On Sunday, the Stanley Cup took a trip to West Vancouver.
Sam Reinhart – who secured the trophy for his Florida Panthers with the game-winning goal against the Edmonton Oilers in Game 7 of the NHL playoffs on June 24 – held Lord Stanley high as he walked onto a small stage at Hollyburn Country Club, where his hockey journey began.
For Sam, bringing the Cup home was a dream come true, and nice closure for his season, said his dad, former Vancouver Canuck Paul Reinhart.
Sam’s Stanley Cup win capped off an incredible season with 57 goals, second-best in the NHL. He also just signed a new contract with Florida for $69 million over eight years.
Having the Cup at the West Van club, where Sam played minor hockey for the Hollyburn Huskies, was also a special moment for the young skaters who currently play there.
“It’s a little bit of an incentive,” Paul said. “Dream big and you never know – it might come true.”
Next, the cup got a ride to Capilano Golf and Country Club, where the Reinharts have played many rounds together. Playing the 17th and 18th holes, Sam used Lord Stanley as a ball marker on the greens, while the rest of the group used miniature versions of the cup.
The trophy ended its day at the Reinhart home. As for its role there, everyone got their fair share of drink from the cup, Paul said. The trophy also served as a dish for the family’s go-to “Reinhart pasta,” which is made with chicken and black beans.
“The recipe that my wife [Theresa] has created over the years that all of the boys consume regularly and for pregame meals,” Paul said.
As friends came by the house to share in the excitement, Lord Stanley came to rest by Sam as he reclined on a lawn chair.
Overall, having the Cup in town was a great day for everyone involved, Paul said.
“When you see the genuine excitement and enthusiasm of being around the Cup, you understand the importance of hockey in Canada,” he said.
