Daniel Cleary, seen after scoring a Game 4 goal in the Stanley Cup final, said he is grateful for the support he has received from friends and relatives at home. (Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Newfoundland-born Detroit Red Wings star Daniel Cleary is more than aware of what's riding on his shoulders in the Stanley Cup final.

Cleary told CBC News he has dreamed — "a lot," he added — about being able to bring the Stanley Cup to his hometown of Harbour Grace, a town of about 3,000 west of St. John's.

"It gives me cold shivers thinking about it," Cleary said Monday, shortly before the Pittsburgh Penguins edged the Red Wings 4-3 in a triple-overtime upset.

If the Red Wings prevail, Cleary will become the first Newfoundlander to have his name etched on the Stanley Cup.

Harbour Grace — if not much of the rest of Newfoundland and Labrador — has become caught up in a type of Clearymania, with vibrant red banners plastered all over.

"For me, the support I'm getting now is awesome, really crazy," Cleary said.

"The province is really alive."