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When the Stanley Cup® comes to town

When the Stanley Cup® comes to town

By Chris McAuliffe

Anytime the Stanley Cup® arrives in a Canadian community, it’s no surprise that things can suddenly come to a halt as people realize it may be their one and only chance to see and touch the famed hockey trophy.

This was the case during the Project North tour, which brought together a team of representatives from Scotiabank, Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities, the National Hockey League, First Air and Rumie who escorted the Stanley Cup®, and in celebration of Canada’s 150th birthday, divided and distributed 150 bags of new hockey equipment and 150 educational tablets to young people across six Nunavut communities from April 26-29.

“As Canada’s Hockey Bank, we are delighted to be a part of Project North’s dedication to helping young people in Canada’s northern communities realize there are no limits to their infinite potential and achieving their goals in life,” said Jacqueline Ryan, Vice President, Sponsorship and Philanthropy at Scotiabank.

Along with the Stanley Cup®, people were drawn to the events by the opportunity to meet Stanley Cup® Champion and Scotiabank Teammate Lanny McDonald and CWHL All-Star and Olympic gold medalist Natalie Spooner, who both happily posed for pictures, signed autographs and talked about their hockey-playing experiences at each stop along the tour.

Scotiabank’s Director of Hockey Sponsorships, Lisa Ferkul, said it was an unforgettable experience for everyone. “Entire communities came out to welcome us and celebrate the game. People wore hockey jerseys of all kinds, some with the names of their favourite NHL® players, showing how loyal and strong the fan tradition is everywhere in the country. When the Stanley Cup® was unveiled and put on display, the beaming smiles and sense of excitement made it something very special to be a part of.”

Check out some of our photos from this year’s Project North celebrations and follow@ScotiabankViews for more about this exciting journey across the north.

Excited residents surrounded the Stanley Cup® as soon as it arrived in Cape Dorset. Image courtesy of Michelle Valberg.

Excited residents surrounded the Stanley Cup® as soon as it arrived in Cape Dorset. Image courtesy of Michelle Valberg.

Lanny McDonald (right) and Natalie Spooner (left, in red) hitched a sled ride with the Stanley Cup® on their way to a public celebration in Kugaaruk, one of six Project North community tour stops. Image courtesy of Michelle Valberg.

Lanny McDonald (right) and Natalie Spooner (left, in red) hitched a sled ride with the Stanley Cup® on their way to a public celebration in Kugaaruk, one of six Project North community tour stops. Image courtesy of Michelle Valberg.

It’s not the first time Lanny McDonald has hoisted the Stanley Cup®, but for many in Kugaaruk, a moment they will likely never forget. Image courtesy of MIV Photography.

It’s not the first time Lanny McDonald has hoisted the Stanley Cup®, but for many in Kugaaruk, a moment they will likely never forget. Image courtesy of MIV Photography.

A very young fan poses for a picture with Lanny, Natalie and lots of new donated hockey equipment in the background, during the Project North event celebration in Gjoa Haven.

A very young fan poses for a picture with Lanny, Natalie and lots of new donated hockey equipment in the background, during the Project North event celebration in Gjoa Haven.