Stanley Cup draws huge crowds in Ottawa
Posted Jul 29, 2010 By James Rubec
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EMC Sports - The Stanley Cup made it's way to Ottawa last week, but not through the efforts of our Ottawa Senators. 
James Rubec
Ben Eager shows the Stanley Cup for the hundreds in attendance at Brantwood Park, in Ottawa. Mr. Eager wore his Chicago Blackhawks jersey likely for the last time as he has now been traded to the Atlanta Thrashers.
On July 22, Ben Eagar a former team member of the Chicago Blackhawks, brought the cup home to the park where he played hockey as a youngster. Hundreds of fans of the team, the sport, and Mr. Eager communed at Brantwood Park to bask in the glory of the Stanley Cup
"It's just nice to bring it all back. I started out here I'm so happy to bring the cup home," said Mr. Eager who scored two playoff goals during the Blackhawks' run for the cup, one of which against the Philadelphia Flyers that ended up being the game winner.
The crowd was overjoyed by Mr. Eager's presentation of the cup. Entire families set up picnic blankets and waited for hours in advance. Ottawa Mayor Larry O'Brien and mayoral candidate Clive Doucet both gave speeches honouring Mr. Eager's use of his one day with the cup to bring it to Brantwood Park.
People came from across Ontario for a chance to see the elusive cup that hasn't found its way back to a Canadian team since the Montreal Canadiens beat the Los Angeles Kings in the 1992-93 season.
For the McEachran family, being around the cup is a tradition.
"There is a video of me drinking from the cup on Youtube," said Allen McEachran who attended along with his wife Cathy and their grandson. The pair said they hoped would have a chance in his first year of life to get a picture with the cup.
"I brought my sons to see the cup in Toronto a couple of times," Mr. McEachran said. "Hockey is part of my family's life, and getting to witness hockey's highest achievement is astounding.
For another man from Perth, the Blackhawks win was- a matter of self-actualization.
"I'm so proud of them. I got teased a lot growing up being a fan of the Hawks," said Don Dawson who drove an hour on the Thursday morning to see the cup for his first time.
"But now with them winning I'm so happy. This isn't just hockey, it is a part of me. The cup being in the position of my team brings me so much pride."
Everyone in attendance seemed to have some connection to the cup, from deeply personal experiences with hockey, to others wanted share Mr. Eager's success.
He arrived in style, rolling into the park with a police escort on motorcycles and climbing out of a black SUV wearing a Blackhawks jersey, though he no longer plays for the team.
Mr. Eager then swung open the back door of the SUV, took hold of the cup and raised it high above his head so the throngs of revelers could see the cup in spite of the swarm of photographers and film crews.
Many fans had personal connections with Mr. Eager. Zach Gilbeau was taught at high school by Mr. Eager's stepfather.
"I've followed his career for years. It is inspiring knowing that a local boy, who was from my city has achieved so much," said Zach, who was at the park with his father Dan. Both father and son said they have played hockey for most of their lives and were astounded by Mr. Eager's athletic accomplishments.
"It is what we all, at one point in our lives, dream about doing, and he did it. I'm so thankful that he decided to share this with us," said Dan Gilbeau.
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