THUNDER BAY – Colten Einarson is just like any hockey player.
While his dad Jesse touched the Stanley Cup on Wednesday afternoon at Port Arthur Stadium, the youngster refused to put a finger on it.
“He’s hoping that he can lift it one day,” Jesse said.
Although he’s superstitious, Colten was excited to see hockey’s biggest prize, which was brought to Thunder Bay by Florida Panthers assistant coach Jamie Kompon.
“It was awesome,” Colten added.
“This was his dream to see the Stanley Cup and I’m glad that I got to experience it with him.”
Gordon Bedard was among the hundred in line to shake Kompon’s hand and see the Stanley Cup up close.
He was accompanied by his sons Oliver – who was wearing an Edmonton Oilers jersey – and Finn.
“Unfortunately, Oliver didn’t get to see his team win it this year, but there’s always next year,” Gordon said.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for us and it’s my first time seeing the Stanley Cup, so it’s been a pretty special day.”
Steve Poirier of the Hockey Hall of Fame accompanied the Stanley Cup for Kompon’s big day.
He said that no matter where the trophy it goes, it garners a similar reaction.
“There’s lots of smiles and everyone is in a great mood,” Poirier added. “The kids are in awe and the parents are too.
“If it’s a small town or a big city, everyone’s excited and so welcoming.”