Fans can see the most revered trophy in sports!
OTTAWA, March 10, 2017 /CNW/ - On the occasion of the 125th anniversary of the Stanley Cup®, His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, will welcome Canadians to Rideau Hall to see both the original bowl and the Stanley Cup on Thursday, March 16, 2017.
Rideau Hall, the official residence and workplace of the governor general, will be the first place the public will have a chance to view the Stanley Cup in the National Capital Region. The trophy's return to Rideau Hall, in honour of this milestone celebration, is made possible thanks to the National Hockey League (NHL), Ottawa 2017 and the Ottawa Senators Hockey Club.
"I'm very much looking forward to hosting the Stanley Cup's homecoming at Rideau Hall, where my predecessor Lord Stanley conceived the idea for this prestigious trophy," His Excellency said. "What began as a humble trophy to honour the winner of the Dominion Challenge has evolved into a global symbol of excellence in sport. Canadians are welcome to visit Rideau Hall and help us celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Stanley Cup."
Public Viewing of the Stanley Cup, Visit of the Residence and Skating on the Outdoor Rink
On March 16, hockey enthusiasts will have the opportunity to see and take their picture with the Stanley Cup inside the residence from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. In the Tent Room, where the Stanley Cup will be on display, members of the public will be able to see the portrait of Lord Stanley, Governor General of Canada from 1888-1893, who had the idea of giving our country this treasured national icon.
While inside the residence, Rideau Hall guides will show visitors the residence's State rooms where the governor general fulfills official duties in welcoming dignitaries and honouring Canadians.
A visit to the residence would not be complete without a skate on Rideau Hall's historic outdoor rink (weather permitting), where Lord Stanley used to watch his children skate.
Parking
Visitors are recommended to walk or use public transportation. Limited parking will be available on-site on a first-come, first-served basis via Princess Gate. Visitors with mobility restrictions are asked to call in advance to reserve parking at 613-991-4422.
About the Stanley Cup
The Stanley Cup, notably the oldest trophy competed for by professional athletes in North America, was donated in 1892 by Lord Stanley of Preston, who was appointed as Canada's
6th governor general by Queen Victoria in 1888. He purchased the trophy for 10 guineas—the equivalent of $50 Canadian at that time—to be presented to the championship hockey club of the Dominion of Canada. The first team ever awarded the Stanley Cup was the Montreal Hockey Club in 1893. In recognition of his legacy, Lord Stanley was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1945 in the "Honoured Builders" category. For more information, visit www.hhof.com.
***MEDIA ADVISORY - PHOTO OP***
Members of the media are invited to attend the Stanley Cup's homecoming at Rideau Hall on:
Thursday, March 16, 2017
at 1 p.m., inside the Tent Room
Presence of the Governor General and Special Guests
The Governor General will be joined by His Worship Jim Watson, Mayor of Ottawa, and Stanley Cup champions Mike Bossy, Paul Coffey, Dave Keon, Frank Mahovlich, Bernie Parent and Bryan Trottier to welcome the original bowl and the Stanley Cup to Rideau Hall. Remarks by the Governor General and the Mayor of Ottawa will be offered on this occasion.
Unveiling of Commemorative Circulation Coin
The Governor General and Ms. Sandra Hanington, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint, will unveil a new 25-cent circulation coin commemorating the Stanley Cup's 125th anniversary.
Skating with Stanley Cup Champions
At approximately 2:45 p.m., the Governor General and the Stanley Cup champions will lace up their skates and hit the ice on Rideau Hall's outdoor skating rink, now refrigerated (weather permitting).
Media representatives wishing to cover this event must confirm their attendance in advance with
Marie-Ève Létourneau ([email protected]), and arrive on-site no later than
12:45 p.m. the day of the event. Media identification cards must be worn at all times while on the grounds of Rideau Hall.
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SOURCE Governor General of Canada
Marie-Ėve Létourneau, Rideau Hall Press Office, 613-998-0287, 613-302-0912 (cell), [email protected]
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