Impressive was the fact that Devils fans, hoping to see their favorite hockey heroes, arrived 2 1/2 hours prior to game time, prior to the volunteer staff arrival and prior to someone named Phil who had a certain historic chest in tow.
Impressive is what was in that otherwise unimpressive and ordinary chest. A chest that was rolled in by none other than a guy name Phil. You know the guy-he with the white gloves. That's no actor. That's Phil, officially known as - "The Keeper of the Cup."
What a cool gig.
What a cool day.
The Stanley Cup was here.
The day started early for the Bomber Hockey organization. Phil gave the Bomber Hockey Club its exclusive time with Lord Stanley's Cup. We could take pictures with it, heck we could touch it! We found out we couldn't hold it above our heads in victory because that privilege was reserved only for those whose name is etched on the Cup. But we could inspect those names. We could look back on all those players we remembered as a kid. Whether it be the Devils most recent championship teams or the 80's Islander dynasty. Maybe Gretzky's Oilers or Mario's Penguins. For some it could be any one of those fabled Montreal teams from Richard to Lafluer. And of course others we never could have seen but who's names we still know. And all those old time teams with the cool names like The Montreal Maroons and the Toronto St.Pats, The Vancouver Millionaires and the Seattle Metropolitans.
This in and of itself would have made a memorable Bomber event. But there was still much left to do.
There was still money to raised for our charity-Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity.
And of course there was still a game to be played.
As the Devils Alumni trickled in you could see the fans and the opposing Bomber Hockey players get more animated. But unlike other modern athletes, these pros seemed liked regular guys. They toted their own gear and sticks and had to find their own locker room just like the average rink rat. The fan friendliness of the professional hockey player is unique in today's sport landscape.
Yes, there was Bruce Driver the head of the Alumni mingling with fans. And as imposing as Rob Scrlac and his 6'7 frame was, he was still approachable. Russian Olympic Gold and Silver medalist Sergei Starikov arrived and noticed the Bombers Rober' and Neil in the crowd, stopped and exclaimed in a loud and thick Russian accent "you two playing!!! Look out for me . . . I'm number 4!" Grant Marshall and Randy Veleschek politely asked directions to the Devil Locker room. How quaint. Oh and there is New Jersey's own born and bred Jim Dowd , who less than a year ago was playing in the league. "Can I go up and see the cup?" he said. But of course, he did after all help win it for the Devils in 1995. How cool.
But as unassuming as they were they were still awe inspiring. And the fans were waiting with much anticipation for the star of the day Chico Resch. Chico, who while signing autographs in last year's Classic promised he "would play next year" turned out to be true his word. There he was, an original Devil and perhaps the friendliest man in hockey. A hall of famer, a Stanley Cup Champion.
Let's play some hockey!
The parking lot -full. The printed tickets-gone. The excitement-tangible and Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity was already raising significant money. Money that will be used to help low income families build their own affordable homes.
The crowd electric and ready.
Game on!!
To be continued . . .
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