ST. JOHN'S, N.L. - Hockey's greatest prize arrived in Canada's youngest province on Monday, greeted by the first man from Newfoundland and Labrador to have his name engraved on the Stanley Cup.
Newfoundland hockey hero Dan Cleary and a mob of fans welcomed the Cup on its arrival at the St. John's airport. Cleary became the first Newfoundland-born player to win the Cup when the Detroit Red Wings defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL finals earlier this month.
"You don't forget where you came from," Cleary said.
"I think it was my duty to bring it home."
Lord Stanley's silverware has been in the province before while on national tour and was even in Labrador earlier this year for a junior tournament.
Cleary has a full schedule for the hallowed trophy while he has it in his possession on the visit to the province.
It was making a trip to a St. John's children hospital before heading to his hometown of Harbour Grace, about an hour's drive away.
The Stanley Cup's schedule in Harbour Grace on Canada Day involves a motorcade, meetings with minor hockey players and an event expected to attract thousands at a local soccer pitch.
During the finals, people in Harbour Grace flocked to the local hockey rink to cheer on their hometown hero.
Cleary thanked those who showed up at the airport to see the Cup.
"I am really proud to bring the Stanley Cup home," he said.
Only 26 players from the province have played in the NHL.