Stanley Cup to spend Canada Day in Harbour Grace
Last Updated: Monday, June 16, 2008 | 5:50 AM ET
CBC News
Detroit Red Wings winger Daniel Cleary skates with the Stanley Cup after defeating the Pittsburgh Penguins in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup hockey finals. (Associated Press)Detroit Red Wings star Daniel Cleary is making good on a promise to bring the Stanley Cup home to the eastern Newfoundland town where he grew up.
Harbour Grace Mayor Don Coombs said Cleary wants to say thanks to all of the people in the town for their support during the Stanley Cup playoffs.
"It's unreal," Coombs told CBC News Monday morning. "It's going to be Cup crazy in Cleary country."
Cleary became the first hockey player from Newfoundland and Labrador to have his name engraved on the Stanley Cup, when the Red Wings defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins earlier this month.
Cleary will showcase the Stanley Cup during a parade through Harbour Grace, Coombs said.
Coombs said it will be perfect timing to have Cleary come home on a statutory holiday, and will likely allow thousands of visitors to attend from other areas. Coombs said he is aware of people travelling home from as far away as the U.S. to attend the ceremony.
"To get it on Canada Day is something special," said Coombs. "It gives everyone a chance to share with Danny … [and] be able to be a part of the history that he made."
The town was practically painted red and white during the NHL playoffs, with a massive banner hoisted across the legendary coastal boat the Kyle, which is moored in the town's harbour.
On June 30, Cleary is expected to bring the Stanley Cup to the Janeway Children's Hospital in St. John's.
