On Thursday the Stanley Cup World Tour finally reached Sweden. I say finally, because for André Burakovsky, this day couldn’t come soon enough.
Prior to his own day with the Cup, Dre made a surprise visit at Jakub Vrana’s celebration in the Czech Republic and yesterday, he just couldn’t stop himself from suddenly appearing at Lars Eller’s day in Copenhagen.
Welcome to Malmo, Sweden. Let @andreburakovsky #StanleyCup day begin #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/ikpQu8F14M
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) August 9, 2018
Joined by his childhood friend, Calgary Flames player Rasmus Andersson, Burakovsky grabbed the legendary trophy and brought in to his parents’ house for some picture taking to start off the day.
Getting a quick pic with his silver buddy in the backyard before the days starts. @andreburakovsky #StanleyCup @NHL @Capitals @HockeyHallFame pic.twitter.com/6TQMRgmrHI
— Philip Pritchard (@keeperofthecup) August 9, 2018
Photo: @rasmusandersson19
Photo: @Capitals
After putting this adorable cutie in the Cup, Andre had the trophy riding shotgun in his Audi convertible. Burkie took Stanley to the bridge head of Oresundsbron for some more photos.
Photo: @Capitals
Overlooking the bridge that separates Sweden from Denmark with the #StanleyCup hoisted high. @andreburakovsky @NHL @Capitals @HockeyHallFame pic.twitter.com/VJRguz4qZU
— Philip Pritchard (@keeperofthecup) August 9, 2018
Photo: @annaburakovsky
Video: @rasmusandersson19
Then André and his entourage drove to Limhamns IP, the sports arena where he started skating at about age 6. Like a king, he pulled up next to the ecstatic crowd with Rasmus Andersson on driving duty.
Video: @capitals
Video: @capitals
According to newspaper Sydsvenska Dagbladet, some 400 fans showed up to meet Burakovsky, take pictures with the Cup, and get autographs. The Capitals forward took some time to talk to the newspaper about his feelings of the event.
“It’s amazing to have [the Stanley Cup] here,” Burakovsky said. “Not many get the opportunity. I’m really happy to see so many come here and spend this day with me. I was a bit nervous about the turnout would be like, but this have been a really good start to this day.”
Having started his career at the low tier-level club in Limhamn, André spoke about what this might mean to other young hockey players from his community.
“I hope this can inspire young hockey players,” Burakovsky said. “To see [the Stanley Cup] up close in real life may give them a spark. This where everything started and Limhamn have always meant a lot to me. It’s very special to bring the Cup here.”
Burakovsky then took the credentialed media on a tour around Limhamn hockey club and posed for pictures, when they suddenly stopped by a poster of André himself wearing a Swedish national team jersey. Burakovsky then posed for a picture with a poster of Andre Burakovsky.
Photo: @capitals
So far it was a nice and easy day, well suited for kids and families. But that didn’t last forever.
First, Dre and his gang headed out for lunch in downtown Malmo, which featured several beers and a very nice view.
Video: @rasmusandersson19
After a quick stop at the local Audi dealer for some more pictures and autograph signings…
…The boys hit the town and headed to the Moosehead Bar in central Malmo for a private party.
Video: @capitals
Accompanied by his personal trainer Jonas Morin, Burakovsky did what he had to do – a Stanley Cup stand. With a little help from Morin and his barber, Andre finally got up there and did his thing.
And when one of his friends wanted to join the fun and do one too, Andre helped him out. By the looks of it, private trainer Jonas Morin really came to the rescue.
Video: @capitals
After a long and eventful day, André gave a speech to the party guests, thanking everyone for coming out and especially thanking his friends and family.
Video: @capitals
But we weren’t quite done yet. Since André spent most of his summer appearing at his teammate’ Stanley Cup days stealing their thunder, Jakub Vrana decided to do the same thing.
Photo: @capitals
Tomorrow the Stanley Cup will travel to the northern part of Sweden, to see Christian Djoos in Gavle and Nicklas Backstrom in Valbo.
I bet Andre Burakovsky will make an appearance too.
Headline photo: Sydsvenskan
