WINKLER — No matter how many times it stops by, the Stanley Cup still causes a stir.
“I heard everyone scream and I ran as fast as I can,” said Julian Mann.
To not only see the shiny silver superstar – but a hockey one as well.
“The second I hear he joined, I became a Penguins fan,” said Jaren Hildebrand. “He’s awesome.”
Eric Fehr returned to Winkler on Wednesday to show off the Stanley Cup to his hometown a month after winning it with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
“Still hasn’t fully kicked in,” said Fehr. “It’s still a wow factor for me especially a day like today when you get to walk around with the cup.”
RELATED: Pittsburgh Penguins beat San Jose Sharks to win Stanley Cup
Hundreds helped the 30-year-old forward celebrate his first NHL championship. Some chose to wait in line four hours for their moment with the mug.
“We couldn’t sleep last night,” said Brad Charach. “We were pumped up. Our jerseys ready to go.
Fehr’s fête marks the third time Winkler has welcomed the Stanley Cup in ten years. Dustin Penner also celebrated with the city when he captured a championship in 2007 and 2012.
The trophy though isn’t the only thing that ties the two. Fehr and Penner also played for the same high school hockey team – at the same time.
“I think it’s a great minor hockey system,” said Fehr. “I think the coaches do a great job. They don’t really push the players. They let them enjoy and develop.”
Meaning this probably won’t be the last party Winkler hosts.