a surprise visit to their classroom. The 10-year-old student, Lennon Collette, was left in awe as he gazed at the iconic silver trophy, which has a rich history of being lifted by NHL champions for over a century.
The visit was part of the lead-up to Scotiabank’s Hockey Day in Canada event scheduled to take place in Moncton on January 17. Howie Borrow, one of the cup’s official keepers, carefully guided the trophy through the school, allowing students like Cameron Brennan to get up close and personal with the historic artifact.
While a replica of the cup is on display at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, the one touring New Brunswick is the genuine article. Borrow, who travels with the cup to various events worldwide, shared interesting facts about the trophy, including its weight of approximately 17 kilograms.
Students were captivated by Borrow’s stories, including insights into the peculiar foods that NHL champions have eaten out of the cup. From cereal to caviar, the cup has seen its share of unique dining experiences.
The excitement was palpable as both students and staff relished the opportunity to touch the cup, take pictures with it, and bask in its glory. For teacher Lori Ward, having the Stanley Cup grace her classroom was a highlight of her career, providing students with lasting memories and inspiring them to set ambitious goals.
Principal Sheila Johnston emphasized the importance of perseverance and hard work, noting how the visit helped students draw connections between dedication and success. For Lennon Collette, touching the cup fueled his ambition to one day raise it as a champion in the NHL, echoing the advice of his father to strive for greatness in the sport.
The visit left a lasting impression on everyone present, with hopes of encountering the Stanley Cup once again in the future.