Niagara hosts NHL trophies

Published Aug. 24, 2013
By Tech. Sgt. Andrew Caya
914th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION, N.Y. -- Chicago Blackhawks forward and south Buffalo native Pat Kane brought two National Hockey League trophies to Western New York on Saturday, August 24.

Arriving to hangar 907 here at the base via military Humvee, Kane brought the Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe Trophy to display in front of hundreds of enthusiastic hockey fans before a backdrop of Niagara C-130 aircraft.

There was much anticipation from the base leading up to this event and no one left disappointed.

"It was absolutely fantastic," said Col. John Higgins, 107th Airlift Wing commander. "People have been talking about this all week...you could feel the thrill building up here - we'll be talking about this for years to come."

The Stanley Cup is the championship trophy awarded annually to the NHL playoff winner after the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Finals.

In addition to his team winning the Cup, Kane was the recipient of the 2012 Conn Smythe Trophy, which he brought with him as well.

The Conn Smythe Trophy is given to the most valuable player for his team in the playoffs. The winner is selected by the Professional Hockey Writers' Association at the conclusion of the final game in the Stanley Cup finals.

Although it was an honor for the military men and women to host Kane at the base, the feeling appeared mutual.

"I can carry around a Stanley Cup that's 35 pounds or an MVP trophy, but you guys carry our country on your back and that's amazing," said Kane. "It's an honor for me to be here."

All those in attendance were given the opportunity to meet with Kane as well as having their picture taken next to the Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe Trophy.

During his stay at the base, Kane also honored the Buffalo Sled Veteran Warriors and The Buffalo Warriors Hockey Team in a special ceremony.

Kane and the Blackhawks won the cup this past June by defeating the Boston Bruins.

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