Corey Crawford brings Cup to his fans
For the second time in three years, Chicago Blackhawks goaltender and proud Chateauguay product Corey Crawford enabled hundreds of fans to see the Stanley Cup up close last Sunday, on the occasion of a public event at Howard S. Billings High School.
For the second time in three years, Chicago Blackhawks goaltender and proud Chateauguay product Corey Crawford enabled hundreds of fans to see the Stanley Cup up close last Sunday, on the occasion of a public event at Howard S. Billings High School.
Crawford, a two-time Stanley Cup champion, wanted the community of his birthplace to be able to experience the Cup effervescence with him. « I am doing this for the people, for all the support I had, » he confided at a press conference, visibly moved. « Lots of people helped me in my career. » The emotion surrounding his second Stanley Cup victory is just as great as the first time (in 2013), according to the netminder. « I dreamed of this when I was young. To have the chance to win the Cup the first time was everything for me, » he said. « And it was the same thing the second time. I have the chance to celebrate this with family and friends. »
Huge crowd
A crowd estimated at close to 1,400 people waited for the athlete and his precious trophy under a blazing sun in front of the school. Some people were in line since noon although the event was scheduled for a 4 p.m. start. Corey's dad, Trevor Crawford, who participated in the organization of this day, was dumbfounded by his son's popularity. « It's really unbelievable! » he said. « I am happy for all the youngsters in Chateauguay. The fact that they have the chance to see the Stanley Cup and have their picture taken with Corey, is something of importance for the children. »
Certain fans who had tried their luck in 2013, but who were not able to see the trophy from close up because of a lack of time, made up for it this year. Moreover, the formula was modified this year to enable a larger number of fans to have a souvenir of this day. No autographs were signed and only one photo per person could be taken with Corey and the Cup. « The first time we waited three and a half hours, but they cut us off in front of the line, » said Marc Roy who waited in line with his son. « We are very happy to be here. We are proud of Corey. »
On the eve of his 11th birthday, Juliano Colagiadanni was hoping to have the chance to meet the goalie of his favourite team. « I would like to thank him for making all the fans happy, » he commented.
« It's really exciting, even if it's a long wait, » remarked Francois Firmin-Hudon, just after he was photographed with the Stanley Cup. His father and he had come from Montreal. « We are happy; he is really a very nice guy, » said the youngster's dad.
Corey had the chance to have the Cup with him for 24 hours, following which it will go into the hands of one of his teammates. (Translation Dan Rosenburg)