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Cup coming to town, FW Gardens for second straight year

The Stanley Cup is coming to Fort William Gardens again. A month and a day after capturing the NHL’s top prize with the Chicago Blackhawks, Thunder Bay’s Patrick Sharp will get his day with the Cup, a tradition that began 15 years ago.
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Chicago Blackhawks forward and Stanley Cup Champion Patrick Sharp.
The Stanley Cup is coming to Fort William Gardens again.

A month and a day after capturing the NHL’s top prize with the Chicago Blackhawks, Thunder Bay’s Patrick Sharp will get his day with the Cup, a tradition that began 15 years ago.

"We’re going to have as much fun as we can. I think it’s been a long time coming for us in Chicago and the people of Thunder Bay are certainly getting spoiled the last couple of seasons, with Eric and Jordan (Staal). But you know what, everyone’s had a hand in winning this championship and we’re going to have fun and take as many pictures as we can and just enjoy the day," said Sharp, who stopped by Dougall Media’s Hill Street offices Monday to spend an hour on Rock 94’s morning show.

Sharp will be posing for pictures with the Cup for two hours. and then has some private plans for the trophy with family and close friends.

"We want to get as many people involved with the Cup as possible, so we’ll take some pictures from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and, I’m sure we’ll stay a little bit later if we need to."

Along the way there could be a surprise public visit or two, he added, though plans are still being finalized.
One possibility, he said, is this weekend’s Thunder Bay Blues Festival.

"It would be nice to stop by there and give the crowd a look. I don’t really have anything planned as far as that. That’s what this week is for, is putting all that stuff together. But the Blues Festival is always a good time. I’ve been there many times and it would be nice to do that too," he said.

Sharp’s day with the Stanley Cup could come at a busier time for the 28-year-old, who is getting married by month’s end.

His fiancée is a very understanding woman, he said.

"Thank God I’ve got a fiancée who is organized and well prepared. She’s taking care of all that stuff. As soon as the Cup leaves town, I can switch focuses to that," Sharp said.

The wedding wasn’t the only thing on Sharp’s mind in the immediate aftermath of winning the title. Because the Blackhawks were tight to the NHL’s salary cap, the team has to shed veterans this summer and in the eyes of many pundits, Sharp and his $3.9-million contract was the logical choice to go, despite the 66 points he produced in the regular season and the 22 he provided in the playoffs.

Instead the Hawks dealt away the likes of Andrew Ladd, Kris Versteeg and Dustin Byfuglien and it appears Sharp will be staying in the Windy City.

This suits the former Thunder Bay Flyer just fine.

"I think that at the NHL level no one’s ever secure. Anyone can be traded at anytime. I think I took it as a compliment all season long when my name was being mentioned in trade rumours. I think that that means that a few teams out there and excited about having me," Sharp said.

"But I’m proud to be a Blackhawk and I’m gearing up for next season in Chicago."

Fans wanting a picture with the Cup on Saturday, July 10 should arrive well in advance of the 11 a.m. start. To speed up the process, Sharp will not be signing autographs.





Leith Dunick

About the Author: Leith Dunick

A proud Nova Scotian who has called Thunder Bay home since 2002, Leith is Dougall Media's director of news, but still likes to tell your stories too. Wants his Expos back and to see Neil Young at least one more time. Twitter: @LeithDunick
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