Capitals forward Brett Connolly brought the Stanley Cup to Prince George, British Columbia, Monday. The city is where Connolly jumpstarted his hockey career with the WHL Prince George Cougars. Connolly scored 30 goals in 60 games during the 2008-09 WHL season, leading to his selection sixth overall in the 2010 draft by the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Connolly started the day by sharing the championship trophy at a retirement home.
While Connolly was spending time with the elderly, fans gathered at the CN Centre, where the Prince George Cougars play, and the arena opened its doors at 10am.
They’re ready. Are you? Doors are open! @CityofPG @tourismpg #CityofPG #StanleyCupinPG pic.twitter.com/zkinYNLnuj
— PG Cougars (@PGCougars) August 20, 2018
Connolly’s event with fans began at noon. But starting as early as 9am, fans could register for a silent auction and raffles of Connolly’s jerseys and Capitals merchandise.
All proceeds from the auction went to the Brock Hirsche Memorial Scholarship Fund at the University of Lethbridge according to the PG Cougars website. Hirsche was a close friend and teammate of Connolly’s in Prince George. He passed away in April due to testicular cancer.
Connolly brought the Cup to a locker room so minor hockey players could get a first look and photo opportunity with the hometown hero.
.@bconnolly8 brings the #StanleyCup to minor hockey players in #PrinceGeorge | #CityOfPG #Sports #StanleyCupinPG pic.twitter.com/gdYLH00EzK
— My Prince George Now (@mypgnow) August 20, 2018
.@bconnolly8 takes photos of the #StanleyCup with young hockey players & coaches; has said he wants to celebrate his career with the next generation | #CityOfPG #StanleyCupinPG pic.twitter.com/KkOUo7u7jP
— My Prince George Now (@mypgnow) August 20, 2018
@BCHockey_Source Regional Center-North Manager @AlBristowe is on hand to see our alumni and @Capitals @bconnolly8 with @StanleyCup in the #CityofPG. #NorthernBC pic.twitter.com/4FtCaQT0Bm
— BC Hockey (@BCHockey_Source) August 20, 2018
BC’s only home grown player to play on @Capitals has brought @StanleyCup to the place he played his minor hockey. @BCHockey_Source alumni @bconnolly8 is celebrating in #CityofPG today. #alumni #BChockeygrown @cariboocougars @BCHockey_MML pic.twitter.com/3lPTPJa26b
— BC Hockey (@BCHockey_Source) August 20, 2018
Next, Connolly was escorted by mounties out to meet fans on a “fanboni,” while “We Are the Champions” blared throughout the arena.
Prince George native @bconnolly8 returned home as a @StanleyCup champion this afternoon #ALLCAPS #CityofPG #Capitals #NHL pic.twitter.com/SDz8lG4xAw
— Jessica Fedigan (@jfediganpgm) August 20, 2018
@BCHockey_Source alumni @bconnolly8 has arrived @CNCentre with @StanleyCup in front of a few thousand fans in the #CityofPG. pic.twitter.com/rA5G089mrB
— BC Hockey (@BCHockey_Source) August 20, 2018
People lining up in Prince George’s CN Centre to get a close up look at the Stanley Cup and meet hometown hero Brett Connolly. pic.twitter.com/q9vJz9VbIb
— CBC Daybreak North – Prince George & Northern B.C. (@daybreaknorth) August 20, 2018
Over 2,700 people arrived to get a photo and meet Connolly.
Local minor hockey players are getting the first chance to see @StanleyCup with @BCHockey_Source alumni @bconnolly8. @Capitals #CityofPG pic.twitter.com/RN7Hy1BZnZ
— BC Hockey (@BCHockey_Source) August 20, 2018
. @bconnolly8 taking photos with the thousands that came out today!#CityOfPG #StanleyCupinPG pic.twitter.com/jcxBUjIgSw
— PG Cougars (@PGCougars) August 20, 2018
A return to his roots – Washington Capitals Brett Connolly brings the #StanleyCup to his old stomping grounds, the Prince George Cougars of the WHL (Prince George, BC) pic.twitter.com/l1IGhLy2rX
— Philip Pritchard (@keeperofthecup) August 20, 2018
Headline photo: @PGCougars
