Here is a cool Cup Journal type story that probably won't make it to the official Cup Journal. Hurricanes video coordinator Chris Huffine chose to take the Cup bass fishing with him on Falls Lake. ESPN was supposed to tag along and film the story, but cancelled the trip.
"The Stanley Cup, notably the oldest trophy competed for by professional athletes in North America was donated in 1892 by Sir Frederick Arthur Stanley, Lord Stanley of Preston and son of the Earl of Derby. Since 1910, when the National Hockey Association took possession of the Stanley Cup, the trophy has been symbolic of professional hockey supremacy.
Each year upon presentation of the trophy to the championship team, a summer of celebration begins, as each of the organization's players and staff enjoy 24 hours with the Cup - a tradition which has no rival in any sport. In its many years of existence, the Stanley Cup has traveled around the world, including stays in Russia, Japan, and Switzerland as well as atop mountain peaks through the Rockies and inside igloos in Canadian territory. And now it has made history by traveling in a bass boat upon Falls Lake for a day of bass fishing.
Unless you have been living in one of those igloos in Canada, then you know the Carolina Hurricanes won the Stanley Cup this year. As stated, each member of the Carolina Hurricanes organization is granted 24 hours to do what ever they wish with the cup. Chris Huffine, a member of the Carolina Hurricanes organization, chose to take the Cup bass fishing. Yes, bass fishing.
On Monday, August 28, Sanford NC's Steve Jones helped make that dream a reality by helping take Chris and his brother David fishing on Falls Lake. "I was privileged to participate in the first ever bass fishing with the Stanley Cup at Falls Lake', Jones said. "Originally, the bass fishing trip by Chris Huffine, along with the Stanley Cup, was going to be covered by ESPN and Mike Iaconelli was going to take Chris fishing. But with the cancellation of Basscenter, ESPN dropped that idea. In comes Kennon Brown, who ask me to be part of the historic event." Jones added. And historic it is, since its the first time anyone has taken the Cup fishing in the United States. The plan was to meet for a morning of bass fishing at Falls Lake so Chris could catch a bass and place it in the cup. It doesn't take long before Chris catches a bass, water is placed in the Cup, along with his catch. Its not a big fish, but one that fits perfect into the cup's bowl. After a few photo's, its on to other great adventures for the Stanley Cup and Chris Huffine. After all, he only gets 24 hours with the Cup. "Man, I was really honored to have been apart of that experience. Not many get to even see the Stanley Cup, must less hold it. Its got so much history", said Jones. "I really appreciate Kennon Brown asking me to be a part of this historic event and special thanks to Chris Huffine for allowing me to take part in his special day." Afterwards, Chris and David Huffine leave for Greensboro, along with the Stanley Cup. They plan to visit their father's graveside there, who passed away last November with cancer." Story and photo from: http://www.carolinaoutdoors.net/ Dr. John
The morning starts with meeting Walter Neubrand, called the Keeper of the Cup, at the ramp. Walter is in charge of keeping and maintaining the Stanley Cup during its many trips around the world and its daily activities with the Carolina Hurricane organization. As they loaded the Cup onto Jones' boat, he ask the obvious question, "what happens if the Cup goes over board"? Walter quickly replies that it takes the cup 7 minutes to sink. Steve remarks, "I think I can get it back in less than seven minutes!" But just as a precautionary measure, the Cup is fitted with a life preserver.
Steve Jones, Chris Huffine, and David Huffine